Traumatic events such as murder or suicide are difficult for everyone involved. After law enforcement has processed the scene and gathered the information they need, it’s time for cleanup to take place, and a sanitizing wipe or two won’t make the cut. A team that’s properly trained in trauma cleanup is needed to fully clean and disinfect the area of biohazard waste.

What Are Biohazards?

Biological hazards, or biohazards, are biological substances that are dangerous to living organisms, including:

• Blood and other bodily fluids
• Animal waste
• Sewage
• Other items that have been contaminated by bodily fluids, such as needles

At trauma scenes, bloodborne pathogens are often the largest concern. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in the blood that can enter other people’s bloodstream and spread diseases.

The Importance of Proper Trauma Cleanup and Disinfection

After everyone has left the scene, bloodborne pathogens and other diseases can remain on the scene if they aren’t properly cleaned and disinfected. When people pass by the scene again, they run the risk of picking up those diseases and continuing the spread of disease.

You should receive proper cleanup and disinfection of the area, so any lingering diseases will be removed, eliminating the possibility of diseases being transmitted. It’s important to call a company you can trust with the needed training and expertise to fully decontaminate the area. Special equipment and EPA-approved disinfectants are needed for proper removal of biohazard waste and fully trauma cleanup.

Trauma Cleanup Process

It’s important for your cleanup crew to follow the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standards set by OSHA to make sure the area is being cleaned properly. Trauma cleanup crews should:

• Evaluate the area of contamination.
• Control and separate the area to prevent any possible cross contamination.
• Properly clean the area to remove biohazard waste items, disinfect, and deodorize the area.
• Properly dispose of biohazard waste.

Most importantly, the company you call to fill your cleanup needs should be professional, respectful, and compassionate of each situation, keeping all information confidential.

Disposal of Biohazard Waste

Trauma cleanup often involves the use of disinfectants, towels, and other absorbent items. Once these items have blood or other biohazard waste on them, they cannot be tossed in the nearest garbage can. Items used in trauma cleanup that contain biohazard waste need to be properly disposed of by a licensed, trained, and professional biohazard waste disposal company. Work with trained professionals who follow standards set by OSHA to ensure waste is properly disposed of.

Trauma Cleanup Situations

With biohazards present in more than just blood, it’s important to find a service provider who can do more than just blood cleanups. Find a professional company that can provide trauma cleanup services for any situation, including:

• Crime scenes
• Homicides
• Suicides
• Hoarding
• Clandestine drug labs
• Unattended or undiscovered deaths
• Blood spills
• Sewage spills and backups
• Animal waste or remains
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Biohazard Remediation and Trauma Cleanup Services

With trauma cleanup being more than just a cosmetic change after an event, it’s important you call the right team for the job. EnviroServe is available 24/7 where you need us, when you need us for professional trauma cleanup and biohazard remediation. Call (800) 488-0910 to receive professional care.