Five Steps to Take for Any Biohazard Cleanup
Unless someone is specifically trained to clean up a biohazard, most people don’t have any idea what needs to be done. In the event something should happen, it’s important to know what to do, why, and when. By following the five steps listed below, you can greatly improve the chances that someone will not be impacted by a biohazard before it’s been properly taken care of. Once the five steps have been completed, the area will be ready for human use and everyone can go back to the location without having to worry about any impact to their health.
Step 1 – Remove Yourself and Everyone Else From the Area
The best way to avoid contamination is to get everyone out and away from the biohazard. If it’s a fluid on the floor, make sure no one steps in it so they don’t inadvertently move the contaminant to another location. The more intact the area of contamination is, the easier it will be for a biohazard cleanup company to clean.
Step 2 – Do Not Try to Contain the Spill or Infectious Biohazard
At the first sight of something spilling or leaking onto any surface, it’s natural to want to contain it. The problem with this is that if you’re not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a mask and gloves, you very well may be putting yourself in danger. This is especially true if you haven’t been properly trained in containing bio-hazardous materials.
Step 3 – Do Not Clean Up a Biohazard Yourself
The same is true for cleaning a biohazard up as it is for trying to contain it. Unless you’ve been properly trained and understand the risks involved in cleaning biohazards, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Biohazards are often found in the form of fluids that can seep into countertops or flooring, leaving the biohazard behind even if the surface looks clean. Specific cleaners must be used to kill dangerous biohazards that can impact the health of humans, animals, and the environment. A surface might look clean, but lurking beneath can be a dangerous contaminant.
Step 4 – Call a Verified Biohazard Cleanup Company
A verified biohazard cleanup company has trained staff that knows how to properly get rid of all biohazards efficiently and effectively. The staff will follow guidelines set forth by both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure their safety while cleaning up any and all biohazard materials.
Step 5 – Work with Biohazard company to contact Your Insurance Provider
When talking to a verified biohazard cleanup company, provide them insurance information so they can contact the insurance company for the property. Work with a company that understands the insurance process and can navigate that on your behalf. The costs of cleanup are often covered past any deductible that may be on the policy. In many cases, the insurance company will deal directly with the cleanup company so you don’t have to.
