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Biohazard cleanup in Carlsbad involves the comprehensive elimination of what can be dangerous biological materials, including potentially life-threatening pathogens, that exist on the premises of a home or place of business. Biohazardous cleanup can prove necessary in a variety of circumstances that include:
- Homicide
- Suicide
- Accident
- Undiscovered or unattended death
- Presence of rodent feces
- Hoarding
- Homeless encampment
Overview of Biohazard Remediation
Biohazard remediation in Carlsbad is a four-phase process. A Carlsbad homicide is used as an example of how biohazard cleanup proceeds. Although each remediation project can present some unique needs, the overall cleanup process is similar.
A Carlsbad home invasion was perpetrated by a man and woman already on probation for burglarizing a residence a year ago. In this case, they broke into the home of a 63-year old woman at night and while the homeowner was asleep. The pair allegedly killed the woman by stabbing her in her face, neck, and back upwards to 50 times.
After the attack, and after the perpetrators left the residence, the woman was able to call 911. Police and emergency medical personnel reached the residence after 12:30 a.m. The victim was rushed to the hospital where she died an hour later.
The perpetrators were captured by law enforcement later the same day. They have been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, which means that they technically could be sentenced to death.
In a situation in which an incident like this occurs in a residential setting, other households or family members are called upon to make decisions regarding biohazard cleanup in Carlsbad. The process can only commence once police investigators the county coroner’s office complete their investigation of the crime scene. Ultimately, in a situation like the one involving the home invasion, the remains of the deceased person are transferred to the country coroner’s office. When the onsite investigation is completed by law enforcement and the coroner, and when the remains of the deceased person are removed from the premises, the property is released to an appropriate individual, typically a member of the family.
At this juncture, the four-phase biohazard remediation process can commence:
- Actual cleanup of biological material and contaminated items
- Sanitization of the incident scene
- Deodorization of the premises
- Restoration of a residence to a livable condition
Cleanup
The physical cleanup of biological material involves the removal of any remaining blood and bodily fluids. In addition, contaminated items at the scene that cannot appropriately by cleaned and sanitized are disposed of during the physical cleanup process. These items are placed in appropriate biohazard containers for ultimate disposal in accordance with laws and regulations.
In the case of the Carlsbad homicide discussed a moment ago, the cleanup involved the removal of blood and bodily fluids that permeated the scene as the result of the stabbing of the victim. The stabbing occurred while the victim was in bed. The bed linens were disposed of as contaminated biohazards. The same held true for the mattress, which has been saturated with the victim’s blood and other fluids.
Sanitization
Following the physical removal of biohazards and contaminated items and associated cleaning, the sanitization process is undertaken. This involves the use of what oftentimes is called medical grade sanitization products. The objective of sanitization is to eradicate fully dangers pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.
There is no immediate way of knowing if the victim of a homicide or suicide suffered from some sort of viral or bacterial infection or some other type of transmittable disease. Thus, the scene of an incident must be thoroughly sanitized.
The sanitization process is also necessary when the Carlsbad biological cleanup involves remediating rodent droppings. For example, rodent droppings can carry a highly dangerous virus called hantavirus which can cause a fatal illness in people exposed to this pathogen.
Deodorization
Another crucial element of comprehensive biohazard remediation is deodorization. There may have been some lingering odors associated with the homicide used as the example of a situation needing biohazard remediation. On the other hand, if biohazard cleanup is needed because of an unattended death, the associated stench can be overwhelming. Ensuring that there is no trace of any odor after the completion of the cleanup process is vital.
Restoration
The ultimate objective of biohazard remediation is to ensure that a residence is fully restored to a safe, usable condition. This goal oftentimes is best accomplished through the engagement of a professional biohazard cleanup in Carlsbad specialist.
Health-Related Safety Precautions Associated With Biohazard Remediation
As has been discussed, biohazard cleanup in Carlsbad is risky business. Proper protection involves the use of what is known as personal protective equipment, which includes:
- Mask or respirator
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Smock or apron
In addition to proper equipment, a person charged with biohazard remediation should have appropriate experience in the process to ensure overall safety. This is yet another reason that points towards the hiring of a biohazard remediation expert.
