Can't I just have my employees clean it up?
No, a business owner may face potential liability if they assign their staff to clean up a biohazard site after a suicide, homicide, crime scene, trauma or unattended death. Federal Regulation 29CFR1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to blood spills without first:
- Receiving bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training
- Having a written BBP exposure control plan
- Having been provided personal protective equipment
- Having been offered the Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up
- Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the bio-hazardous waste in properly marked containers for disposal at an approved site
Only after these five steps have been met can an employee be required by his or her employer to clean a bio-hazardous crime scene. Additionally, if the area is not cleaned and sanitized properly, your business could face additional liability. It’s best to leave biohazard cleanup to professionals.
If the blood is gone, is the area clean and safe?
No, unfortunately, blood and other bodily fluids can seep into fabrics, under baseboards and other areas invisible to the eye. Proper cleaning and restoration takes more than just visible blood removal. Our team has the training, special tools and experience to clean and remove visible as well as non-visible material. Rest assured, the area will be safe and restored upon completion.
How quickly can Accident Cleaners & Restoration arrive?
As a locally-based crime scene cleaning company, we pride ourselves on our immediate, 24/7 prompt response. We have numerous locally based technicians who will dispatch immediately when called upon for your service.
Will the property be safe inside after you clean up the scene?
Who pays for Accident Cleaners & Restoration Services?
We also accept major credit cards if you do not have homeowners insurance or if this cannot be counted toward your deductible.
Will homeowners insurance cover the cost of crime scene cleanup services?
Homeowner’s insurance will typically pay for the clean-up costs associated with an accidental death clean-up. We will assist you by filing a claim, and working directly with your insurance representative, so that you can focus on what matters most during this difficult time. While we are unable to determine which benefits you qualify for, after the claim is filed, your insurance company will be able to confirm coverage and should allow you to select the cleaning service that you feel most comfortable with. Our company has established professional relationships with major insurance providers, allowing us to work directly between each party for your benefit.
If your homeowner’s insurance does not defray the cost of our cleaning services, we accept all major credit cards and individual payment plans. In some cases, a portion of the cost might be paid through the crime victim compensation funds provided by the state. Econ Biohazard LLC also provides no-insurance discounts and financial hardship programs if qualifications are met, we ensure that you are assisted and comfortable with proceeding before services are started.
Whatever your finances, our team will work with you to choose the best payment options for you.
My insurance company recommended someone else. Do I have to go with them?
Why should I call Accident Cleaners & Restoration instead of cleaning up after a suicide, homicide, trauma or unattended death myself?
When it comes to a crime scene cleanup, you could be exposing yourself to potentially biohazardous material or bloodborne pathogens. In addition to exposing yourself or others to these materials, you shouldn’t have to experience the emotional trauma that may result from you attempting to restore the site on your own. We have the training, certifications and experience and are one of the top crime scene cleaning services recommended by insurance companies.
How long will it take for the property to be cleaned?
What are your certifications?
We take great pride in our education, training, and certification process within the property restoration industry. There is more training and qualifications in this industry than in 90 percent of the counterparts in other industries, and we take pride in doing the job correctly. It’s important to know that OSHA or other government agencies do not certify bio-recovery companies. Click here to see our full list of qualifications and certifications.
What about those national crime scene cleanup companies?
There are so many crime scene cleanup companies: Who can I trust?
Yes, there are many companies, so it’s your call. Here’s a short checklist you can use to consider whether a crime scene cleaning company meets your needs:
- Years of experience in biohazard remediation
- Proof of insurance, including liability insurance with pollution coverage and workers compensation insurance that includes coverage for biohazard remediation
- Permitted for generation and transport of bio-medical waste
- State of Florida Department of Health
- OSHA compliance with 29CFR1910.1030 with annual re-training
- Training and Certification with an Independent training facility (ABRA, etc)
- Hands-on training (in classroom and outside)
- Certification test should be provided by a 3rd party (Companies should not certify their own employees)
- References and reputation
- Experience working with homeowners insurance claims
- Local immediate service and accountability
- Continuing education through ABRA, IICRC or another reputable trade association
- Understand the emotional aspect of this business
- Displaying Compassion in Crisis
- Decontamination Guarantee
- We have the training, certifications and experience, as well as being one of the most sought after crime scene cleanup companies recommended by insurance companies. Our ability to make the recovery process smooth and seamless has earned us the trust and countless praise from our past clients.
