You may be the type who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Many homeowners try to clean up water damage, mold, and other issues themselves. But biohazard cleanup is a serious business and there are many risks if you don’t take the proper precautions. We’ll explain in more detail why you should hire a professional for biohazard cleanup in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, or anywhere there’s a biohazardous situation.
It Is Not a Typical Cleanup Job
Biohazard cleanup isn’t like mopping a kitchen spill or sopping up a carpet stain. The job requires more advanced knowledge, skills, and equipment than cleaning up ordinary dirt and grime. Trained professionals must be called in after a dead body has been found, someone sustained a traumatic injury, or a chemical spill has occurred. They’re often relied upon to clean up crime scenes or laboratories where accidents have occurred. Homes impacted by floodwaters and other disasters may require biohazard cleanup as well.
Potential for Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Serious diseases and biological pathogens may be present at a scene where biohazard cleanup is required. Human feces, urine, blood, and other bodily fluids can be dangerous if mishandled. Failing to clean these up properly risks being exposed to hepatitis A or C, E. coli, HIV, rotavirus, and other serious, potentially deadly diseases.
A biohazard cleanup professional is equipped with everything from respiratory protection to special footwear to prevent infection and the spread of body fluids, contaminants, and pathogens. They may use masks, gloves, and eye protection. In addition, they’re equipped and trained to properly block off affected areas.
Permanent Damage Can Occur Without Proper Cleanup
Some biohazards can permanently stain materials if not cleaned up quickly and properly. In the case of porous materials, certain contaminants can not only discolor them but also cause deterioration and structural weakening. Such issues can have major impacts on the aesthetics and value of a property. When biohazards are absorbed into building materials, strong odors can become permanently embedded, even if all visible traces of the material have been removed.
Biohazard Cleanup Professionals Are Properly Equipped
They have equipment and tools no one else has. For example, those who clean up crime scenes can use special solvents to re-liquify and disinfect dried blood. Biohazardous materials that may contain bacteria and other pathogens are placed into specially designed plastic containers or hazmat bags. Ozone machines and other high-grade deodorizers and equipment can effectively eliminate bad odors.
Trained Professionals Work Quickly
Prompt cleanup reduces the risk of anyone being exposed to hazardous materials. There may be legal concerns as well, such as after a crime takes place. Meanwhile, the longer it takes to clean up a biohazard, the more expensive cleanup may be later. A biohazard cleanup professional is prompt and efficient, which helps to avoid any of these issues.
Biohazard Cleanup in Santa Monica Requires a Permit In California
In California, a biohazard cleanup company must obtain a permit before it can handle blood and other body fluids, body parts, or other biohazardous materials. There are no certification requirements. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employees in law enforcement, health care, bioremediation, and other sectors who could potentially be exposed to bloodborne pathogens to complete the proper training. A trained professional is also conditioned to handle the demand, long hours, and stress (seeing the aftermath of a crime or traumatic event) associated with the job.
Contact Restorerz for Biohazard Cleanup Services
The #1 biohazard cleanup company in Los Angeles, Restorerz has a team of trained professionals equipped with the latest tools and methods to clean up bodily fluids, hypodermic needles, contaminated clothing, pathogens, and hazardous agents. We collect and properly dispose of materials per the latest health and safety guidelines. To request biohazard cleanup in Santa Monica or anywhere in Southern California, contact us online or call 323-970-4705.