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Louisiana's Professional Disinfection & Biohazard Cleaners
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Crime scene Cleanup? Does it Require Certification?
June 3, 2020
What is Emergency Biohazard Cleanup, and does it require training or a certificate?
We get this question a lot. The job of a biohazard cleaner requires training and it’s not for everyone. Can you handle the visuals of real brain splattered across the wall? Or worse? I know that we here at Exit come from the film effects world originally, and you can read about that in our blog, but let me tell you , it’s not at all the same and if you think you can handle it because you love gore in movies or TV, you really may be surprised when you are in the room with the real thing.
How are you with the smell of a 2 week old decaying corpse
in the summer here in Louisiana? It’s no picnic. So, if you are still interested keep reading.
Our job as biohazard and crime scene cleaning experts is to completely remove all aspects of biological fluids and tissue, clean, disinfect, and deodorize the site where a violent crime, suicide, or traumatic accident has occurred. Biohazard cleanup can be challenging work that requires technicians to handle potentially hazardous materials such as blood and body fluids. You also must properly handle the crime or trauma scene because it is crucial to the safety of everyone involved including yourself.
Sometimes its easier than others. Some cleanups require serious tools to removes floors, walls and anything that can not simply be cleaned and disinfected. Its important to have a good understanding of building techniques, use of tools, tenacity and an understanding demeanor because you may be there with crying family members, friends, police or more. It’s not just a job to be cleaned, in most cases this was a person, and you are the last one to be there to clean up the mess left behind, so the family can move on.
Now, our job also has other aspects which are generally lighter on the mind, such as Disinfection services , which has become popular because of the COVID-19 outbreak . Or, hoarding property cleanup, drug lab cleanup , which is generally a bit sad but satisfying to know that you made a big improvement on someone’s property.
Biohazard Cleanup Certification FAQ
So are you still interested in pursuing a career in biohazard cleaning? If so, you likely have some questions about what you need to do.
What kind of certifications are required for biohazard cleanup? Generally, there is no "certification" or license required to become a biohazard cleaner but OSHA requires any employee that has the potential of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens, which is an everyday event, to complete the OSHA Standard training in bloodborne pathogens and personal protective equipment (PPE). We have all of our people go through the OSHA training here at Exit through our Biohazardous waste disposal company Stericycle .
Most biohazard cleanup companies will offer on-the-job training in bioremediation (the technical term for what we do) They should offer their best practices and safety compliance for all employees following OSHA Standards in Bloodborne pathogens and PPE as well as safety methods when handling biohazardous waste and working in hazardous areas. Following these standards, good training and practices will reduce the risk of accidents, potential lawsuits, and can lower insurance costs. Plus you need properly trained, safe and knowledgeable technicians to represent your company so proper training is a mus t.
So, that’s the long way of saying there are not formal Biohazard certifications for most states but you must be trained to follow OSHA standards. Right now, only Florida and California require biohazard cleanup companies to obtain permits before handling blood, body fluids, body parts, and other potentially hazardous materials. Most state’s Departments of Health, focus on the safety of the vehicle used to transport the medical waste than on the actual biohazard remediation. But just because there are no specific requirements or certifications to work in biohazard cleanup, many people think that anyone can work in biohazard cleanup. But as I mentioned above, It’s not for everyone and I would say for every 15 people that think they can, only one could actually handle the job itself and be worth hiring.
Remember, it’s not just if you can handle the smells and visuals , there are many factors that make up a good biohazard cleaning technician, and don’t forget, the employer has a say. As a company owner I look for many things include, skillsets, work ethic, professionalism, appearance, attitude, all of it. I have owned my own businesses for 2 decades and have hired and fired many people. So realize, we look at the whole package and we have high standards. You are asking to go into peoples homes when they are at their lowest to deal with an overwhelming situation in many cases so you are a representative of the company you work for. So as a business owner, we have to feel that you can handle these situations in the best way possible so remember when we ask, “Is Biohazard Cleanup for you?" , its not just, can you handle it, it’s also can you be what we need. I always like to remind people that jobs, no matter what they are, require many things that aren’t always about the physical work of doing the job as described.
So still interested in getting into Biohazard and crime scene cleanup? Remember, it can be a stressful, demanding profession that requires you to work long hours dressed in PPE gear, deal with all types of people with varying stress levels, encounter a wide range of tragic circumstances, and be able to not take it home with you. This is not the same as a standard cleaning company or janitorial service , or anything like you see on TV or films, (we know, we used to do that). Now that we told you all of this, know that if you really want to learn biohazard cleanup and work in the industry, it’s a rewarding career that gives you a sense of pride, knowing that you do your job well and that you can help people in their time of need. Our motto is, “Compassion, Safety, Peace of mind” this is what Exit Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup stand by. We have compassion for the situation, we offer safe and effective cleaning of the situation, and we offer the Peace of mind, that comes with having a professional help when we are most needed. If you want to jump into biohazard remediation and you understand what it takes and what is required come talk to us. It’s a very satisfying career.
