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Cleaning routine waste yourself is one thing. But when it comes to biohazard cleaning, it’s a different storye. Biohazards include a wide range of harmful waste like blood, bodily fluids, mould, animal waste, and human tissue. The risks involved in cleaning up such waste are real and should not be taken lightly.
Whether you are dealing with crime scenes, unattended deaths, hoarding, flooding, sewage backups, or industrial accidents, you will need a professional biohazard cleaning approach. As commercial cleaning experts in Cambridge, we would advise you not to handle these situations yourself and instead, leave biohazard cleanups to the certified professionals.
In this post, we will discuss when and how you should hire biohazard cleaning services and how.
What is a biohazard?
Biohazard is biological waste that poses a threat to living organisms including humans and animals. It can mean blood, bodily fluids, human tissue, animal waste, and other biological waste that may carry infectious diseases. The risks associated with biohazards are significant.
Here are eight situations in which professional biohazard cleaning services are crucial:
1. Crime Scene or Traumatic Event Cleanup
Accidents, suicides, or violent crimes often leave behind blood and bodily fluids. These substances carry pathogens that pose serious health risks. After a violent crime, suicide, or unattended death, you should call a biohazard cleanup company to safely remove blood, bodily fluids, and other biological waste.
2. Hoarding Situations
While clutter may be a part of daily life for many, extreme hoarding can lead to unsafe living conditions. Hoarding can include biological waste like bodily fluids, animal or human blood, animal waste, rotten food, used syringes, and contaminated towels and sheets. This waste is a breeding ground for mould, bacteria, and other pathogens. You need professional biohazard cleaning services to handle this waste and dispose of it properly.
3. Suspected Presence of Infectious Diseases
Controlling infections is a standard practice in hospitals. These days, residential buildings, businesses, schools, and public buildings also use these measures which were prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you suspect an outbreak of infectious diseases, professional biohazard cleaning services are needed to clean and disinfect your building safely.
4. Animal Waste Contamination
Rodents, birds, and other animals can leave behind waste that may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microbes. These microbes pose a threat to humans, including illnesses resulting from infection with E. coli O157, Cryptosporidium parvum and other diseases. Biohazard cleaning professionals are trained to properly remove animal waste and thoroughly disinfect your facility or building.
5. Drug Lab Cleanups
Cleaning up drug labs is a big challenge for the law enforcement agencies. These labs leave behind toxic chemical residues, such as paint thinners, phosphorous, lithium strips from lithium batteries, sodium metal, and anhydrous ammonia. This waste can cause breathing issues, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Only certified biohazard management professionals should handle and dispose of these toxic substances.
6. Sewage Backups or Flooding
Sewage backups or flooding can expose your home, facility, or building to harmful bacteria and viruses. The contaminated water can be a serious threat to your health and well-being.
Public Health England recommends moving back into your flood-damaged home only after a thorough cleanup and disinfection, and this requires a professional biohazard cleanup as soon as possible.
7. Industrial Accidents
Industrial accidents pose the same health risks as traumatic events or unattended deaths. Sometimes, these accidents may involve toxic or biohazardous chemical spills and fires. Professional biohazard cleanup services are necessary to make the area safe for work again.
8. Medical Waste Spills
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 15% of medical waste is hazardous. This includes biohazards like human blood, tissue, bodily fluids, used syringes, and other contaminated materials.
This waste carries bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that spread from healthcare facilities. Biohazard cleaning experts can dispose of this waste safely and as per regulatory standards.
Professional biohazard cleanup companies offer benefits that routine DIY cleaning can’t. Most importantly, these companies have professional-grade cleaning equipment and expert management protocols for these dangerous situations
1. Trained Technicians
Biohazard cleaning professionals are trained to handle biohazardous waste. They also use proper PPE to protect themselves and others from exposure.
2. Use of Approved Disinfectants and Cleaning Methods
Commercial cleaning services use approved disinfectants and cleaning methods to remove biohazardous waste. This approach helps eliminate the risk of pathogens and infections. It keeps your building safe from potential health hazards.
3. Correct Waste Disposal
After removal, the biohazard waste needs to be disposed of correctly. Biohazard cleanup companies follow strict protocols to dispose of this waste safely, complying with the latest regulations. It protects you from potential lawsuits or fines.
4. Odour Control and Removal
Biohazard cleaning experts use concentrated odour eliminators and surface cleaners that can neutralise foul smells.
5. Restoration
After the cleanup, biohazard cleaning professionals can help restore your property to its original condition. They can remove foul odours and stains, clean carpets, and address any other collateral damage.
There are very few situations in which you can manage biohazardous cleaning without a professional. While you can safely remove small blood spills on your own, anything beyond minor incidents requires a specialised service. If you’re unsure, get in touch with us to understand your best options.
Not all cleaning companies are equal. When you hire biohazard cleanup services, here’s to look for in your research:
Certification and Training
The biohazard cleaning professionals in UK require a proper seal of approval. They should have training certificates from leading UK organizations like the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) or the National Academy of Specialist Cleaners (NASC). The company should display these certifications clearly on their website. Be sure to check accreditations like these before hiring a company.
Experience and Reputation
Look for a company with extensive experience in biohazard management. Check third-party review sites like Google reviews and Trustpilot. A quick Google search can provide you with much-needed insights into the company’s track record.
Compliance with Regulations
The service must adhere to the required health and safety regulations, such as Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Compliance ensures that the cleanup is legally valid.
Insurance
Almost all commercial cleaning services in the UK are required to have liability insurance. This covers accidents and issues that may occur during the cleanup and protects your building.
Availability and Response Time
Biohazard situations often require immediate attention. You should hire a company that offers 24/7 emergency services. A quick and efficient response helps to prevent further contamination or damage. When checking their track record, be sure to ask about their availability and response time.
You should not under any circumstance handle a serious biohazard cleanup on your own. This job requires professionally trained biohazard cleaning professionals with the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to handle these jobs safely. Whether you need commercial cleaning in Cambridge or Peterborough, our team at Atkins Gregory is here to help.
We provide professional biohazard cleaning services in Cambridge, Huntingdon, and Peterborough. Contact us to learn more about our services.