Month: October 2022

What Is Biohazard Cleanup: All You Need to Know

Written by adleverage on October 30, 2022. Posted in Biohazard Cleanup. No Comments on What Is Biohazard Cleanup: All You Need to Know

Biohazard cleanup crews specialize in removing and cleaning harmful substances from businesses and homes. But what is biohazard cleanup, and what does it involve? The team at Restorerz is here to tell you everything you need to know about cleaning biohazards.

Biohazard Definition

Biohazard is short for “biological hazard” and refers to materials and substances that are harmful to animal and human health. Biohazards include a wide range of common and uncommon substances, such as mold, fungus, waste, industrial chemicals, or pests.

Biohazard cleanup is the specialized removal and disposal of these kinds of harmful substances. Biohazard cleanup requires special equipment and techniques due to the nature of the removed substances. Biohazard cleanup is also a core part of crime scene management.

Biohazard Levels

In the US, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) identifies four biohazard levels based on how much risk and danger they pose. Substances in different biohazard levels require different cleanup procedures and safety precautions.

Level 1 – Minimal Threat
Level 2 – Moderate Threat
Level 3 – High Risk
Level 4 – Life-Threatening

Even Level 1 hazards can cause disease in humans, so homeowners and employers must take all biohazards seriously. Below are some common examples of different types of hazardous substances.

Bodily fluids (fluids that transmit disease, e.g., saliva, blood, urine, feces, bile, etc.)
Bacteria and other infectious agents (e.g., HIV, tuberculosis, Ebola, etc.)
Animal waste/byproducts (e.g., carcasses, droppings, pests, etc.)
Medical waste (e.g., tissue samples, lab cultures, surgery/autopsy byproducts)
Fungus and mold (e.g., black mold, aspergillus, chaetomium, etc.)

Situations That Require Biohazard Cleanup

So, what is biohazard cleanup, and when is it necessary? If you have a situation involving any harmful biological or chemical substance, you will need a biohazard cleanup crew. Common situations that might require a biohazard removal team include:

Body cleanup after homicide, suicide, or unattended death
Blood, fluid, and viscera from traumatic injuries
Crime scene cleanup
Chemical contamination from industrial accidents
Locations with disease outbreaks
Sewage back up
Fungal and mold infestations in old properties
Pest or animal infestations and animal byproducts

How Does Biohazard Cleanup Work?

The biohazard cleaning process is much more in-depth and thorough than regular cleaning. Biohazard cleaning crews have the training to catch common spots that routine cleaning overlooks, like wall siding, door handles, light switches, table undersides, and more. Biohazard cleanup must be precise because even small waste remnants can cause harm.

Most cleanup jobs start with the team creating a clean zone where they can enter and exit the contaminated area without spreading waste. After donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), they will identify affected areas and start removing the primary biowaste mass before cleaning all affected areas.

Afterward, removal teams will dispose of the waste according to local regulations before performing final safety tests. Most states have specific rules for disposing of bodily fluids and other biological waste. Removal methods may involve proper bagging and warning labels. Depending on the scope of the contamination, cleanup can be time-consuming.

Biohazards often have destructive properties, so a good portion of cleanup will involve removing damaged objects, like floorboards, carpets, or wall sections. Moreover, most biohazard contamination occurs in areas poorly suited for sterilization and cleaning. Unfortunately, some contaminated surfaces might sustain damage beyond recovery and require replacement rather than restoration.

Biohazard Removal and Crime Scenes

The majority of the criminal justice apparatus relies on small, independent contractors for crime scene cleanup and removal. There is no centralized coordination over who cleans crime scenes, so many police departments rely on referrals from other departments and local companies.

Crime scene cleanup can involve homicides but also involves meth lab sterilization and the removal of products of criminal activity. Most jurisdictions have relatively few regulations on how biohazard situation cleanup occurs but do have rules about the transportation and disposal of waste materials.

Biohazard Cleanup FAQ

Below are some of the common questions about biohazard cleanup that we receive.

How Long Does Biohazard Cleanup Take?

Most biohazard cleanup jobs take a few hours at minimum. However, actual cleanup times depend on the type and severity of the hazard. Some cleanup jobs may take a few days to complete.

Does Biohazard Cleanup Require Certification?

No, biohazard cleanup does not require official education and certification. Most biohazard cleaning employees receive OSHA training and on-the-job experience removing hazardous materials. However, cleanup crews must abide by local and state regulations for biohazard disposal.

Can I DIY Clean Biohazard Waste?

Homeowners and business owners might want to DIY clean biohazardous waste to save costs, but we do not recommend it. Biohazard removal requires specific cleaning materials and removal methods. Professional cleaning crews have training and experience handling a wide variety of removal jobs. Additionally, improper disposal of certain hazardous materials can be a crime, so it’s a good idea to hire an expert who knows the proper disposal methods.

