Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
About The Company
What are the key traits of a competent biohazard cleanup company?
About The Company
A competent bio-recovery company must demonstrate proficiency in two key areas:
Attitude: Technicians should be professional, respectful, and sensitive to the emotional stress related to the scene and the people around them.
Support: They should work closely with the property representative, discourage publicity, and offer help with documentation, including assuming as much of the role of dealing with the insurance company as possible.
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Expertise:They must be knowledgeable about pathogens, diseases, and the proper use of sanitizers, disinfectants, and sterilants.
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Compliance:The company must strictly adhere to federal and provincial regulations and utilize specialized equipment, protective suits, and documented protocols to ensure collected biohazardous waste is transported for appropriate disposal at a licensed medical waste facility.
Are all companies that claim to do biohazard cleanup truly competent?
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Look for Specialization: If a company primarily focuses on services like janitorial work, carpet cleaning, or general fire and flood restoration, biohazard cleanup is likely a sideline.
Check Certifications: Ask if they are members of recognized professional bodies like the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA).
Verify Experience: Some companies may boast 20 years of experience, but how much of that is actually biohazard remediation? Very few non-specialized companies handle more than a few biohazard cleanups annually.
Are 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up Technicians Qualified?
Yes. Because of the risks inherent with biohazard cleanup, strict adherence to provincial and federal regulations is mandatory. 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up (TSCU) complies with all provincial and federal regulations and WorkSafeBC protocols.
The safety of everyone involved in cleanup operations is paramount, and we are proud to mention that we have not experienced a single safety incident or complaint since 2005.
What Credentials and Industry Affiliations Does 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up Hold?
The company adheres to the standards of The American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA). ABRA is a nationwide non-profit association comprising crime and trauma scene recovery professionals dedicated to upholding the highest technical, ethical, and educational guidelines within the biohazard remediation industry. The stringent requirements for membership ensure that only the most qualified candidates are accepted.
By combining an in-depth pre-acceptance investigation with ongoing education and ethics requirements, ABRA helps ensure that consumers receive the best possible service from bio-recovery companies committed to the highest levels of industry performance. TSCU is the only biohazard cleanup company in British Columbia that is an ABRA member. Furthermore, TSCU President, Brian Woronuik, holds a board position with ABRA as the International Member at Large for Canada.
Pricing / Insurance
Are the services covered by our insurance company?
Biohazardous remediation technicians should be professional in attitude and appearance and be sensitive to the nature of each scene and the people around them. They should work closely with the property representative to reduce the emotional stress related to the scene, discourage publicity and be helpful in assuming as much of the role of dealing with the insurance company as possible.
As well, a competent company will be knowledgeable of disease, pathogens, sanitizers, disinfectants, sterilants, deodorants, techniques, devices, and regulations to help them to successfully deal with each unique situation.
Using special equipment, chemicals and protective suits, our specialists isolate, clean, and decontaminate each surface properly. Upon completion, the collected waste is transported for appropriate disposal at a licensed medical waste facility.
How much do your services cost?
Until we know the full scope of work, we cannot finalize our costs. The main factors in calculating our fees are the number of technicians required, the duration of the cleanup, and the volume of biohazardous waste for disposal.
We provide complimentary on-site walkthroughs and estimates and can begin work immediately and discreetly.
Click here to request a complimentary walkthrough or for general questions about our service.
Chemical & Viral Services
What does fentanyl look like?
Fentanyl is sold as a white powder and is primarily “cut in” to street drugs such as cocaine or heroin. It can also be sold as a pill and combined with other drugs that are commonly ingested as a pill like MDMA.
Fentanyl can kill in tiny doses and shouldn’t be tampered with – if you think that you see fentanyl, call 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up and your local emergency services – 911 – immediately.
Why is fentanyl so deadly?
