Archived Biohazard Blog Posts
Deadly substances, dangerous items and nasty things!
3/20/2023 (Permalink)
What shouldn't you do?
You should not try to clean any substance that you're a questionable about! You should never try and pick up drugs or needles and if so, do so carefully and dispose of properly. You should never approach a cleaning of a dirty or nasty hazard without the proper training and equipment!
What should you do?
You should call SERVPRO of Flagler County to handle any biohazard need you may have! We have the proper training, knowledge, know-how and experience to tackle the toughest of biohazard jobs. There are levels of biohazards and many of them can be hard to understand if you're not familiar but here they are!
1. Human blood and blood products
Bodily fluids, tissues that contain blood, serum, plasma, and other blood components in liquid or semi-liquid form are examples of biological hazards.
2. Animal waste
Any animal body part or the beddings of infected animals are also considered as biological hazards.
3. Human bodily matter
Direct contact with biological hazards such as human bodily matter in the workplace—blood, saliva, urine, and mucus—is highly risky most especially to healthcare workers.
4. Microbiological waste
Usually found in laboratories, this waste may contain concentrated forms of infectious products, such as blood or bodily fluids that have infectious pathogens, specimen cultures, and viruses.
5. Pathological waste
This covers any human body part, tissue, or organ that may have been taken out during surgical procedures.
6. Sharps waste
Belonging to the larger group of infectious waste, this type of biological hazard pertains to syringes, sharp tools, and broken glass that are at risk of pathogenic cross-contamination and piercing through human skin protection.
7. Molds and yeasts
These are found in nature, needed for the breakdown of plant debris. Such microorganisms can enter a building directly or their spores can be carried in by the air. For some people, inhalation of the molds, fragments of the molds, or spores can lead to serious health problems or worsen certain health conditions.
8. Organic material
Workers may also be exposed to rubbish, wastewater and sewerage, plant materials, and organic dust.
9. Airborne pathogens
Pathogenic microbes, which are small enough to be discharged from an infected person, are easily transmitted through sneezing, coughing, and direct or close contact.
10. Stinging insects
As these can be found throughout various geographic regions, stinging insects are especially dangerous to outdoor workers. Such insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and non-venomous and venomous spiders.
- Biohazard Level 1: Often pertains to agents that include viruses and bacteria, this biosafety level requires minimal precaution, such as wearing face masks and maintaining no close contact. The biological hazard examples in the first level include E.coli and other non-infectious bacteria.
- Biohazard Level 2: Usually causing severe diseases to humans, the second level classifies agents that can be transmitted through direct contact with infected materials. HIV and hepatitis B are some biological hazard examples that pose moderate risks to humans.
- Biohazard Level 3: Mainly through respiratory transmission, pathogens that are highly likely to become airborne can cause serious or lethal diseases to humans. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, is an example of a level-3 biohazard.
- Biohazard Level 4: Extremely dangerous pathogens that expose humans to life-threatening diseases, the fourth and last level requires workers to utilize maximum protection and containment. Some biological hazard examples are the Ebola virus and the Lassa virus.
After some examples and levels of Biohazard, you can easily tell how it can be dangerous and, in some cases, scary! However, our team has it all under control and can handle all this and more especially if it's for our customers safety. You can call us at (386) 447-2202 for all your Bio needs 24/7 around the clock!
Who do you call when you spill something toxic or need a cleanup of something gross?
3/13/2023 (Permalink)
WHAT ARE SOME BIOHAZARD EXAMPLES?
- Human blood and blood products. This includes items that have been affected by blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain visible blood.
- Animal waste. Animal carcasses and body parts, or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be infected with pathogenic organisms.
- Human body fluids. Semen, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, vaginal secretions, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid and saliva.
- Microbiological wastes. Common in laboratory settings, examples of microbiological wastes include specimen cultures, disposable culture dishes, discarded viruses, and devices used to transfer or mix cultures.
- Pathological waste. Unfixed human tissue (excluding skin), waste biopsy materials, and anatomical parts from medical procedures or autopsies.
- Sharps waste. Needles, glass slides and cover slips, scalpels, and IV tubing that has the needle attached.
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Flagler County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.
Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (386) 447-2202
Bio jobs are for the pros over at SERVPRO!
3/10/2023 (Permalink)
When you think of biohazard cleanup, you might imagine laboratories or private facilities. However, this type of cleaning service often involves sanitizing offices or other workplaces. The following guide explains why this practice is essential.
What Is Biohazard Cleanup?
A biohazard is any potential threat to the environment or human health caused by biological agents. Common biohazards include human bodily fluids, rodent droppings, drug residue, and chemical waste. Bodily fluids are spread by coughing and sneezing, which can increase the spread of viruses. Biohazard cleanup sanitizes the area and reduces the risk of infection. As a result, it makes your workplace safe for you and your employees.
What Are Its Benefits?
