While statistically uncommon, industrial accidents resulting in blood or other bodily fluids do occur and generally cause a great sense of urgency to ensure the safety of all as well as to safely restore normal business operations. So too and quite unfortunate, reporting on acts of violence and littered dirty needles from illicit drug use seem to be an everyday occurrence. In cases such as these the blood and associated bodily fluids are defined as biohazard elements and potentially contain bloodborne pathogens. 

 

The improper remediation of these potential hazards could result in latent hidden or invisible dangers leading to health and safety risks including outbreaks and structural damage. Proper biohazard cleanup requires specially trained and certified technicians who are not only trained in removing biological hazards, but able to adopt safety protocols and embrace specific regulated workplace directives to ensure the safety of their associates and Steri-Clean personnel alike.  

 

With Biohazard Cleanup, the Visible Mess is Just the Beginning

 

Biohazard remediation is more about what you can’t see than simply spot cleaning visibly affected areas. Our certified technicians deploy cutting edge technology to track and treat biohazards through various layers of materials getting to the hidden pools or hard to reach areas. Our biohazard cleanup protocols follow OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, using universal precautions, donning proper personal protective equipment, and applying only EPA registered hospital grade disinfectants. We want to ensure we can stop the potential spread of infectious diseases. 

 

Additional risks increase from ineffective cleaning protocols. Residual bodily fluids can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria growth which can be detrimental to those living and or working in the entire property. Biohazard cleanup requires adherence to a comprehensive checklist designed to identify, isolate, and remove biohazardous materials from any area affected by trauma.

 

Since 1995, Steri-Clean has been a trusted solution provider for biohazard cleanup services. We provide efficient, methodical and deliberate decontamination in situations involving potential biohazards. We work diligently to restore industrial, commercial, residential, and automotive properties in an efficient and discrete manner. Contact us 24/7/365 at, 888-577-7206. Connect with our call center as every call is answered by one of our extremely amazing customer service teammates.  

 

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

In cases of a death or an accident where blood or other bodily fluids result, there is a risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B or C, HIV, MRSA.

 

According to OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. The real concerns about several of these pathogens, increasing the need for using professional biohazard cleanup technicians, is how long they can survive without a host and still infect someone else. For HIV, not very long, 24-48 hours. However, viruses like Hepatitis strains can remain infectious for upwards of a week. It is an unlikely and unwise expectation to keep a scene secure for an extended period of time. 

 

One should always keep in mind, bloodborne pathogens have been known to remain infectious well beyond their expected lifespan outside of a human host when in warm, moist, hospitable environments. 

 

Why Residual Bodily Fluids Are Dangerous

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Implications from improper biohazard cleanup can manifest in many ways, some of which can become potentially life threatening. Without proper training, discrete or hard to reach areas may be left untouched. We have encountered certain scenarios in which the owner removed a pool of blood from laminate flooring only to find, weeks later, a foul odor developing. Upon further testing, we typically find the laminate tile joints indicating positive for biohazard even though it could not be seen. When the tiles are removed, we find residual fluids have traveled through the joints and pooled onto the subfloor. It is important to understand there are no shortcuts to biohazard cleanup and legal liabilities can be significant if residual biohazard is found to have caused injury to someone else. 

 

Residual biohazards are organic in nature and considered a food source for mold and other bacteria. If left in place, mold or bacteria can proliferate and become airborne potentially affecting the health of a home’s occupants or workplace employees.

 

Residual bodily fluids affected with bloodborne pathogens can dramatically raise the stakes of danger. As mentioned earlier, improper cleaning methods can sometimes leave residual fluids on various surfaces naked to the human eye. Infection occurs when pathogenic blood is able to pass through cellular membranes and enter another person’s blood. Typical modalities include:

 

• Getting stuck by an infected needle – When cleaning sharps without proper protective gear, it is difficult to know what part of the needle you are grabbing. Implications of accidental punctures require medical visits and testing, lasting in excess of 12-months before the victim can be cleared of potential infections.

• Contact through open wounds – Rashes, abrasions, open cuts all can allow infection. All biohazard scenes should be properly secured, and all surfaces tracked ensuring cross contamination is avoided.

• Mucous Membranes – Pathogenic fluids can enter the bloodstream through respiration, eyes, and genitals. OSHA always requires proper protective gear rated for biohazard be worn during biohazard cleanups. 

 

OSHA Guidelines for Employers Considering Biohazard Cleanup

 

For most industrial, commercial, and property owners, safety comes first. The health and well-being of your associates and clients is paramount in situations like these. Some may consider directing internal staff to clean the area in an effort to save time. If the incident occurred at a business or rental property, employers are required to provide training and Personal Protection Equipment before an employee would be allowed to do the cleaning. Employers should consider legal and ethical implications when using internal resources for the biohazard cleanup. 

 

• Have employees been trained? 

• Have they been offered the appropriate vaccinations, and have they been provided the correct protective gear and decontamination solutions? 

• Are processes top of mind?

• Lastly, is there a complete understanding of the disposal requirements for regulated waste? 

 

In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with details on employee protection measures. — OSHA

 

Contact Steri-Clean Indiana – We Help Restore Peace of Mind

 

Since 1995, we handle residential, industrial, commercial, and public areas with extreme care and professionalism. If you need a reliable partner for urgent biohazard response, we are here to help. – 888-577-7206

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