Fentanyl is a medical-grade sedative and is most often used in hospitals under controlled conditions. A small amount, the size of a grain of sand, can cause an overdose. If it is not created or administered professionally, fentanyl is easy to overdose on.
However, it is becoming increasingly common for those cooking drugs to add fentanyl to cocaine or heroin to give a bigger high for a smaller price. Some people also recreationally use fentanyl because it is more potent, which makes it more addictive, posing an additional deadly risk.
What is carfentanil?
Carfentanil is an even stronger synthetic opioid; it has up to 100 times the potency of regular fentanyl. Consequently, this makes it significantly more deadly. It is not intended for human use and is instead utilized by veterinarians to sedate large animals like elephants.
How Much More Dangerous is Carfentanil than Fentanyl?
| Feature | Fentanyl | Carfentanil (Fentanyl Analog) |
|---|---|---|
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Medical Use |
Approved for use in humans to treat severe pain (e.g., after surgery, palliative care). |
Not approved for human use. Exclusively used as a tranquilizer for very large animals (e.g., elephants). |
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Potency (vs. Morphine) |
~100 times more potent than morphine. |
~10,000 times more potent than morphine. |
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Potency (vs. Fentanyl) |
1. (The base drug) |
~100 times more potent than Fentanyl. |
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Risk to Responders |
Requires strict PPE and handling protocols. The risk of accidental exposure is minimal if SOPs (like wearing nitrile gloves) are followed. |
Extreme Risk. Because a microscopic amount can be lethal, a higher level of protective gear (e.g., full Level B or Hazmat suit) is often recommended during assessment and remediation. |
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Cleanup Protocol |
Strict cleaning and removal of all contaminated porous and non-porous materials. |
Same removal process, but requires maximum containment and the use of specialized neutralizing agents due to the extreme toxicity and higher residual danger. |
How do you get rid of tear gas in your home?
If your home has been exposed to tear gas, from a police incident or another occurrence, it is dangerous to clean it yourself. Tear gas is designed to make you incapacitated by inducing coughing and tears; it requires professional cleaning. Contact 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up today to efficiently and effectively get rid of tear gas in your home.
What is Fingerprint Powder Made Of, and Why is Professional Cleanup Required?
Fingerprint powder is a complex compound designed to be highly adhesive and easily spreadable. The composition varies by color:
- Traditional White Powder:Primarily composed of titanium oxide or aluminum.
- Black Powder: Consists mainly of graphite and charcoal.
The powders often have aluminum and other metals integrated to enhance their ability to stick. Because these compounds are light and highly pervasive, they create a significant mess that can be easily spread into air ducts and porous materials.
Professional cleanup is necessary because the powder is easily spread and highly pervasive, making DIY cleaning ineffective and often harmful. 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up specializes in the expert cleaning and removal of all powder residues from your property, ensuring complete remediation.
What is a clandestine drug lab?
A clandestine drug lab is an illegal facility used to manufacture illicit street drugs. These labs can be found virtually anywhere, from a residential home to a backyard shed or even within a sewer system. They are dangerous not only because of the illegal drugs made inside but also because of the severe environmental hazards they create. The synthesis of substances like methamphetamine and other drugs generates significant amounts of hazardous waste material. Much of this waste is often improperly dumped, posing a direct threat to the health of people and nearby wildlife.
If you suspect you have found a clandestine drug lab, it is crucial that you seek professional intervention immediately. Contact emergency services first, and then call 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up for all specialized cleanup and remediation needs.
What Does a Clandestine Drug Lab (Meth Lab) Smell Like?
The smells emanating from a clandestine drug lab can vary significantly depending on the chemicals being used and the stage of the “cooking” process. It’s often not a single scent, but a combination of highly unusual and unpleasant chemical odours.
Common Warning Odours:
- Strong Chemical Scent: The most common smell is often described as a sharp, acrid, or metallic ammonia odor, similar to cat urine or badly spoiled eggs. This smell is produced by the solvents and caustic agents used in the synthesis process.