What guarantees do you have to ensure your work will be done correctly and completely?
- 24/7 live local dispatch;
- Trained, experienced and compassionate care team personnel;
- Direct claims assistance working with your insurance company for little to no out of pocket expense;
- Use unmarked vehicles to work discreetly; and
- Honesty and integrity throughout the property restoration process
We have the training, tools, certification and experience to do the job right the first time. We are a properly licensed, insured and certified death clean up company. If you used another company who provided less than satisfactory results, we can help make it right. Rest assured, the area will be safe and restored upon completion. We stand by our work: It’s what helped us earn recognition from insurance companies and past clients.
Do I have to be there when Accident Cleaners & Restoration is working?
No, you don’t have to be there. It’s your choice if you want to stay during the clean-up process. We will treat your home or property with the utmost respect. Our company is properly certified, insured, and bonded which has earned the trust and respect of past clients.
My family member was not discovered for many days/weeks, and there's a lingering odor. What do I do?
I live out of state, but my family lives in one of your service areas. Can you help us?
Yes, whether in or out of state, we can work with you to clean up after a suicide, homicide, unattended death or trauma. You don’t have to be present at the scene. We know that accidents don’t wait for normal office hours, and neither do we. You can call us anytime, day or night.
I hired another company, but they only made it worse. Help!
Don't the police clean up the scene?
Unfortunately, it is not the responsibility of law enforcement, fire rescue, EMS or medical examiners to clean up after a trauma, suicide, homicide, decomposition or unattended death. Once the scene is released, it is the responsibility of the property owner or family members to find the services necessary to clean up the property.
How much does the cleaning service cost?
Every scene is different and each is estimated based on its own merit. The costs related our service varies based on the extent of damage to the structure and its contents. It is very difficult to immediately provide an estimate for services as much of the scope of work required is determined while the work itself is in progress. Some of the factors that determine the cost include, but are not limited to, how far biological fluids have traveled, if flooring needs to be removed, how many layers of flooring, if joists and beams have been affected, if walls and ceilings require cleaning, the amount of personal property affected and if there is an odor, if those organic vapors have embedded themselves into the structure.
Upon arriving at the scene, our experienced team will evaluate the damages and develop a plan for the scope of work expected to be required to clean and sanitize the property successfully. Initially, a range for the cost – both best/worst-case scenario – can be provided until any and all complicating factors can be ruled out and a firm estimate can be developed.
What type of services do you provide?
Econ Biohazard LLC offers professional and compassionate cleanup services during very emotional times for our customers. Our commitment to taking your mind off cleaning will let you take care of your loved ones as we restore your site to pre-loss condition. We specialize in the decontamination, sanitation and restoration of bloodborne pathogens and biohazard disposal in situations involving: homicides, suicides, body decomposition, industrial accidents, vehicle accidents, disease outbreak, natural disasters, mass casualties, human bodily fluids, blood removal, infection control, hoarding, animal urine & feces, filth removal of distressed properties, transportation and disposal of biohazards, law enforcement chemical, MRSA, CDIFF, crime and burglary, GI Bleeds, accidental injuries and unattended deaths.
Why should I use Econ Biohazard LLC as my professional cleaning service?
Our team offers you the following:
- Decades of biohazard remediation experience
- Local cleaning technicians
- Success working on homeowner’s insurance claims
- Emotional grief consultations
- Exceptional customer referrals
- Full compliance with OSHA standards
- Compliance with all local, state, and federal remediation laws
- Continuing education for all team members
Why should I use a professional cleaning service when I can clean it up myself?
