Cleaning Up Biological Waste From an Accident Scene
Cleaning up biological waste from an accident or crime scene can be disturbing and dangerous. What are the requirements for dealing with such a predicament? It’s important to know how to clean up biological hazards from an accident. Let’s discuss a few aspects of dealing with an accident or crime scene.
Certification Is Not Required to Clean Up a Crime Scene
A specialized license or certification is not required to initiate the cleanup process of a crime scene. OSHA does require that employers and employees involved in the cleanup of blood and other biological materials follow its blood-borne pathogens standards. OSHA’s standards protect employees who could be exposed to blood and its pathogens. Many employers offer on-the-job training for individuals interested in biohazard remediation careers.
Biohazard Waste Must Be Properly Disposed Of
Traffic accident clean-up can be a difficult and dangerous task. Blood and bodily fluids can often cause infections, even weeks after contact with environmental surfaces. The hepatitis B and C viruses are known to survive for over two weeks and can still be infectious during this time. Biohazard materials must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
Minor Blood Stains Can Also Be Hazardous
You should always treat all blood with caution. Even the smallest drops of blood can contain harmful pathogens full of infection. Blood spilled onto the carpet may soak into the subflooring underneath, contributing to the spread of disease. Blood can also become airborne, and it’s possible to contaminate the environment. Harmful bacteria can reside within any type of blood. Avoid all contact with any and all blood when possible.
Blood Borne Pathogens Can Negatively Affect Human Health
It is estimated that one out of every two dozen people is infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV at any given time. When a person with this type of infection dies, the pathogens of these diseases continue to survive. You always want to avoid exposure to any blood-borne pathogens. This can happen from direct contact or accidental contact from biological fragments, inhalation, or contact with the eyes or nose.
The Police Will Not Clean Up a Crime or Accident Scene
Police officers and investigators collect evidence from an accident or crime scene. However, they will not perform cleanup services on the scene. Only professional crime scene cleanup specialists are qualified for the task of traffic accident clean up. After law enforcement people have gathered all related proof of the crime or accident scene, then the professionally trained cleaning crews come in to take care of the clean-up and remediation duties. This is so nobody disturbs the evidence related to the scene.
Biological hazards from crime scenes and accidents must be handled properly. Police and EMTs are not trained to handle the cleanup of blood and human remains. Only licensed biohazard cleanup professionals have the training and tools to properly handle these dangerous duties.
Categorised in: Hazmat Clean-up