Numerous instances warrant Walnut Creek property owners to request the help of professional biohazard cleaners. When it comes to dealing with contaminated property, you can never be too careful. Property owners must use extreme caution to protect the health and wellness of their fellow inhabitants, visitors, and patrons. Sometimes, this means reaching out to the experts.
Unfortunately, any layman’s attempt to remove biohazards may only result in further emotional and physical turmoil. Improper cleaning can cause the spread of a variety of diseases, some of which may not be treatable. For this reason, OSHA and the California Department of Health have established regulations on the cleanup of blood and other bodily substances.
What Are Biohazards?
Biohazards are biological waste materials that pose a threat to the health and wellness of people, animals, and the environment. There are several different types of biohazards. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has separated them into four main categories, including:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Microorganisms
- Biological toxins
There are several different types of biohazards within these categories. The most common biohazards include:
- Blood
- Bodily fluids (saliva, semen, urine, etc.)
- Sharps
- Anatomical waste (human body tissue)
- Animal waste
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms found in human blood. These pathogens can cause several severe diseases, including hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bloodborne pathogens are common after traumatic occurrences, including violent incidents and accidents, death, and illicit drug use. The presence of such contamination almost always warrants the need for professional biohazard cleanup.
Due to the inherent danger of bloodborne pathogens, biohazard cleaning companies must comply with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard when isolating, bagging, and disposing of blood and other bodily substances.
Property owners must take extreme caution when cleaning blood that is other than their own. When the blood is that of a stranger, you have little to no way of knowing if it contains bloodborne pathogens. Without the proper personal protective equipment and proper care, you risk infecting yourself or further contaminating your property.
When To Contact a Biohazard Cleaning Company?
Many instances call for professional biohazard remediation. Typical situations that warrant the hiring of a biohazard cleanup team include:
- Suicide
- Violent crime
- Traumatic accident
- Unattended death
- Rodent infestation
- Hoarding
Professional biohazard technicians have the training and experience that it takes to handle complex cleaning jobs. Professional cleaners are also equipped with the proper professional protective equipment and industrial-grade disinfectants. In most cases, professional cleaners are the only individuals that are prepared to safely and effectively restore properties after gruesome accidents and incidents.
The Biohazard Cleaning Process
Professional biohazard cleaning is a four-step process that includes:
- Biohazard containment and removal
- Sanitation
- Deodorization
- Restoration
Before biohazard cleaning can even commence, cleaners must take steps to protect themselves. Workers must don extensive personal protective equipment, including:
- Masks and/or respirators
- Gloves
- Aprons and coveralls
- Goggles
Then, cleaners must work to bag, transport, and dispose of biohazards according to California State laws. Materials that can be salvaged must be thoroughly sanitized. Following this, stains and odors are removed. Finally, cleaners take the time to complete the restoration of the property. Professional biohazard cleaning teams only turn properties back over to their owners once the e premises are fully habitable.
Who Can You Trust?
You must choose a biohazard cleaning company that you can trust. Typically, biohazard technicians are tasked with removing incredibly dangerous materials from the scenes of violent and traumatic incidents. They need to carefully inspect, isolate, and dispose of any potential hazards before disinfecting and restoring properties. This type of work requires skill, patience, and extreme attention to detail.
While these specialists are typically hired for their technical excellence, they also serve to protect the psychological health, privacy, and dignity of individuals who find themselves in the face of adversity. Sadly, biohazard cleaning often involves the gruesome realities of death and bodily harm.
You should always make sure that the biohazard cleaning company you hire is registered with the state of California. Moreover, be sure to ask if the cleaning technicians are bonded and insured. Professional cleaning teams should be able to provide you a reliable and straightforward estimate before completing a job. They may even be able to work with you to submit a claim to your insurance company. Remember, honest and hardworking biohazard cleaning companies are there to eliminate your burdens.
You Are Not Alone
At Eco Bear, we take biohazard remediation seriously. Oftentimes, our clients call us after experiencing extremely challenging events, such as violent crimes, the suicides of their loved ones, and other extreme situations. Our customers are usually desperate to get back into their properties. We work tirelessly to ensure that properties are fully habitable and free from biohazards. We’re proud to offer our Southern California neighbors the help of our bonded, insured, and experienced biohazard cleaning technicians.
If you require biohazard remediation in the Walnut Creek area, do not hesitate to call us at (818) 358-4359. Our compassionate customer care agents are standing by 24/7. You are not alone!