Most of us have seen a crime scene in a television show at some point in our lives, but have you ever stopped to think about who takes care of the aftermath in real life? Something you hope to never have to think about is what happens to the home after a suicide? Who do you call?
This is when death cleanup companies step in. They deal with the difficult task of removing and dissolving biohazard materials so that the area is safe once again. Death is a gruesome situation, but these professionals are trained to do what needs to be done so that life can continue.
We’re going to get down to the nitty-gritty details of what a death cleanup company, also known as a biohazard company, does when they receive a call. If death or blood are triggers for you, we would advise against continuing. Otherwise, let’s get started.
Death Cleanup Companies
There are many reasons why an individual should not try to be responsible for cleanup after a death has occurred, either in the home or in a business environment. Topping the list is the chance to spread major communicable diseases. You want to call in trusted and certified professionals.
Qualifications
While there is no formal education to become a biohazard cleanup technician. Most companies have OSHA training and extensive educational courses. Some of this training can include…
- Medical waste handling and transporting
- Hazardous communication
- Blood-borne pathogen
- Personal protective equipment
- Heat-illness awareness
By the time they are on the job, these cleanup technicians will know how to clean and dispose of biohazards, work with specifically formulated, medical-grade sanitizers, and operate types of equipment to return the space to a safe condition. In addition to these qualifications, it takes a special person willing to commit to this amount of detail and be able to show great compassion.
In looking for a company with certifications, ask about their waste transportation permits. They should be able to provide their OSHA documentation, and always double-check that they are an insured company.
When to Call
Anytime a death has occurred, especially one where there has been a loss of blood or bodily fluids, you need to call a death cleanup crew. This is because sanitizing a biohazardous area requires specific equipment and materials.
It also necessitates an extreme amount of detail that is easily overlooked by someone who is not a certified professional. The human body contains about one and a half gallons of blood. The amount of detailed cleanup work required cannot be overstated.
In certain situations, a body could have been decomposing for several days or weeks. This would also be when a death cleanup company gets a call. Companies train their employees to handle circumstances like this and a typical individual should under no circumstances attempt to handle it by themselves.
Some crime scene units or police forces have their own cleanup crew that they call. In that event, they take care of making the cleanup call for you.
Industrial accidents are another instance that requires biohazard cleanup services.
What Do They Do?
As previously stated, biohazard companies have specific equipment and cleanup supplies. These include…
- Biohazard suits
- Enzyme dissolving solvents
- Respiratory masks
- Eye goggles
- Shoe coverings
- Gloves
This is not a situation where a classic bucket of bleach will get the job done. A biohazard cleanup crew will come fully dressed in the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Using plastic sheets and bio-tape, they will set up a clean, control space which is a safe entrance and exit area. Then, they will locate the contaminated areas, mark them, and remove anything that cannot be cleaned or saved. This could be carpet, clothing, furniture, etc.
Sometimes, this is not confined to one room or even floor of a building. They will find and know if the air has been compromised or if fluids have leaked through flooring.
They will clean all visible areas disturbed by the event, peeling back layers of flooring, carpet, and possibly even drywall. Using enzyme dissolving commercial solvents, the cleanup crew will ensure there is no trace left of any biohazardous materials.
Once they have completed the clean portion of their routine, the crew will deodorize the entire area with UV light. Ozone will run overnight to clean and ventilate the air.
Using bio-hazard containers, they dispose of all compromised materials according to government regulations. This step is crucial.
Everything the cleanup crew has worn and done up to this point has been for their own safety and the safety of those continuing to live in the room or building of the death scene. Proper disposal of all contaminated materials is for the benefit and safety of the rest of the population.
This is what is different about calling a professional certified company as opposed to someone trying to take care of it by themselves. These trained workers understand the different blood-borne diseases that could be transferred and how to properly treat and eradicate them.
Make the Call
If you’re researching this topic because you are in need of these services, make the call to trusted death cleanup companies as soon as you have been given the go-ahead by any local law enforcement that may be involved.
It’s extremely risky to leave this type of cleanup to anyone who isn’t explicitly trained. The mental, emotional, and physical requirements of a job involving death and trauma should not be taken lightly.
Safety measures need to be followed for everyone involved. In light of this, call a trusted biohazard professional. While you’re here, check out the cleaning services that we offer, and set up a consultation today!
