Life can throw unexpected things our way. Some of these can be very challenging, some not only challenging but traumatic. On the list of these types of life, events are incidents that can occur in a residence that result in a biohazardous situation. You may have found yourself in need of the professional assistance of a qualified, reputable biohazard cleaning company in El Cajon.
What Is a Biohazard?
A biohazard, also known as a biological hazard, is a substance consisting of biological matter that poses a health threat to humans. Examples of specific biohazards that can be found in a residential setting include:
- MRSA
- Hantavirus
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Clostridium Difficile of C. Diff
- Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae or CRE
- Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter
- Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Keep in mind that this is just a partial list of biohazards that can be present in a residential setting. The reality is that there is a myriad of dangerous pathogens that might end up contaminating a residence. As an aside, the same type of biohazards that might arise in a home setting can also exist in a business. Essentially, the same types of pathogens can be found in both settings. In addition, as is discussed in a moment, the same type of biohazard cleaning process is employed in both a residential and a business or commercial setting.
What Are More Common Situations in a Residential Setting That Give Rise to a Biohazard?
There are a number of incidents or situations that occur or exist at residential properties that give rise to the need for a biohazard cleaning company in El Cajon. Some of the more common types of incidents or situations that give rise to the need for professional biohazard remediation include:
- Accident
- Unattended death
- Undiscovered death
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Other types of crime
- Traumatic health issue
- Drug overdose
- Rodent infestation
- Rodent Droppings
- Infectious disease
How Does a Person Hire a Professional Biohazard Cleaning Company in El Cajon?
The first factor you need to bear in mind when in need of assistance with biohazard remediation is to be as proactive as possible. In other words, you must waste no time in reaching out to an experienced, reputable, readily accessible biohazard cleaning company in El Cajon. You need to identify a biohazard remediation service that is capable of providing an emergency response when necessary.
The second factor to contemplate is how a biohazard remediator is compensated for cleanup efforts. A reputable company does not require payment upfront. You will want to seek an El Cajon biohazard cleaning company that offers different types of payment options. These can include cash, check, credit or debit card, insurance, and payment services like PayPal.
Speaking of insurance, there are situations involving a residential biohazard situation in which homeowner’s insurance may provide at least some compensation or financial assistance. Look for a Southern California biohazard remediator who not only accepts insurance but will assist in pursuing a claim.
When it comes to paying for biohazard cleaning, if the underlying cause of the situation was a crime, the California Victim Compensation Board may be able to provide financial assistance for remediation. The Board has the ability to pay upwards to $1,000 for cleaning up a crime scene.
What Is the Biohazard Cleaning Process?
The biohazard cleaning process is far more than just “cleaning up a mess.” It is a multifaceted process designed to eliminate biological hazards, sanitize the scene, eliminate odors, and restore a residence to a fully habitable condition. The process really begins with implementing important safety protocols.
These safety protocols include securing the scene of the biohazard to ensure that no one has unauthorized access to an area that may contain potentially dangerous pathogens. In addition, safety efforts include the use of specifically designed personal protective equipment that includes:
- Gloves
- Mask or respirator
- Protective eyewear
- Uniform or smock
The first phase of biohazard remediation is cleaning the scene. This includes the removal of biological matter as well as the cleaning of surfaces and items that have been contaminated by biological matter like blood or bodily fluids. There may be contaminated items at the scene that cannot be cleaned and also need to be disposed of in an appropriate manner.
The second phase is the sanitization of the scene. This involves the use of powerful sanitizing agents and associated equipment that is designed to eradicate dangerous pathogens, including viruses and bacteria that might be present at the scene.
The third phase involves deodorization. The reality is that the scene of certain types of biohazards may have an associated issue with powerful foul odors. This phase also necessitates the use of specialized agents and equipment.
As mentioned, the ultimate objective is to ensure that a residence is returned to a fully livable state. The goal is to eliminate all elements of a biohazard.