BIO-Hazard decontamination

Dead Body and the Human Decomposition Process

A primary factor that can contribute to the need for comprehensive cleaning after dead body removal is the very nature of the human decomposition process itself. The decomposition process starts immediately after a person’s death. Decomposition starts when what was classified as “good bacteria” in a living person’s gut suddenly are deprived of nourishment. Prior to death, bacteria in a person’s pancreas and intestines received nutrients through a living person’s circulatory system.

After death, these bacteria turn to the organs themselves for sustenance. These bacteria consume the organs, which ultimately results in the breakdown of the pancreas and intestines. This results in the rest of the body being flooded with ravenous bacteria that push the composition process forward. Indeed, evidence of decomposition tends to be apparent with a couple of days after a person’s death.

The very nature of human decomposition can result in such a perilous situation that professional intervention is vital. Eliminating biological matter, dangerous pathogens, and powerfully offensive odors are not steps that can be undertaken in the absence of powerful cleaning, sanitization, and deodorization agents that are available to professional biohazard remediation services. In addition, the task of cleaning up the aftermath of human decomposition can also necessitate the use of specialized equipment as well.

Blood and Other Bodily Fluids

Some of the death scenarios mentioned a moment ago present hazardous situations even in the absence of the human decomposition process reaching a juncture (after a couple of days, on average) in which it becomes evidence. Deaths that occur as a result of some sort of traumatic event or activity also give rise to hazardous situations suggesting the need for professional biohazard remediation or death cleanup.

This is because of the presence of blood and other bodily fluids at the death scene. Blood and other bodily fluids can contain what are classified as dangerous pathogens. These are bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can be contained in a person’s blood. Under certain circumstances, unprotected contact with blood or bodily fluids can result in a person becoming infected by a dangerous pathogen. Examples of the types of bacteria or viruses that can be transferred by human blood or other bodily fluids include:

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• MRSA
• HIV

Infectious Disease Pathogens Conveyed via Surfaces and Objects

Not all infectious diseases associated with a dead body necessitate blood or other bodily fluids for transferal to a human being. Rather, there are certain types of pathogens that can infect a human when a person has contact with these bacteria or viruses on inanimate objects. Examples of infectious diseases that can spread in this matter include.

These pathogens potentially can exist any death scene, even when nothing traumatic has occurred or when the remains of the deceased person were unattended and undiscovered for a more extended period of time.

The Three-Part Cleaning Process After Dead Body Removal

A three-part biohazard cleaning process is utilized following the removal of a dead body in the types of circumstances referenced previously. These are:

• Deep and removal or biological material
• Sanitization of the scene of the death
• Deodorization of the premises

Comprehensive cleaning commences with the removal or any biological material remaining after dead body removal. This biomatter is placed into an approved biological waste container, transported by an approved carrier, and permanently eliminated by an authorized biohazardous waste disposal company. The death scene is then thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any trace amounts of biomatter that may exist.

Following the thorough cleaning and removal of biomatter, the scene of the dead body removal is subject to sanitization. This involves the use of medical-grade sanitizing agents and associated specialized equipment capable of eradicating bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful microorganisms.

Finally, cleaning after dead body removal very well may require deodorization. A death scene can be permeated by a powerful stench. For example, the odors associated with decomposition can be truly overwhelming in a situation involving a dead body that was not promptly discovered. The use of specialized, powerful deodorizing agents and equipment eliminates any trace of a foul stench.

The ultimate objective of cleaning after dead body removal is a restoration of a home to a completely livable or habitable condition. Similarly, when this process is undertaken at a business or other nonresidential location, the objective is to return the property or location to a fully usable state.

Biohazardous Waste Disposal Fee

We charge $250 for each 20 gallon red biohazardous waste bin we use.
Partially filled bins are charged at the full $250 rate. This is because by law we are not allowed to store the bins and as such go directly from the job site to the biohazardous waste treatment facility.

Only items that must be disposed of as biohazardous waste are placed in the red bins. The rest is disposed of as regular household or construction trash. As an example, if there is blood on a mattress, we will cut out the blood stained parts of the mattress and dispose of it as biohazardous waste. The rest of the mattress which is not contaminated is recycled via California’s mattress recycling program.

The personal protective equipment that our technicians wear (Tyvek suit, mask, gloves, etc) and cleaning rags are disposed of in the red biohazardous waste bins.

There are no additional fees or hidden charges of any kind

Average Costs

Most biohazardous cleaning situations that involve someone passing away in their home alone and found shortly after, with biohazardous material in a significant portion of a small bathroom and a small part of the bedroom typically takes about 6-8 man hours ($1500 to $2000) plus 2 red bins ($500) for a total of about $2000 to $2500.

Estimates

We provide ballpark estimates over the phone. In-person quotes are $250.

Payment

For homeowners, we will provide you with a detailed invoice and require payment via credit card, Paypal or check at the completion of the cleaning. If your homeowners insurance policy is going to pay for the cleaning, we will bill them directly and simply ask you for your insurance adjuster’s contact information. I will note that our rates are frequently lower than your deductible and are very reasonable compared to the national franchise crime scene cleaning companies.

For property management companies, we will provide you with a detailed invoice and require payment within 30 days