Since the pandemic began, many businesses have been operating remotely to follow social distancing guidelines. However, as employees return to the workplace, it's more important than ever to sanitize and disinfect your premises to prevent infection. This precaution can improve productivity since your employees will know that you're prioritizing their health. Your team members won't have to take breaks to find disinfecting wipes and sanitize their areas. Also, since you'll prevent the spread of disease, there will be fewer employee absences.
Why Should You Hire Professionals?
Professional cleaners have the expertise and personal protective equipment to sanitize correctly and safely. They use the proper chemicals to destroy microbial contaminants and know where to apply them for the best results. A team of professionals will clean door handles, light switches, desktops, and other necessary locations.
If your business is opening up again and requires biohazard cleanup, contact SERVPRO of Flagler County in St. Augustine, FL. This local company offers commercial and residential cleaning services. We will disinfect surfaces and prevent the spread of disease to keep your workplace safe and productive. We can also provide mold remediation, water damage restoration, and fire damage repairs. Visit the website to learn more or call (386) 447-2202 to schedule biohazard cleanup. You can also check out our online videos.
Biohazard FAQs
3/18/2022 (Permalink)
There are a lot of unknowns about biohazards when you are not used to working with them or know what constitutes as a biohazard. We would like to answer a few of the frequently asked questions for you guys to clear a few things up!
If I come across a biohazard what should I do?
When you come across a biohazard do not touch, if you have wash your hands with soap and water vigorously to rid yourself of possible harmful substance as quickly as possible. Call your local authorities if the situation calls for it. Then call your local SERVPRO to clean it up!
How to I get rid of items containing a biohazard?
The local public really does not have a good way to get rid of bio hazardous material, however when we at SERVPRO come out and do the cleanup you never have to worry about it. We take all of the items effected in the situation and dispose of them properly.
What does the biohazard sign look like?
The biohazard sign is bright orange, says biohazard and contains the appropriate symbol as such on it as well.
These are just a few of the commonly asked questions we get, but there are many more. If you have a question about any of the work we do please feel free to call us or reach out via our social media and we will be able to answer any and all of the questions you may have!
Is that Considered?
3/14/2022 (Permalink)
We often get questions about what is considered a biohazard. Most people think of biohazards being blood and gore as such. Biohazards also pertain to COVID cleanings as well as bodily fluids.
Nursing homes have all of these things going on that need to be cleaned up and handled in the right way as to not have a possible spread of any disease or make someone sick from the mess.
Luckily we are able to do all of these things encompassed. We often work with local officials for the more messy things and for local businesses that may have something happen on their premises as well.
We have done work for coffee shops that require a little extra TLC in their restrooms and even the exterior from an unwanted visitor.
Do you have a business or residence that could benefit from have one of our cleanings done, biohazard, COVID or otherwise?
Give us a call today for a quote!
#SERVPRO #Biohazard "Like it never even happened."
Odd Jobs
3/11/2022 (Permalink)
We often get asked what we do as SERVPRO. People see our brightly colored vans and truck everywhere and they know we are the people you need to call in an emergency, but there is so much more that we do.
We at SERVPRO handle water, fire, and mold remediation. We also handle floor cleaning, duct cleaning, upholstery cleaning and biohazard cleanup.
We are state licensed to handle any type of biohazard remediation situation you could need cleaned up and we take it off site as well. You never have to deal with any of the contents of the situation.
We will get your home or business back in order so you can get back to normal life. If you have any questions about our processes or the situation you have feel free to give us a call and we would be happy to explain over the phone or even come out in person and look at the current situation.
Biohazard Questions
3/19/2021 (Permalink)
Biohazards pop up when you least expect them. Normally when people think of biohazards the first thing that comes to mind is blood. However, biohazards can range from body matter, to smoking, to even an infected COVID unit.
Luckily we cover all of these Biohazards that range from mild to catastrophic. There are different protocols for each situation but we are trained and ready to handle all of them as we come.
With the summer coming one of the biggest that we deal with is smoke odor in rental properties from short term tenants. We are able to turn these around by bringing in an ozone for a short period of time, and removing after the treatment is finished.
This options allows us to give a quick turn around time for those small windows in between rental clients. We are always doing free estimates and can get you on the schedule. Give us a call today for pricing and scheduling.
"Like it never even happened."
Yes, We Clean That!
3/15/2021 (Permalink)
Most people know us for water, mold and fire damage clean-up and restoration, but most people don't we also do biohazard clean-up as well.
Biohazard clean-up can be a range of different scenarios from the most common of someone passing away in their home all the way to a COVID cleaning.
Being that there are different types of biohazard clean-ups there are different protocols put in by the state for each of the scenarios as well. Only a state certified crew should be doing the clean-up of biohazard materials.
We are able to properly dispose of these hazardous materials without exposing anyone to any kind of additional harm.
Were someone untrained performing the clean-up of the hazardous materials there could be a risk of an infection or a transfer of material to that person from any of the material that could have come from the materials.
Next time you have any kind of biohazard give us a call! We can quickly, efficiently, and safely clean it up.
"Like it never even happened."
COVID-19 & SERVPRO: What SERVPRO can do for you
3/25/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO specialists are here to provide any necessary disinfection and sanitization services to give you peace of mind about COVID-19.