Our job as biohazard and crime scene cleaning experts is to completely remove all aspects of biological fluids and tissue, clean, disinfect, and deodorize the site where a violent crime, suicide, or traumatic accident has occurred. Biohazard cleanup can be challenging work that requires technicians to handle potentially hazardous materials such as blood and body fluids. You also must properly handle the crime or trauma scene because it is crucial to the safety of everyone involved including yourself.
Sometimes its easier than others. Some cleanups require serious tools to removes floors, walls and anything that can not simply be cleaned and disinfected. Its important to have a good understanding of building techniques, use of tools, tenacity and an understanding demeanor because you may be there with crying family members, friends, police or more. It’s not just a job to be cleaned, in most cases this was a person, and you are the last one to be there to clean up the mess left behind, so the family can move on.
Now, our job also has other aspects which are generally lighter on the mind, such as Disinfection services , which has become popular because of the COVID-19 outbreak . Or, hoarding property cleanup, drug lab cleanup , which is generally a bit sad but satisfying to know that you made a big improvement on someone’s property.
Biohazard Cleanup Certification FAQ
So are you still interested in pursuing a career in biohazard cleaning? If so, you likely have some questions about what you need to do.
What kind of certifications are required for biohazard cleanup? Generally, there is no "certification" or license required to become a biohazard cleaner but OSHA requires any employee that has the potential of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens, which is an everyday event, to complete the OSHA Standard training in bloodborne pathogens and personal protective equipment (PPE). We have all of our people go through the OSHA training here at Exit through our Biohazardous waste disposal company Stericycle .
Most biohazard cleanup companies will offer on-the-job training in bioremediation (the technical term for what we do) They should offer their best practices and safety compliance for all employees following OSHA Standards in Bloodborne pathogens and PPE as well as safety methods when handling biohazardous waste and working in hazardous areas. Following these standards, good training and practices will reduce the risk of accidents, potential lawsuits, and can lower insurance costs. Plus you need properly trained, safe and knowledgeable technicians to represent your company so proper training is a mus t.
So, that’s the long way of saying there are not formal Biohazard certifications for most states but you must be trained to follow OSHA standards. Right now, only Florida and California require biohazard cleanup companies to obtain permits before handling blood, body fluids, body parts, and other potentially hazardous materials. Most state’s Departments of Health, focus on the safety of the vehicle used to transport the medical waste than on the actual biohazard remediation. But just because there are no specific requirements or certifications to work in biohazard cleanup, many people think that anyone can work in biohazard cleanup. But as I mentioned above, It’s not for everyone and I would say for every 15 people that think they can, only one could actually handle the job itself and be worth hiring.
Remember, it’s not just if you can handle the smells and visuals , there are many factors that make up a good biohazard cleaning technician, and don’t forget, the employer has a say. As a company owner I look for many things include, skillsets, work ethic, professionalism, appearance, attitude, all of it. I have owned my own businesses for 2 decades and have hired and fired many people. So realize, we look at the whole package and we have high standards. You are asking to go into peoples homes when they are at their lowest to deal with an overwhelming situation in many cases so you are a representative of the company you work for. So as a business owner, we have to feel that you can handle these situations in the best way possible so remember when we ask, “Is Biohazard Cleanup for you?" , its not just, can you handle it, it’s also can you be what we need. I always like to remind people that jobs, no matter what they are, require many things that aren’t always about the physical work of doing the job as described.
So still interested in getting into Biohazard and crime scene cleanup? Remember, it can be a stressful, demanding profession that requires you to work long hours dressed in PPE gear, deal with all types of people with varying stress levels, encounter a wide range of tragic circumstances, and be able to not take it home with you. This is not the same as a standard cleaning company or janitorial service , or anything like you see on TV or films, (we know, we used to do that). Now that we told you all of this, know that if you really want to learn biohazard cleanup and work in the industry, it’s a rewarding career that gives you a sense of pride, knowing that you do your job well and that you can help people in their time of need. Our motto is, “Compassion, Safety, Peace of mind” this is what Exit Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup stand by. We have compassion for the situation, we offer safe and effective cleaning of the situation, and we offer the Peace of mind, that comes with having a professional help when we are most needed. If you want to jump into biohazard remediation and you understand what it takes and what is required come talk to us. It’s a very satisfying career.