Will Insurance Cover Biohazard Cleanup?

Yes, most homeowners insurance policies will cover cleanup costs due to suicide, crime, unattended death, medical emergencies, and infectious agents. Your insurance policy may also cover mold removal and cleaning if it results from a covered peril.

Does Hoarding Count as a Biohazard?

Yes, hoarding behaviors often involve biological substances and other hazardous materials. Mold, fungus, and growths are other common results of hoarding behaviors. Depending on the scale of hoarding and the damage, you may need to hire a biological hazard cleanup crew.

How Much Does Biohazard Cleaning Cost?

Biohazard cleanup costs can vary significantly but typically average about several thousands of dollars. Biohazard removal is expensive because of the need for PPE and specialized sterilization tools/techniques. Biohazardous materials may also cause property damage to floorboards, walls, yards, and furniture.

Hazardous Material Removal and Restoration

Now that you know the answer to “what is biohazard cleanup,” read our blog to see answers to other questions about biohazard removal, such as “when do you need mold remediation?” Contact Restorerz online or call today at (323) 997-4978 to schedule emergency damage restoration services!

Crawl Space Dirt Removal Tips

Written by adleverage on October 27, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Crawl Space Dirt Removal Tips

You never know what may be in your crawl space. Dust, dirt, debris, fungi, mold, bugs, and rodents are just a few things you might find down there. And if your crawl space is contaminated, upward-moving air can bring pathogens directly into your home. It should be inspected at least once a year. If you’re not sure how to proceed, here are a few professional tips for crawl space dirt removal.

Measure Your Crawl Space

Knowing its size enables you to know what tools and supplies you’ll need and how long the process might take. Planning can make the job much easier. Assessing the area beforehand also helps determine whether you need a professional.

Check for Infestations

The surface of the crawl space is bare ground. It is also dark and often damp. You may encounter a wide range of insects and pests, including rodents. Dead rodents can cause odors, while rodent urine and droppings can harbor dangerous pathogens. Pests can be dangerous even if they don’t enter your home. If you find a serious infestation, you may need a professional to remediate it before you proceed.

Get Rid of Debris

A crawl space may be littered with wood, cardboard, construction waste, old asbestos insulation, and other items. Remove these to obtain better access so you can more thoroughly clean the area.

Check for Leaks

Inspect plumbing lines that run through the space. Even if there’s just a small leak, it can affect water drainage and turn into a larger problem later. Photograph leaking pipes or fittings, so you can help a professional figure out the problem and what to do about it.

Seal Vents

You want to prevent outside air from getting into the crawl space. By sealing the area against air and water, you can more effectively prevent pest issues. And where there’s dirt there’s usually moisture, so you want to keep it as dry as possible. Install a crawl space dehumidifier to remove moisture and eliminate moisture-related odors.

Vacuum the Dirt

Use a vacuum cleaner effective at trapping dust particles and that won’t stir up additional dust. A shop vac is more effective for this project. Do not use water during crawl space dirt removal. It will increase moisture and humidity, allowing mold and fungi to grow.

Remove Contaminated/Excess Soil

Contaminated soil should be completely removed. You may also want to remove the soil to make more room. A heavy-duty shovel can be used to break up and haul out soil, although this can be a time-consuming and physically demanding process.

Remove Damaged Insulation

Many pests find insulation material to be perfect for harborage and nesting. Unless you have the skills and materials, you’ll need a professional to remove and replace torn, shredded, or otherwise damaged insulation materials. When they’re done, your crawl space will be protected.

Disinfect the Crawl Space

Use specialized disinfecting and sanitizing products, especially if there are dried-up sewer leaks, where there can be bacteria and other pathogens. Call a professional to clean and sanitize any sewage spills. Much of the air in your home comes from the crawl space, so cleaning and disinfecting it is very important.

Waterproof the Crawl Space

A plastic vapor barrier separates the crawl space from your living area. Encapsulating the space is a larger, professional job but can protect your crawl space and home for a long time. Also, make sure gutters and downspouts aren’t blocked, and always route water away from your home. Installing a french drain and sump pump in the crawl space can help as well.

When to Call a Crawl Space Dirt Removal Professional

Cleaning and treating a crawl space isn’t for everybody. Whether you’re not up to the task or have a leaky pipe, water accumulating, or musty odors, it’s important to have a professional take a look. At Restorerz, we specialize in crawl space cleanup. Using powerful water extractors, vacuums, industrial-grade dehumidifiers, and other professional-quality equipment, our team can resolve any crawl space issue. Call 323-970-4705 to get started.

