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A California insurance adjuster has been left with the task of assisting an insured in obtaining appropriate biohazardous remediation of an automobile that was stolen and then recovered. The vehicle was missing for about three months after it was stolen. By most accounts of people who have now seen the automobile in question, it has the appearance of someone who had been living in it and then abandoned it.
In this situation, when the car was found after being stolen, the owner and the insurance adjuster discovered that the vehicle had been marked with a biohazard warning sticker. An inspection of the automobile from the outside does reveal that the vehicle is littered with a significant amount of trash. It is very possible that biohazards of different types maybe found in the vehicle. It is possible that law enforcement already made that discovery when they came upon the stolen vehicle.
Because of its experience in dealing with biohazard remediation, including involving motor vehicles, Eco Bear was retained to undertake the cleanup project. Eco Bear is charging a flat fee of $1,500 for the remediation, which includes undertaking the proper disposal of any discovered biohazardous materials.
The biohazard remediation firm will provide what supportive information is needed for the owner of the vehicle to pursue a claim with the automobile insurance company. In addition, because this involves criminal activity and the owner is an identifiable victim, it is possible that the California Victims Compensation Board may provide some funding to assist in the cleanup and remediation of the once-stolen automobile. The Board does have money specifically earmarked to assist in paying for remediation and cleanup of property, contamination that arose as the result of a crime. Eco Bear also provides documentation and other supportive materials when a victim of crime seeks this type of financial assistance.
Payment for work undertaken is not due until the biohazard remediation is completed. The car owner has a chance to inspect personally the results of the work of this biohazard remediation company.
Elements of a Professional, Comprehensive Automobile Biohazard Remediation
When an automobile has been contaminated with a biohazardous material, it is necessary to take immediate action to follow proper remediation procedures to ensure the safety of those who come into contact with the vehicle. This important process includes eight key elements.
Assess the Extent of the Contamination
The first step in remediating a contaminated automobile is to assess the extent of the contamination. This will help determine the scope of the remediation effort. The assessment should be done by a professional with experience in dealing with biohazardous materials. A thorough assessment is important to accurately determine the level of contamination and identify any potential health risks associated with the contamination.
Wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Before beginning any remediation work, it is necessary to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from exposure. Biohazardous materials can harm human health, and wearing proper PPE is essential to minimize the risk of exposure. The PPE should include gloves, respirators, and protective clothing.
Remove All Contaminated Materials
All contaminated materials, such as seat covers, carpets, and upholstery, must be removed from the vehicle and properly disposed of. These materials can be a source of contamination and must be dealt with appropriately. Removing contaminated materials is an important step in preventing further spread of the contamination.
Clean and Disinfect the Interior
The vehicle’s interior must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using appropriate cleaning agents. The cleaning agents should be selected based on the type of biohazardous material present and the surface that needs cleaning. Using a disinfectant is important to ensure that any remaining bacteria or viruses are eliminated. A thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the vehicle’s interior will help ensure that it is safe to use.
Remove and Dispose of Contaminated Fluids
Any fluids that have been contaminated, such as engine oil or brake fluid, must be removed from the vehicle and properly disposed of. These fluids can be a source of contamination and can pose a risk to human health. Removing and disposing of contaminated fluids is an important step in preventing further spread of the contamination.
Replace Any Contaminated Parts
Any parts of the vehicle that have been contaminated and cannot be cleaned must be replaced. This is important to ensure that the vehicle is safe to use and does not pose a risk to human health. Replacing contaminated parts is an important step in preventing the spread of the contamination and ensuring that the vehicle is safe to use.
Conduct a Final Inspection
After the remediation work is complete, it is necessary to conduct a final inspection to ensure that all biohazardous materials have been properly eliminated. This inspection should be carried out by a professional with experience in dealing with biohazardous materials. The final inspection is important to ensure that the remediation has been successful and that the vehicle is safe to use.
