Cleaning Up Biohazards at Your Business

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Working a biohazard cleanup means protecting the environment and yourself from potential harmful pathogens that could become a health risk.

When accidents happen at your business or commercial property, the effects can be severe. When the accident involves biohazards, you have to be extra cautious to make sure everything is cleaned up and restored properly.

A biohazard is defined as “a biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment.” Some biohazards include pathogens such as MRSA or hepatitis that are known to be highly infectious. Because of the health risks, you should never attempt to cleanup biohazards on your own.

While every situation is different, there are several steps that are common to most biohazard cleanups. So that you know what to expect if you’re in need of biohazard cleanup assistance at your business or commercial property, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Assessment and Establishing Safety Protocols

The process typically begins with an assessment in which the professional will determine the extent of the risk and damage and decide on the appropriate cleanup response.

Before beginning any cleanup, the professionals will establish proper safety protocols. Sometimes an area might need to be quarantined with bio-tape and plastic sheeting. It’s important to follow the right safety measures to prevent further contamination.

Discarding Contaminated Items

The next step is to remove any contaminated items or materials from the scene that can’t be salvaged. Items are typically secured in specialized biohazard bags before being removed from the premises.

Depending on the situation, it may even be necessary to remove sections of your carpeting or drywall, which is why the cleanup process frequently does involve restoration too.

Sanitization

Disinfection is often done in multiple steps using several different commercial- or hospital-grade cleaners that have proven to be effective and safe for biohazard cleanup. Deodorizers are also used to keep odors from developing as time passes.

Safe Disposal of Biohazards

After everything is disinfected, it will be time to systematically take down any quarantine structures and materials that may have been used.

In order to prevent contamination, any of the items that may have been exposed to biohazards are disposed according to established government regulations and industry standard best practices.

Restoration

If restoration and/or reconstruction is necessary, this will be the final step of the process.

Here at SERVPRO of Hackensack/Little Ferry, we’ve certainly seen our share of accidents requiring special cleanup due to biohazards. Our expert professionals have the specialized training and equipment that is necessary to properly cleanup biohazards and prevent the risk of further contamination.

If you require help with biohazard cleanup and restoration for your business or commercial property, just call our team and we will be there "Faster to any disaster."