Fire Extinguisher Uses And Types

Written by adleverage on October 20, 2022. Posted in Fire Extinguishers. No Comments on Fire Extinguisher Uses And Types

Keeping a fire extinguisher in your home can prevent severe damage or injury, but not every fire extinguisher is suitable for all types of emergencies. Some fire extinguishers work better on common household fires, while some are more effective on chemicals or metals.

Today, the professionals at Restorerz Emergency Services are here to inform you about the different fire extinguisher uses and types and will discuss the various classifications of fire extinguishers and how to use them best.

Types of Fires and Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers differ by the type of fire retardant they contain. The different kinds of fire retardants are each meant for a specific type of fire and fuel source. Experts identify five types of fires and fuel sources.

Class A fires include typical solid combustibles, like wood, paper, rubber, and cloth.
Class B flames come from flammable liquids like gasoline, diesel, ethanol, and paraffin.
Class C fires include fires from gases like propane, methane, or butane.
Class D fires are fires that result from burning metal, like lithium, magnesium, or aluminum
Class K fires involve fires that result from cooking substances like oils and fats.

The above types of friends have different fuel sources, so they may require different substances to stop their spread. For example, water will not put out a grease fire, but wet chemicals will. Below are the most common types of fire extinguisher materials.

Water Mist

Water mist extinguishers work well for Class A fires and may spray a continuous stream or mist spray. These types of extinguishers are not suitable for cold weather use and may contain extra wetting chemicals. Water mist extinguishers are best for objects that might be sensitive to larger streams of water, like furniture.

Foam Spray

Foam spray extinguishers emit a buoyant foam substance instead of a liquid or gas. These types of extinguishers are suitable for Class A and B fires. Foam fire extinguishers are handy for Class B fires because the foaming agent can float on the liquid surface and stop the fire from reigniting.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide extinguishers contain a gaseous/solid mix of CO2. CO2 extinguishers work because the carbon dioxide displaces oxygen, preventing combustion from occurring. These types of extinguishers are best for Class B and C fires because they won’t accidentally spread the fuel source. They also work well for electrical fires.

Clean Agent

Clean agent extinguishers contain pressurized gasses that work similarly to carbon dioxide extinguishers. Clean agent extinguishers often use a particular type of halogen gas that dissipates quickly, leaves no residue, and is safe for humans. Clean agent extinguishers are best for Class B and C fires and electrical equipment fires.

Dry Chemical

Dry extinguishers contain a solid particulate agent—typically sodium bicarbonate or ammonium phosphate. These extinguishers are one of the most versatile types and are suitable for Class A, B, and C fires, so many people call them ‘ABC powder’ extinguishers. There are also special dry powder extinguishers specifically for Class D flames that can put out metallic fires.

Wet Chemical

Wet extinguishers contain a liquid chemical solution that consists of potassium compounds and water. Wet chemical extinguishers work best for Class K cooking fires but also work well on Class A fires. The highly basic liquid agent suffocates cooking fires without splashing oils or fats.

Below is a handy reference table summarizing the different fire extinguisher uses and types.

	Water	Foam	Carbon Dioxide	Clean Agent	Dry Chemical	Wet Chemical
Class A	X	X			X	X
Class B		X	X	X	X
Class C			X	X	X
Class D					Depends
Class K						X
Electrical			X	X

Which Fire Extinguisher Is the Best?

It depends on what kinds of chemicals and fuel sources you have at the location of the fire. An ABC powder extinguisher or carbon dioxide extinguisher is suitable for a household because it can handle many different types of fires.

If you have a lot of electrical equipment, a carbon dioxide or clean agent extinguisher would be the best choice. Homeowners that have several combustible solids, like papers or wood, might want to keep a water mist extinguisher on hand.

How Do You Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Follow the PASS method for the best way to operate a fire extinguisher:

Pull the pin out near the handle to open the canister seal.
Aim the nozzle low at the fire’s base.
Squeeze the trigger hard to expel the canister’s contents.
Sweep the spray back and forth slowly until the fire goes out.

The PASS technique should work for most fire extinguishers, except for some fires in industrial locations.

Fire Extinguisher FAQ

Below are some common questions about fire extinguisher types, use, and maintenance.

How Long Do Fire Extinguishers Last?

Fire extinguisher canister contents will not expire like food items. However, the canister can lose pressure over time, rendering the extinguisher ineffective. You will need to repressurize the canister after each use or at least once every 12 months.

Am I Legally Required to Have a Fire Extinguisher?

The law requires employers and landlords to provide fire extinguishers in the workplace and shared locations in apartment buildings. However, residents and homeowners do not have to have fire extinguishers in their residences.

Where Should I Keep My Fire Extinguisher?