SERVPRO offices in Flagler County and New Smyrna Beach (NSB) - Titusville remains open and available to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please review the following information about what SERVPRO can do for you during this time:
- SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
- SERVPRO is performing all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.
- SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.
- SERVPRO will perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize your property.
SERVPRO is the number one choice in cleanup and restoration, and we want you to be able to take advantage of any necessary services as it relates to COVID-19. Please be in touch with our team to get more information.
COVID-19 & SERVPRO
3/23/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help during the COVID-19 Pandemic
SERVPRO Services Available
SERVPRO in Flagler County and New Smyrna Beach (NSB) - Titusville remains open and available to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. SERVPRO offers bioremediation and biohazard cleaning services as a way to combat areas in your home or business that may be affected by COVID-19.
SERVPRO is the number one choice in cleanup and restoration, and we want you to be able to take advantage of any necessary services as it relates to COVID-19. Please be in touch with our team to get more information.
We Can Handle That
4/4/2018 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO of Flagler County we do more than just water, fire, and mold remediation. We also do cleanings, from carpet cleanings to biohazard cleaning. Our skilled technicians can handle it all. The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.
We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:
- Sewage backups
- Crime scene residues
- Suicide/death accidents
- Homicide cleanups
- Blood cleanup
- Accident cleanup
- Hoarding scenes
- Animal waste/remains
- Chemical spills
- Tear gas cleanup
- Meth lab cleanup
Call our office at 386-447-2202 to speak with one of our claim specialists to schedule an appointment with one of our Estimators. From Estimation to Completion, our team is ready to take care of your water damage restoration needs.
Cleaning Bio Hazard Situations in Flagler County
6/5/2017 (Permalink)
Cleaning crime scene in Palm Coast
SERVPRO® of Flagler County is recognized as a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration by hundreds of insurance companies, but did you know we can also offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup as well as restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.
SERVPRO of Flagler County is licensed by the State of Florida to handle cleaning, transport and disposal of all biohazardous materials, and our technicians are professionally trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Flagler County technicians help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.
SERVPRO of Flagler County can help with the following issues:
- Mold Mitigation and Remediation
Have questions, or want additional information? Contact SERVPRO of Flagler County today for 24-hour emergency service at 386-447-2202
When it comes to cleaning porous surfaces, call a professional
5/24/2016 (Permalink)
Most of us have had a child get sick on the carpet. He or she was too ill to react and make it to the bathroom. You want to thoroughly clean up the mess and prevent any staining, but are unsure of how to go about it.
The sad truth is you can never truly disinfect a porous surface without removing it — especially if you suspect a highly infectious disease like the norovirus is to blame for the illness going around the house. But as an industry leader in biohazard remediation, we have recommendations for how to clean the mess and when you should reach out for professional help.
If you believe the mess is manageable
You need to protect yourself anytime you try to clean up a potentially dangerous mess. Get some gloves, wear face protection, and try to avoid making contact with the substance. Definitely avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth until you have had the chance to clean your hands. If you pick up an illness cleaning up after a sick child, you won’t be able to help anyone — you’ll be in bed yourself. Next, you want to follow these few steps to remove a small amount of vomit off your carpet.
1. Clean up what you can
You want to remove as much of the vomit as possible. Use a dustpan or old towel to remove any solids from the floor or fabric. Keep a trash bag handy to dispose of any waste.
2. Blot up any liquid
Using another old towel, paper towels, or disposable rag, draw liquid from the surface. Go over the spot a few times to make sure you have removed as much as possible.
3. Use baking soda or cornstarch
Liberally coat the affected area with powder and let it set. This will soak up more of the moisture. After 15 minutes, vacuum the powder.
4. Treat for stains and odor
Treat the area for stains with a registered disinfectant product with a broad spectrum kill claim. This is also when you can deodorize. We recommend an enzyme-based cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners have fewer chemicals, but still break down stains and odors.
5. Dispose of biohazard materials properly
Take care when disposing of the rags or towels you used to clean up the stain, or launder them immediately. You do not want to spread the contamination.
Always remember: Removing waste and disinfecting are not the same thing
The spot on the carpet is still not disinfected, even if you remove the bulk of the physical mess. A porous surface can never be truly cleared of potential contamination. To get a porous surface truly disinfected, you need to call a professional to remove the affected area. Also, it’s important to point out that in the steps above we’re assuming a manageable spot. Often, if a sickness takes over multiple people in the home, the volume of vomit or other bodily fluids to clean up is absolutely beyond the scope of household cleaners.
If the mess is too large to handle with household measures or you suspect the vomit is caused by a more serious virus, call SERVPRO of Flagler – Palm Coast. Only a company who removes the entire affected area can guarantee that no dangerous biological material is left behind. You’re welcome to get the process started, but you should leave true disinfection to the professionals. Only SERVPRO of Flagler – Palm Coast can assure you the potential contamination is completely removed, as we can run tests to make sure no biological material is left behind.
SERVPRO Flagler Bio Cleaning
24/7 Emergency Service