Why it's not advisable to cut corners when it comes to biohazard cleanup jobs
In a real case in Vancouver, a property management company found a deceased individual in one of their suites, and the biohazard was not cleaned up properly. In an effort to resolve the situation quickly, the property management company hired cleaners who did a poor job, leaving behind hazardous materials and potential health risks for those in the building. The negligent cleaning led to a dangerous situation that could have been prevented with proper procedures and professional clean-up services.
The scenario
Our company was hired to clean up after another company (let’s call it Company A) had cleaned up a suite after the death of a person in a rental suite. The property management company hired Company A to just do a surface cleaning that involved the affected area of the carpet, so they would be able to show the rental unit to another potential tenant. However, this was a grave mistake that resulted in a serious health hazard and a costly remediation.
The Problem
A few days later, someone noticed that the bodily fluids had seeped through the carpet onto the underlay and made their way through the floorboard to the suite on the floor below. The bodily fluids seeped through one of the light fixtures, creating a potential electrical fire hazard. A strong odour was reported, which led the property management company to hire 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up and investigate the source of the smell.
The Solution
Once we analyzed the situation, we quickly determined there were two units impacted. Our recommendation was to remove the flooring as it was where the concentration of the biohazards was. We followed the industry standards and protocols for trauma scene cleanup, using proper personal protective equipment, disinfectants, and tools. We also disposed of the contaminated materials in accordance with local regulations. After successful remediation, the odour had completely disappeared and the suites were safe and ready for re-occupancy.
The Lesson
The property management company learned the hard way that cutting corners in situations like these can have serious consequences, both in terms of health and legal liabilities.
This case proves that trauma scene cleanup is not just wiping a surface. It is a complex and delicate process that requires professional intervention. By hiring a cheap and inexperienced company, the property management company ended up paying more for the remediation and exposing themselves and their tenants to health and safety risks. Cutting corners in trauma scene cleanup jobs is never a good idea. It should be an area where you invest in quality and reliability.
Trauma scene cleanup is a specialized service that requires expertise, experience, and equipment to ensure the safety and health of everyone involved. It is not a simple task of wiping a surface and calling it a day.
SOME OF THE HEALTH RISKS OF CUTTING CORNERS IN TRAUMA SCENE CLEANUP JOBS INCLUDE:
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, which can cause serious infections and diseases.
- Exposure to other biological hazards such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, which can cause respiratory problems, skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders and allergic reactions.
- Exposure to chemical hazards such as drugs, solvents, cleaners and pesticides, which can cause poisoning, irritation, burns and organ damage.
- Exposure to psychological hazards such as stress, trauma, grief and anxiety, which can affect mental health and well-being.
If you need trauma scene cleanup services, contact us today. We are certified, experienced, and equipped to handle any situation with care and respect.