- Atypical Solvents: You may also notice the distinct, overwhelming smell of paint thinner, ether, rubbing alcohol, acetone (nail polish remover), or drain cleaner. These smells are often much stronger and harsher than normal household usage would produce.
- Sweet or Sickly Scent: Sometimes, a subtle sweet or sickly-sweet smell can be present, which may be mistaken for burning sugar or an unusual fragrance intended to mask the stronger chemical odours.
Never enter a property if you detect these smells. The chemicals involved in drug synthesis are volatile, corrosive, and potentially explosive.
If you suspect a meth lab, immediately remove yourself from the area and contact emergency services (911 or your local police non-emergency number) immediately. Do not touch anything, turn off any lights, or attempt to ventilate the space.
How long is Norovirus contagious?
Norovirus is a highly contagious superbug that can easily cause illness outbreaks in schools, workplaces, and homes. People who catch Norovirus typically start to feel ill within 24 to 48 hours after contracting the bug; when they are sick, they are at their most contagious and extra precautions should be made to prevent illness. However, they should continue to exercise caution for 3 days after the symptoms disappear.
What to do if you think you contracted Norovirus?
- Getting plenty of rest.
- Having as many fluids as possible to prevent dehydration.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication for cramping.
- Eating bland foods that can easily be kept down.
What happens to contaminated belongings?
Porous items (e.g., carpets, mattresses) that cannot be fully disinfected must be disposed of as regulated biohazardous waste. Non-porous items are assessed and professionally sanitized whenever possible.
Trauma Scene Clean Up
What are Biohazards?
A biohazard (short for biological hazard) is any biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. These substances originate from biological sources and are capable of causing disease, infection, or serious harm.
The Most Common Types of Biohazards:
| Type of Biohazard | Examples | Context in Trauma Cleanup |
|---|---|---|
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Pathogens |
Bacteria, viruses (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B & C, COVID-19), fungi, toxins |
Found in blood, bodily fluids, and tissues left at a scene. |
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Medical Waste |
Contaminated sharps (needles, scalpels), infectious waste, contaminated PPE |
Resulting from drug use (paraphernalia) or emergency medical intervention. |
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Decomposition |
Human or animal remains, insect activity, and associated microbial growth |
Occurring in unattended death scenes, producing harmful gases and bacteria. |
In the trauma scene cleanup industry, the term primarily refers to blood, bodily fluids, human tissue, and contaminated sharps that must be handled and disposed of following strict federal and provincial regulations.
What do you do when you find a needle?
It is never a good idea to remove a discarded needle yourself. While the risk is small, you could get sick or infected if the needle pokes your skin or an existing cut. It is best to call professionals when you find a discarded needle, in order to ensure it is picked up and disposed of correctly without any risk to you.
What are the main causes of industrial accidents?
The main causes of major industrial accidents come about when people are working with hazardous materials and dangerous equipment. While safety regulations minimize the risk of industrial accidents, there is always a chance of disaster when working with complex machinery. The biggest cause is human error and not following safety regulations to their fullest.
How can you prevent industrial accidents?
Industrial accidents can happen in any workplace. The best thing that you can do is to make sure that safety regulations are clear to all staff members and that proper steps are taken to ensure that the work environment is set up for success. This includes proper training for all components of a job, equipment maintenance happening on a regular schedule, and high standards of cleanliness near and around dangerous equipment.
Do police or paramedics handle the cleanup?
No. Law enforcement and emergency medical personnel do not perform cleanup. The responsibility for safe decontamination falls to the property owner to hire a professional biohazard company.
Who is responsible for the cleanup?
The property owner or the legally responsible next of kin is financially and legally responsible for arranging the cleanup once law enforcement or the coroner’s office releases the scene.
If you can’t find the answers you are looking for, feel free to email us at: info@tscu.ca. They will be directed to our administrative team and experienced technicians.