You should keep a fire extinguisher nearby potential fire and heat sources, like the kitchen, fireplaces, garage, or bedrooms. Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible so you can grab them within seconds of the fire starting.

Can I Refill an Extinguisher Canister?

Yes, you can generally refill an extinguisher canister after discharging the contents. However, some fire extinguishers are one-time-use only. Hardware stores contain refill canisters for different fire extinguisher uses and types.

24/7 Emergency Repair & Restoration Services

Read our blog to learn what happens during the fire damage repair process. If you would like to discuss emergency damage restoration services, contact Restorerz Emergency Services online or give us a call today at (323) 997-4978!

15 Ways To Prevent Flood Damage

Written by adleverage on October 6, 2022. Posted in Mold Inspection. No Comments on 15 Ways To Prevent Flood Damage

Residential and commercial clients in Los Angeles rely on Restorerz for cleanup after emergencies like floods. We are also experts in flood damage restoration. There may be little to stop major storms, drainage problems, flash flooding, and some plumbing mishaps. But you can prevent flood damage with some of these effective tips:

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least once a year. If you have a lot of trees near your home, clogs by leaves and dirt are more likely. More frequent cleanings are necessary to avoid drainage issues that lead to flooding.

2. Don’t Let Debris Prevent Drainage

Be aware of where you pile leaves, mulch, firewood, and other items. If they’re in the wrong place, they can block drainage paths or be washed into sewer drains. Rake your yard regularly and clear any nearby storm drains

3. Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump in the basement or at the lowest drain in your home will remove water when it gets to a certain level. It can be highly effective during heavy rain. For improved reliability, install a correctly sized pump, test it often, and install a battery backup so it works during a power outage.

4. Install a Backflow Valve

For a few hundred dollars, you can install a backflow valve for a sewer or septic system. It will prevent sewage from flowing backward through drain pipes and into your home. Dangerous situations and major damage can be avoided

5. Waterproof Your Roof

In addition to maintaining gutters, you can protect your roof with a liquid waterproof sealant. It can bond to various substrates without a major renovation. If your roof needs to be replaced, install waterproofing material under the shingles to prevent rainwater from damaging underlying materials.

6. Install Water and Leak Sensors

Water sensors, detectors, and alarms can be installed anywhere in your home. Many can be linked to your security system or smartphone. You then receive instant alerts when there’s a leak or flood and can take quick action.

7. Make Sure the Ground Slopes Away from Your Foundation

Water will be directed at and put pressure on your foundation if the ground slopes toward your home. Improving slope and grade can ensure stormwater flows away from your house and into the drainage system.

8. Seal Any Openings or Cracks

Seal and repair any cracks in the foundation with masonry or mortar caulk. Also make sure doors, windows, and utility and exhaust entry points are sealed. Basement windows and doors are especially vulnerable.

9. Improve Interior Drainage

An interior French drain provides a path of least resistance to redirect water outside. A type of gutter system along the basement perimeter, it is highly effective when used with a sump pump.

10. Keep Sandbags Handy

Sandbags are a common and effective way to avoid the need for flood damage restoration. You should have them around if you live in a flood-prone area. They’ll prevent rising water from getting through windows and doorways.

11. Elevate or Move Furnishings/Valuables

Elevating furniture and valuables can avoid damage when a flood is expected or if you live in a low-lying area. Transporting belongings to higher ground is also a good idea. These steps can save money and they’ll be less to put on your insurance claim.

12. Secure Fuel Tanks

Anchor any fuel tanks stored in or near your home. Otherwise, they can be swept downstream, cause additional property damage, or trigger an explosion. Anchor tanks in your basement as well, as a torn supply line can contaminate your home with fuel.

13. Have Electrical Components Raised

Circuit breaker panels, switches, sockets, and wiring should be elevated by a licensed electrician. They’ll elevate electrical components at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation to avoid short circuits and fires.

14. Add a Flood Vent

The pressure of rising water can do some of the worst damage. A flood vent equalizes water pressure by allowing water to flow through your basement or crawl space. It can reduce the pressure that can collapse a foundation wall.

15. Take Action When a Flood Is Forecast

If severe weather is forecast for your area, check and clear drains, gutters, and downspouts and move furniture and electronics to higher parts of your home. Elevate appliances using masonry or concrete blocks. If possible, roll up area rugs. Check that your sump pump is working and shut off the main breaker if water is expected to impact your electrical system.

Contact Restorerz for Help with Flood Damage Restoration

We can clean up your home after a flood and help with insurance claims. Our restoration experts can quickly extract water, salvage the contents of your home, dry things out, and remove debris. Flooding sometimes surprises the most prepared home and business owners, but we hope our tips to prevent flood damage prove effective. To request service, contact us online or call 323-312-3808.