Important Tips for Choosing a Biohazard Cleanup Service

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Always Choose a Trained Professional

• Because it’s traumatic: No one should have to deal with the personal impact of cleaning up after the traumatic loss of a loved one. A professional SERVPRO can get a situation cleaned up quickly, compassionately and discreetly.
• Because it’s safer: Federal regulations classify all human and animal remains, including blood, urine, feces, vomit and bodily fluids, as biohazards. This is because they have the potential of carrying life-threatening pathogens such as Hepatitis B and C, AIDS, HIV, MRSA, Tuberculosis and many more. The safe cleanup and removal of biohazardous materials involves extensive analysis and detailed work, and the use of state-of-the-art cleaning and odor removal technologies.

Licensed Bonded & Insured

• It is important to use licensed professionals because they conduct safe cleanup, removal and disposal of biohazardous waste. Additional considerations include being registered and compliant with OSHA and FEMA, federal agencies that oversee disasters and workplace safety. Cleanup crews will be coming into your home or the home of your loved one, so be sure the professional you choose is bonded and insured.

Will Work with Insurance Companies

• In most cases, insurance will cover much or all of the cost of traumatic even cleanup. You can minimize or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses by working with licensed and bonded professionals such as SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County who will deal directly with insurance companies, saving you one more headache in this already difficult process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I just use my regular cleaning or janitorial service for biohazard cleanup of blood or bodily fluids?

A: Not unless your regular cleaning or janitorial service has been properly trained and equipped to handle biohazard cleanup and waste such as blood or bodily fluids, and has a legal place to dispose of the recovered biohazardous waste.

Q: Who pays for bio-recovery services?

A: In many cases home, business or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. Ultimately the property owner may be responsible for cost of the service.

Q: Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?

A: Federal Regulation 29cfr1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to biohazard cleanup of blood spills without first:

1. Receiving Blood Borne Pathogen (bbp) training.
2. Having a written BBP exposure control plan.
3. Having been provided personal protective equipment.
4. Having been offered Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up.
5. Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the bio-hazardous waste in properly marked containers for disposal at an approved site.

For more information please visit:

• Biohazard Cleanup & Restoration by SERVPRO
• Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Biosafety
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste Laws & Regulations Information