Why DIY Biohazard Cleanup Puts Your Family at Risk

A decomposing body, crime scene spills, and hoarding—these are all situations in which professional biohazard remediation is needed. Traumatic events that create biohazardous environments can be overwhelming, and sometimes those who arrive on the scene want to clean it up immediately.

However, it’s extremely dangerous to deal with biohazards if you do not have the proper training, techniques, and protective equipment. We urge you to call a professional remediation team with expertise in biohazard cleanup and compassionate care to restore your home.

Below, we’ll discuss biohazards, their dangers to human health, and why DIY biohazard cleanup is never the right choice.

Understanding What Makes Biohazards Dangerous

Perhaps you’re wondering: What exactly qualifies as a biohazard? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines biohazard waste as infectious materials or organism-derived substances that pose a threat to human health. This definition includes:

• Regulated medical waste
• Biohazard incident waste
• Trauma scene waste
• Human remains management waste
• Prion or animal prion waste
• Animal and contaminated food supply waste
• Samples of microorganisms or toxins from a biological source

Any substance that falls under this definition is considered contaminated. When in contact with biohazards, you are at risk of exposure to viruses and bacterial infections that can wreak havoc on your body. Even if you don’t experience immediate symptoms, biohazard contamination can cause mold damage and lead to chronic health infections if not addressed. This is why it’s essential to leave biohazard cleanup to professionally trained technicians.

The Dangers of DIY Biohazard Cleanup

Those who consider attempting DIY biohazard cleanup may assume that standard personal protective equipment (PPE) will prevent exposure to harmful substances. However, household gloves and masks are insufficient when dealing with biohazards. One small tear or opening in your gear is enough to let pathogens and chemicals in.

Advanced PPE—including biohazard suits, respirators, professional-grade goggles, and other specialized gear—is required to prevent exposure. In addition, biohazard cleanup professionals have the techniques and training to properly dispose of waste and sanitize houses.

It’s also best to hire a professional remediation team from a legal perspective. There are federal and state regulations governing biohazard waste disposal, which professional biohazard technicians are familiar with. For example, used sharps (think needles and similar medical tools) must be disposed of in the appropriately labeled medical waste container.

Finally, in the case of an emotional event such as a loved one’s death or a devastating crime scene, professional cleanup can create some distance from the event. With a compassionate remediation team handling the cleanup, you and your family can process the event and focus on recovery.

What Professional Biohazard Cleanup Services Provide

The right biohazard cleanup service can restore order and cleanliness to your home after a traumatic event. Here’s what you can expect and look for in a professional biohazard remediation service:

• IICRC-Certification: Technicians with this certification have the advanced training required to meet industry standards in cleaning and restoration.
• Coordination with Law Enforcement: If a crime has occurred in your home, your biohazard cleanup team will coordinate with local law enforcement before cleanup begins. This is to ensure the authorities have completed their investigation of the scene and have processed all evidence.
• Specialized Equipment: From biohazard bags and HEPA vacuums to industry-level disinfectants, professional equipment ensures all biohazards are cleaned up correctly the first time.
• Thorough Cleaning Process: Biohazard cleanup requires multiple stages, including sterilization, sanitization, waste disposal, and more. A meticulous cleaning process is necessary for the complete recovery of the environment.
• Assistance With Insurance: Homeowner’s insurance may cover biohazard cleanup under certain conditions. If the biohazardous environment is the result of a natural disaster, sewage backup, or vandalism,
• Cost Transparency: After an initial assessment of the scene, a technician should inform you of the factors that will impact the final cost, including whether restoration work is needed and the extent and severity of biohazard damage.

What to Expect From Biohazard Cleanup Services

At Flood Response, our team of IICRC-certified technicians offers thorough and discreet biohazard cleanup services. Our cleanup procedure includes the following steps:

1. Assess the Scene: Upon arrival, our team gets to work evaluating your home and locating the obvious and hidden biohazards
2. Secure the Property: We’ll seal off the scene to ensure biohazards are contained and don’t spread.
3. Remove Visible Biohazards: The largest, most obvious biological materials are the first to go. Fully protected with advanced PPE and specialized tools, the team will proceed to properly remove the biohazards.
4. Deep Clean & Sanitize: Next, we use EPA-registered disinfectants to clean, sanitize, and deodorize all affected surfaces.
5. Dispose of Waste: Our team takes care of biohazardous waste disposal. In accordance with all applicable laws, we’ll contain, transport, and dispose of all substances.
6. Restore Property: Have structural damage in need of repairs? Once the biohazard cleanup process is complete, our team will begin the restoration work, from foundational repairs to surface finishes and everything in between.

Trust Flood Response for Professional Biohazard Cleanup

For sensitive, traumatic situations requiring biohazard cleanup, call Flood Response. Serving residents and businesses across Southern California communities, our biohazard team takes special care to assess each scene, remove biological materials, and sanitize the entire property.

We understand the emotional toll of difficult events, from a family member’s death to a recently discovered hoarding situation. Our biohazard team is thorough, efficient, and always discreet, prioritizing your comfort and safety throughout the cleanup process. We’ll also help you find accommodations and storage for your belongings as needed.

For more than 20 years, Flood Response has helped families and business owners across Southern California restore their properties after disasters. For reliable, 24/7 emergency restoration services, contact us today!