A biohazard may be an apparent danger or be invisible to the human eye. Yet it can pose an immediate or long-term threat to your health. Some biohazards are more infectious than others, but in most cases, biohazard cleaning by skilled remediation specialists is required to mitigate and remove the dangers. Biohazard cleanup itself presents risks, so there are many scenarios in which you need to hire a professional.
The common types of biohazard cleaning scenarios we encounter and resolve include:
Human Blood/Bodily Fluids
Significant amounts of blood require a professional to clean up. Blood and bodily fluids can contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites; some potential pathogens include tuberculosis, salmonella, E. coli, Lyme disease, Hepatitis B & C, MRSA, and HIV. Less infectious human biohazards include urine, feces, sputum, vomit, and nasal secretions.
Death
An accident, homicide, or suicide requires biohazard cleaning and remediation. A professional is required to address such in a residence, or if a death occurs due to an industrial accident, vehicular accident, or due to communicable disease. Depending on the situation, a significant amount of cleanup and disinfection may be needed.
The decomposition process can release potentially dangerous fluids and gases. Extreme measures must be taken no matter when the death occurred. Personal protective equipment such as masks/respirators, goggles, gloves, shoe coverings, and protective outer clothing are required to reduce the risk of infection.
Animal Waste
Harmful microorganisms can be present in animal carcasses, feces, or materials they’ve used to create shelter. Bedding and building materials they used or came into contact with may also contain biohazards. Whether an animal’s waste or its carcass is discovered in a home, a crawlspace, a basement, or in an air duct, it must be considered an immediate threat to human health and be cleaned up with great care.
Microbiological Waste
Materials known to harbor viruses require biohazard cleaning. They can be present anywhere. In a laboratory setting, contaminated specimen cultures, discarded biological materials, and machinery and equipment used to mix cultures or transfer materials are potential dangers. A spill, accident, or damage in a lab requires a biohazard remediation professional to address.
Hoarding
A professional must take protective measures when in a hoarder’s residence. The materials they have hoarded are a concern, as is the potential for cockroaches, mold, animal carcasses, and human feces to be present. Hoarding is also considered a mental illness, and the individual may be extremely volatile and possibly a threat to anyone who enters.
Sharp Objects
Broken glass, splintered wood, nails, needles, scalpels, IV tubing, and other sharp objects can create a dangerous biohazard cleanup scenario. Professionals must wear protective gear and work carefully to avoid injury. They must also be thorough to ensure the scene is properly cleaned and there is no further risk of injury.
Flooding
Water can do an immense amount of damage quickly, whether from a rainstorm, an overflowing river, or a broken pipe. It can harbor bacteria and other harmful microbiological materials, while mold can quickly grow in flooded homes. The nature of the water is a concern. For example, a sewage backup can contain microorganisms, contagious diseases, chemicals, and gases.
Protecting oneself from these during cleanup requires some of the most diligent measures. Therefore, it’s essential to hire a professional after your home has been flooded.
Hire the Biohazard Cleaning Professionals at Restorerz
When you need biohazard cleanup in Los Angeles, the team at Restorerz – Emergency Services can get to the scene quickly and handle the situation. We use the best equipment to clean blood, feces, clothing, and any contaminated items. Our team also specializes in the proper disposal of biohazardous materials. Call (323) 402-6156 and we’ll be there in 60 minutes or less!