What is a Hoarder
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If you have a case of CDIFF and need help call EXIT BIOHAZARD CLEANUP and have us come and disinfect your home. What is CDIFF? C.diff stands for Clostridium difficile (klos-TRID-e-oi-deez dif-uh-SEEL), which is a germ or bacterium that causes a symptomatic infection due to the spore-forming bacterium, Clostridium difficile. It causes many Symptoms which include watery diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. It makes up about 20% of cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It most commonly affects older adults in hospitals or in long-term care facilities. Complications may include pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, perforation of the colon, and sepsis which can be life threatening. One in 11 people over age 65 diagnosed with a healthcare-associated C. diff infection die within one month. In general it causes severe diarrhea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon). It’s estimated to cause almost half a million infections in the United States each year. C. diff can affect anyone. Most cases of C. diff occur when you’ve been taking antibiotics or not long after you’ve finished taking antibiotics. There are other risk factors such as being 65 or older, a recent stay at a hospital or nursing home, a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, or previous infection with C. diff or known exposure to the germs. Because 1 in 6 patients who get C. diff will get it again in the subsequent 2-8 weeks . If you have been taking antibiotics recently and have symptoms of C. diff, you should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Getting diarrhea is fairly common while on, or after taking, antibiotics, but in only a few cases will that diarrhea be caused by C. diff . So if your diarrhea is severe you need to talk to your doctor and do not delay getting medical care. Your doctor will review your symptoms and order a lab test of a stool (poop) sample. If the test is positive, you’ll take a specific antibiotic (e.g. vancomycin or fidaxomicin) for at least 10 days. If you were already taking an antibiotic for another infection, your healthcare professional might ask you to stop taking it if they think it’s safe to do so. Your doctor may decide to admit you to the hospital, in which case they will use certain precautions, such as wearing gowns and gloves, to prevent the spread of C. diff to themselves and to other patients because it can be very contagious . its important to use a separate bathroom if you have diarrhea, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water every time you use the bathroom and always before you eat, and take showers washing well with soap. Cleanliness is key to beating this and stopping it from spreading to others or back to you. Because C.DIFF bacteria can last for months. When the bacteria are outside the human body they can be virtually anywhere in the environment. They are in a dormant state and essentially shutdown waiting for a new host. This enables them to survive for a long time from weeks to months in any number of places and that's why its very difficult to destroy and it is also why people often have the infection reoccur. The ability of it to be dormant and survive outside the body enables the generally easy transmission of the bacterium. It can last a long time sitting on surfaces, in soil or feces, in water areas, or even in food. Once the bacteria finds their way into a person's digestive system, they "wake up" and can begin to produce infection again. That being said, its not the easiest bacteria to kill. its not like covid which is pretty weak in the environment and generally dies quickly. this has some staying power and requires special cleaning and disinfection procedures. We often kill corona virus and other germs during our disinfection fogging services to help stop the spread of covid 19 and we kill 99.99% of germs and viruses in general for most of our services including our biohazard cleaning services, but CDIFF is something special and its much harder to kill so we have to bring out the big guns to do it. We mean specialty chemicals and procedures to kill what is there and what is hiding dormant. At Exit Cleanup we just think of this as another service we provide but as you can see its not your typical disinfection. If you have Cdiff or someone in your family does and you want us there to kill it, please just call and we will prepare for germ warfare for you. We will fight this for you.
This is to describe the 4 levels of biohazards and the 6 types of biohazards. Biohazard cleanup is important because we could encounter a biohazard anytime anywhere. Learn more here. A biohazard could be anything from animal feces or rancid meat to blood from a crime scene or materials from a laboratory.
Support after a Tragedy is Essential
The Aftermath of a crime or Death can be Overwhelming and Traumatic
A suicide in New Orleans. Exit cleanup doesn't always get the job but we do all we can to help in any situation. Most of the time, your home owners insurance pays the biohazard cleanup but if the deceased lived in an apartment, it may be something that the property owner may want to pay for. Its sometimes complicated but Exit will help. This situation was difficult because the resident committed suicide and the property owner wasn't available. Long story short , we helped out the sister of the deceased a bit so she could get things sorted and did what we could.
RYOBI Fogger review is to talk about the good and bad of the Ryobi 18v fogger. We here at Exit Cleanup use fogging for our disinfection services that we provide in the Louisiana area. We disinfect and decontaminate for viruses such as the Covid Virus, Mrsa, HIV, CDIFF, Hepatitis and more. We use fogging as one of our tools to kill the germs. you can also see our review of the Ryobi 18v electrostatic sprayer.
Exit Cleanup are Louisiana's blood and biohazard experts and we can help. We are here to deal with all biohazard cleaning siuations from blood spills to virus protection. We clean up death and crime scenes as well as the aftermath of suicides and any situation involving blood and bodily fluids. We also help cleanup hoarding properties and work with hoarders to get things back to a working normal in their homes. We get asked a lot about Blood cleanup so this article gives a bit o what to do in that situation.
Types of Biohazards we may have to deal with
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From NOLA TO BATON ROUGE and all surrounding areas, Trusted and Professional Biohazard Services
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Phone: (504) 722-1504 • Email: info@exitcleanup.com • License # 94037645
Call anytime 24hrs -7 days a week, 365 days a year, Free Estimates. Address 314 Penns Chapel Rd Mandeville LA 70471
