Biohazard Cleanup
Biohazard Cleanup
Biohazards must be removed, cleaned, decontaminated, transported and properly disposed of to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
There are various types of biohazardous materials and different situations that can expose individuals to these kinds of materials. Situations that usually involve hazardous materials include crime scenes, hoarding, sewage backup, and meth labs. The materials that may be involved in the biohazard can consist of blood, chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and mold.
Rock Environmental is a professional biohazard cleanup company that will make sure the cleanup is done properly to reduce future risk on infection to others. Our professionally trained crew will clean, disinfect, and dispose of all blood and biohazard materials so you can move forward and be assured that you, your family, friends or coworkers are safe.
The Rock Environmental biohazard team have all been HAZWOPER trained and certified for handling hazardous materials. Additionally, the team follows all OSHA, EPA, and CDC guidelines for biohazard cleanup and removal.
These traumatic situations can be overwhelming for individuals and their family members. Our team guarantees professionalism and high quality services completed promptly with care and compassion.
What are the Biohazard Safety Levels?
The biohazard safety levels (BSLs) determine the potential health risks and safety measures required to eliminate a biohazard. The CDC defines four levels to assess severity. They are starting at level 1 (least risk to humans) to level 4, which can cause life-threatening damages which have no cure (highest risk of contamination).
When it comes to the biohazard cleanup by Rock Environmental professionals, the level will determine the required PPE needed to ensure proper protection for all involved.
Biosafety Level 1
Level 1 biohazards don’t pose a risk to people; however, if a person becomes infected with certain viruses bacteria (ex. E-coli, varicella-zoster), they can become very contagious. The professional cleaning team can wear essential PPE such as gloves and eyewear–there is no need for decontamination.
Biosafety Level 2
Level 2 biohazards can include viruses such as HIV and staphylococcus. These can pose a mild to moderate health risk to those exposed. The PPE worn while cleaning level 2 hazards include suits, gloves, eyewear, and face shields. Some chemicals are also included in level 2, and an area used for eye washing or skin washing should be available.
Biosafety Level 3
Level 3 hazards can include potentially hazardous materials such as deadly diseases in humans like West Nile, Tuberculosis, and SARS-CoV-2. Level 3 viruses are often airborne and require our team of professionals to wear full PPE, including a respirator.
Biosafety Level 4
Level 4 biohazards are often rare, but they are the most deadly. Serious illnesses such as ebola don’t have treatment or vaccines and are almost always fatal. For this risky level, full hazmat suits and complete site decontamination is mandatory when leaving the area that is contaminated.
Biohazard Cleanup Services
Chemical Spills
Sewage Backup
Hoarding Cleanup
Animal Contamination
Disease Outbreaks
Crime Scene Cleanup
Blood Spills from Injury
Death/Suicide Cleanup
Tear Gas Removal
Meth Lab Cleanup
Food Contamination
Medical Waste
The 5 Most Common Biohazard Materials
Sharp Biohazards
Materials that can poke, cut or stab an individual could be considered a biohazard when these items are not handled carefully. Cuts or wounds may cause bloodborne pathogen contamination. These materials can include needles, scalpels/knives, and broken glass.
Needles and syringes should be disposed of in a biohazard sharps container. Medical facilities adhere to a set of health regulations for proper disposal.
Solid (Non-Sharp) Biohazards
Solid material biohazards are usually items used by people or animals. For example, gloves, face masks, tissues, and sheets or towels. When visiting a medical facility, the bedding is often paper for easy cleanup and removal. Other individuals can contaminate these materials, potentially spreading viruses.
Liquid Biohazards
Liquid biohazards can be stored safely in closed containers. These liquids can include urine, feces, blood, and other bodily fluids. At home, chemicals can be considered a biohazard when improperly combined or if they are spilled in large amounts. Small amounts of these liquids do not pose a biohazard risk if they can easily be cleaned up and disposed of safely.
Pathological Biohazards
Environmental Biohazards
Environmental biohazards may not be as common as others, but they can be just as lethal. These biohazards can include mold, asbestos, lead, and other solid contaminations. The materials are often airborne in these forms and can cause severe illnesses. Asbestos and lead are not always an issue, and they become a problem when small microscopic particles are released into the air and breathed in.
What Is the Biohazard Cleanup Process?
Not all biohazard situations require immediate action; however, they do not go away on their own and will need to be resolved. The team at Rock Environmental has been trained in handling biohazardous materials and has a complete process outlined to ensure safety for them and you.
Step 1: Evaluate and assess the biohazard situation to determine the severity of contamination and BSL (what type of cleanup will require).
Step 2: Ensure proper PPE is available depending on the biosafety level (full body suit with respirator, mask, gloves)
Step 3: Determine a specified area to use as a “clean space.” Our team will use this area to decontaminate and ensure that the biohazard doesn't contaminate other areas.
Step 4: Make a note of the areas that need to be cleaned and remediated. Create a biohazard cleanup plan with the team and homeowner.
Step 5: Eliminate any materials that can not be cleaned or saved by our restoration process. These materials may include carpets and furniture.
Step 6: Begin the clean and disinfect process using various cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing agents. Rock Environmental uses SteraMist for cleaning, sanitation, deodorizing, and restoration projects. You can read more information on using SteraMist on our Coronavirus Cleaning page.
Step 7: According to local guidelines, all hazardous materials will be disposed of safely and adequately (items contaminated from cleaning blood and other contaminated materials, including PPE).
Biohazard Cleanup Costs
The cost of biohazard cleanup can vary depending on many factors. Some include the type of biohazard and which safety level it falls under. The riskier the job, the higher the costs may be. Additionally, how much time it will take to fully remediate the area, how much PPE is required, and other possible damages.
The price range often tends to fall between $2,500 and $6,000 but can exceed $25,000 for more difficult biohazard situations. Biohazard remediation is often more expensive because no spot can be left uncleaned. It is much more in-depth than a regular cleaning, so the HAZWOPER-trained professionals at Rock Environmental are the ones for the job.
