What types of situations require a Biohazard Cleaning Specialist?

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

We specialize in proper personal protection equipment and rigorous training to protect from exposure to infectious pathogens.

Biohazards often present dangers unseen to the human eye. You may not think much about it, but blood spillage is a common biohazard because bloodborne pathogens such as MRSA, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C viruses can be present, and transmitted through blood. This begs the question: when do I need a biohazard professional and when can I clean something on my own? First, it’s important to understand what exactly a biohazard is.

WHAT IS A BIOHAZARD?

The term biohazard refers to any biological materials (microorganisms, viruses, plants, animals, or their byproducts) that pose a threat to the health of living organisms. These include human bodily fluids, animal waste, waste from laboratories, and much more. However, exposure to some biohazards presents a much bigger risk than others. Blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) may contain bloodborne pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

WHEN DOES A SITUATION REQUIRE BIOHAZARD CLEANING?

In certain situations, it is imperative for biohazard remediation specialists like SERVPRO of Vero Beach to take the lead on cleaning biological contamination in a given area — and some of them may come as a bit of a surprise. Biohazard cleaning is more than just picking up a mop and bucket; it’s a carefully planned and regulated series of procedures that requires specific engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and rigorous training to protect people from exposure to infectious pathogens.

Here are some common situations that require the expertise of a biohazard remediation specialist:

Presence of blood or other bodily fluids: Typically, a specialist isn’t required unless the amount of blood is significant — say, a pool of blood that’s larger than a typical dinner plate. This is usually the case in situations involving traumatic events such as homicides, suicides, or accidents in the home or workplace.

Animal waste: If animal carcasses, feces, or other biological waste accumulates in any given spot, it can present serious health hazards to everyone in the immediate area. Harmful pathogens and other viral organisms thrive in these environments. An abundance of animal waste is somewhat common, especially in hoarding cases.

Hoarding: Hoarding should not be taken lightly. You never know what lies beneath the surface when stepping into a hoarder’s abode. Human feces, dead animal carcasses, cockroaches, mold, and more are all extremely common and should be treated as biohazards.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach has experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we go beyond the scope of work that janitorial staff perform daily. Our biohazard remediation professionals are trained to perform thorough mitigation services, including disinfection protocols using our proprietary disinfectants.

Every infectious disease case is a biohazard situation, and every biohazard situation involving significant blood and other bodily fluids can present a risk of exposure to infectious pathogens that cause common diseases.

Contact SERVPRO of Vero Beach at 772-770-0501 today help!

FAQ's for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

We are prepared 24/7 to help with all your cleaning and restoration needs, including protocol for COVID-19

Times like these create a level of uncertainty in people, but it is also an excellent learning opportunity. There are lessons that can be taken from this experience and applied life moving forward. We would like to take the time today to go over some FAQ’s regarding COVID-19.

• What is COVID-19?

According to the CDC, COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is “a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China”.

• How is COVID-19 spread?

It is believed that COVID-19 “emerged from an animal source” but is now spreading from human to human. It is thought that the main way this virus spreads is through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. This form of spread would require close contact within 6(ish) feet of each other. It may also be possible to spread by touching an object that has the virus on it then touching your nose, mouth, and maybe even their eyes.

• How do you prevent COVID-19?
  • You can reduce the risk of catching and/or spreading COVID-19 by:
    • Cleaning your hands often (wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer)
    • Cleaning and disinfecting “high touch” surfaces with an EPA-registered household disinfectant, diluted house hold bleach, and/or 70% or higher alcohol.
    • Cover your mouth and nose when your cough or sneeze with either a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
    • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
    • Practice social distancing by keeping minimum of 6 feet between you and the next person whenever possible. Plan to avoid handshaking, hugs, large gatherings, or confined quarters. Most importantly stay at home if you are sick.

• What are symptoms of COVID-19?
  • According to the CDC symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Severe complications of the virus can include pneumonia, multiorgan failure and in some cases death.

• What to do I do if I think I have COVID-19?
  • If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or cough call your healthcare provider for medical advice. It is encouraged by the CDC that you call (your provider, hospital, or health department) before you go in.

SERVPRO of Vero Beach is committed to providing you with the highest level of service at all times. We will continue to be available for services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be aware that we are fully equipped and trained to handle biohazardous matters, including protocol set for COVID-19. Feel free to contact us with any inquiries at 772-770-0501.