A biohazard cleanup is a critical procedure to remove potentially infectious materials from a site. The work is also known as biohazard remediation or forensic cleanup. While crime scenes are certainly common biohazard cleaning situations, these are only a small portion of what can be considered a biohazard cleaning. Listed below are the levels of biohazard cleanup and the costs and regulations that are associated with them. Listed below are the basics of biohazard cleanup.
Training
While biohazard cleanup is not federally regulated, there are certain procedures that technicians must follow in order to avoid harming themselves, tenants, or the environment. Biohazard cleanup requires special training to protect health and safety of technicians, residents, and the environment. Training courses will prepare biohazard cleanup technicians to handle different biohazard situations. A training course will also help biohazard cleanup companies find the right candidates. Aftermath, a leading biohazard cleanup company, recruits candidates with compassion, integrity, and commitment. Employees are trained to use biohazard cleanup products, disinfect surfaces, and avoid exposure to toxins.
Costs
The costs of biohazard cleanup can range from $1,500 to $25,000, with extreme cases costing as much as $25,000. Even the smallest spills can run into several thousands of dollars. There are several factors to consider when estimating the cost of biohazard cleanup, such as the amount of blood or other biohazards present in the home. Another factor is the type of surface contaminated with biohazards. Porous materials, for example, pose extra challenges.
Regulations
Regardless of the size of a biohazard cleanup job, regulations must be followed to ensure the safety of workers. Biohazard cleanup involves the removal and disposal of biological contaminants, which can cause serious health risks. The EPA and medical industry have developed guidelines for safe biohazard cleanup, and the process must adhere to specific state and OSHA regulations for safety. If you have a biohazard in your home or place of business, a licensed biohazard cleanup service will have the proper certification to safely dispose of biohazard waste, including solids, liquids, and aerosols.
Levels of biohazard cleanup
Biohazards include waste containing human blood or bodily fluids. They can also include decaying animals and are categorized on a scale of one to four. Level one biohazards are the least serious, and workers involved in a level one biohazard cleaning should wear protective clothing and gloves. Biohazards in level two can be extremely harmful, and workers must take special precautions to protect their mucus membranes and body parts.
Costs of hiring a biohazard cleanup company
While biohazard cleanup companies can be very expensive, the average job can be completed for around $25 per hour. For level one cases, the contamination is less dangerous than level two or level three, and the cleaning company can handle the cleanup without risking the health of the community. However, BSL-4 situations are dangerous for the public and must be handled by a professional. Biohazard cleanup is a complicated process, and cleaning biohazards in these situations requires special equipment, and the cleanup company must wear protective gear (PPE) at all times.
If you need Biohazard clean up services in the Phoenix, AZ metro area contact our team at Rocky Mountain Restoration for help.
