Blood cleanup is a complex and risky operation that requires expertise, precision and in depth understanding of the potential health risks that come with the job. Whether the blood spill is a a result of an accident, suicide, medical incident or crime, it is very important to handle the blood and other bodily fluids properly in order to avoid contamination and running afoul of the law.
Understanding the process of blood cleanup and why you should work with experts is very important to ensure the safety of persons in the affected areas and also comply with regulations. This article therefore will serve as a guide to help you understand the process and also why you should work with professionals.
Key Steps in the Blood Cleanup Process
This process is far more complicated than just wiping off visible blood stains. It entails a thorough cleanup and disinfection of the affected area by a Professional Blood Recovery team to ensure that it is safe enough for re-entry by occupants and visitors alike. Find below, a summary of the steps involved in this process:-
- Assessment and Risk Evaluation – This is the initial step where the scene of the blood spill is assessed and the extent of the contamination will be evaluated and potential health risks identified.
- Containment – This is the when the affected area is properly contained to stop further contamination. Materials such as plastic sheeting and biohazard tapes are used to cordon off the affected area(s).
- Removal of Contaminated Materials – This step in the process depends on the severity of the case. There may be need to remove and dispose of furniture, beddings, carpet s and other porous materials that cannot be easily and thoroughly disinfected. This is to ensure that there is no pathogens and residual blood left in the affected area(s).
- Disinfection and Sanitization – This is done with industrial and hospital grade disinfectants and cleaning solutions to ensure that the affected area is properly decontaminated.
- Deodorization and Air Purification– Ozone generations or air scrubbers are used at this stage to clean and purify the air at this stage. This ensures that airborne pathogens are no longer present in the environment and that it is completely safe for habitation.
- Disposal of Bio-hazardous Waste– This is done in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. Click here to see details of these regulations.
- Final Inspection and Testing – This is to ensure that the whole process was successfully carried out and there are no pathogens in the area. Once the space is confirmed as properly decontaminated and safe, a certificate is issued to the property owner to that effect.
The Importance of Working with Blood Cleanup Experts
We have stated clearly from the get-go that the whole process of blood cleanup is complex and quite dangerous if not properly executed. That is why it is crucial to work with proven expert. Below we explain in full details:-
Health and Safety
This is the most common reason why people are admonished to let experts handle this biohazard cleaning to guarantee the safety and health of all concerned. It is impossible to see bloodborne pathogens with the naked eye and these organisms can survive in bodily fluids and blood spills for a long time. It is therefore difficult to ascertain the cleanliness or safety of affected area just by how ‘clean’ it appears. That is why professional tools and expertise are needed for thorough decontamination.
Proper Equipment and Procedures
Rarely will an untrained individual have the right equipment and protocol for this task. And carrying out the process without these pieces of equipment and following due protocol can cause more harm than good.
Emotional Relief
You can imagine trying to clean up after a loved one that committed suicide or a case of unattended death, violent crime or accident; that will be very traumatic. However, having a professional handle the process will give you the much needed respite of not dealing with the scene. Visit this site: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ for tips on how to cope with trauma.
Experience in Handling Different Scenarios
Professionals have handled different and similar incidents/accidents and so have the wealth of experience that helps them deal with various situations appropriately.
Compliance with Legal and Environmental Regulations
Note that any cleanup that involves blood us strictly regulated by laws on the local, state and federal levels so a layman in this regard will run afoul of the law. Therefore using professionals helps you rest assured that the process will be handled properly and in compliance with every legal requirement involved.
Conclusion
Two points we have harped upon all through this piece are the complexities of this process and how hazardous it can be. These hazards and risks range from health risks from bloodborne pathogens to legal regulations that govern disposal of bio-hazardous materials. Trust us when we tell you that you are better off leaving blood cleanup to professionals; look out for a reputable company and save yourself unnecessary stress and health risks.