How To Clean And Dispose Of Biohazards

Biohazards can be found just about anywhere, from homes to workplaces and even hospitals. And while it might be tempting to clean up a biohazard like you would any ordinary spills at home, there are certain circumstances when a biohazard and biohazard disposal will require a more specialised clean up.

If you’ve ever been unsure of what a biohazard is or how to effectively dispose of them, this article will provide some information on the different types of biohazards and how to safely remove them from your property.

What Is A Biohazard?

What exactly is a biohazard? Biohazards are biological substances that can potentially pose a threat to human or animal health through infectious disease, illness or death.

Due to their dangerous nature, biohazards should be handled with caution and disposed of safely using the correct procedures. Exposure to biohazards can occur through direct contact, inhalation or ingestion and should be minimised wherever possible.

What Are Some Examples Of Biohazards?

Some common examples of biohazards include:

• Human blood and tissue
• Bodily fluids – vomit, faeces, urine
• Animal waste including body parts and carcasses
• Used sharps

Biohazards can also include toxins, pathogenic microorganisms, viruses, spores and fungi.

Biohazard Disposal & Clean Up

Biohazard disposal and clean-up is often handled by specialist biohazard cleaners who have had formal training and experience in how to safely and effectively clean and dispose of biohazards.

In cleaning up biohazards such as blood spills, professional biohazard cleaners need to follow specific steps to prevent on-site cross-contamination and effectively sanitise and disinfect affected areas. Professionals must also minimise risk of exposure to dangerous biohazards by adequately protecting themselves using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, goggles and hazmat bodysuits.

When To Call In The Pros

Examples of high-risk scenarios when a professional biohazard disposal and clean up service may be needed include:

• In the aftermath of a violent crime
• Following a workplace accident
• Infectious disease outbreak
• At a trauma scene
• Upon discovery of an unattended death
• Animal infestations, decaying bodies
• Situations where there is a large blood spill
• A property hoarding situation where the property has become overrun with animal waste and urine.
• There has been a sewage spill inside your property that’s contaminated your living space and belongings with human waste
• Heavy mould growth on damp walls or following a leak or sewage spill

When in doubt about whether or not to clean up a biohazard yourself or hire a professional, simply pick up the phone and speak to a specialist cleaner before attempting to clean a biohazard by yourself.

Professional biohazard cleaners can answer any questions you might have about biohazards and the biohazard cleaning process as well as offer obligation-free quotes.

Cleaning Up Biohazards

There’s a difference between cleaning up a small blood spot vs large volumes of blood or highly dangerous biohazards. Cleaning small blood spots in your own home or a small amount of mould on your wall by yourself shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Wear as much protection as possible including masks, eye protection and gloves. Use commercially available cleaning products and disposable cloths and paper towels.

Cleaning small blood spots or spills up to 10cm can be easily managed by wiping the area with paper towels and then cleaning with water and disinfectant. Be careful to rinse and dry the area thoroughly.

When cleaning up small mouldy areas, simply wipe off using a damp cloth and clean with household detergent or vinegar.

Biohazard Disposal

Dangerous biohazards need to be handled and disposed of safely and carefully because they may be contaminated with blood or infectious materials with the potential to spread disease.

Before disposal, biohazards such as sharps, contaminated items and infectious waste must be stored carefully in leak-proof containers or plastic bags to contain and prevent any infection and cross-contamination at the scene.

Looking For An Experienced Biohazard Cleaner?

Call National Trauma (NTCSC) – Australia’s trusted biohazard disposal & clean up company. We’re always ready to assist with all your specialist biohazard disposal and cleaning needs.

Here are some great reasons to work with us:

• We are available whenever you need us – day or night 24/7
• Convenient nationwide service
• With over 30 years in the industry, we’re highly experienced and know how to safely handle and dispose of dangerous biohazards
• We offer competitive pricing for our quality services

Call our team on 0488 007 675 and find out more about our biohazard disposal and clean up service today.