While we will never force you to use our services, attempting to clean a crime scene by yourself is never advised. You risk exposing yourself to pathogens and other toxic chemicals that are grave risks to your health. Attempting to restore a site yourself can result in further emotional trauma, something that we would never want to put one of our customers through.
We strongly recommend leaving the clean-up process to trusted professionals that have the tools and protective equipment, as well as the expertise, to safely clean a crime scene to highest sanitation levels.
What risks do I face when cleaning a site myself?
Numerous dangerous bacteria and viruses, chemicals, and particles can jeopardize your health. The emotional distress caused by cleaning up after a suicide or accident can have long-term consequences. You deserve to be protected from this unnecessary exposure by hiring a certified and professional cleaning service.
How quick is your turnaround time after I contact you?
Offering 24/7 cleaning services, our representatives are responsive to your needs from the moment a call is received. Our goal is to arrive on the scene as quickly as possible. With crews stationed in most metropolitan areas, depending on the availability of the crew local to your territory, arrival at the scene could be as quick as an 30 mins / hour or two, but no longer than 24 hours. Our locally-based technicians are familiar with their respective territories and will work around your schedule, both day and night.
How long does a clean-up take?
Within the biohazard removal industry, the extent of the scope of work and the time required to remediate a property is uncovered as each layer beneath the surface is tested for the presence of biological fluid. The clean-up period varies greatly depending on the situation. After our initial meeting, we will provide you with a complete plan of action, including an estimated time of completion. Services can range from a few hours to a few days. We will make sure to keep you and or your insurance representative informed throughout the process.
Do you use bleach?
We do not use bleach during our clean-ups because it doesn’t penetrate carpets, fabrics, and hardwood floors like other professional cleaning solutions. Our team uses a full range of hospital-grade solvents and chemicals that are designed to penetrate lingering stains. These products quickly disinfect and sanitize, leaving the site safe and clean.
Once the cleaning is complete, how safe will it be?
Once fully-cleaned, the entire site will be safe for your family and loved ones. Our ultimate goal is to make sure that the scene is devoid of any lingering odors, stains, or soiled surfaces. And if you by chance require any additional cleaning, let us know and we’ll gladly come back for a follow-up consultation.
Are you certified?
All of our clean-up professionals are trained and certified in the latest techniques in property restoration. We regularly require our employees to keep their certifications up-to-date and attend regular training seminars and conferences across the country.
What do you guarantee?
Providing the recommended scope of work has been performed, we guarantee when our work is completed that the property is free of any biological fluids or other potentially infectious materials. The customer is provided with a Certificate of Completion which states that the property has been professionally remediated and outlines all the services that were completed.
Our team will work quickly and discreetly to clean your site in the fastest manner possible, helping you get on the track to recovery. That’s our promise to you.
Do I have to be present while your team is working?
No. As long as we have access to the property, if you choose not to be on-site during our cleaning process, we completely understand. If possible, we do prefer to conduct a final walk-through when the work is completed to ensure customer satisfaction. Whether you’d like to monitor our work, or only visit once the job is complete, our team will treat your home with the same respect as if it was their own.
How do you remove any lingering odors?
Our team prides itself in finding the proper cleaning product to remove any foul or lingering smells. Minimally-invasive and deep-penetrating, these solutions will remove the source of the intrusive odor. In some cases, structural removal is required. Without seeking out the cause of the smell, it may remain for weeks, months, or even years.
What if I don't have insurance coverage? My family is on a fixed income. Do you offer payment options?
Yes. We understand the emotional distress you may be experiencing. Although the vast majority of our cases are handled directly through insurance, in the event that this option is not available to you, we will work with you to develop a payment plan conducive to your finances.
Econ Biohazard LLC accepts all major credit cards. We provide financial hardship programs if certain qualifications are met and also have the ability to be paid directly from the deceased estate or the sale of the property.
What kind of training is needed?
- Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Standard: OSHA protocol specifically targeted at mitigating exposures to and damage from potentially infectious pathogens.
- Universal Precautions: Employers who may expose their employees to blood and biological materials are required to assume that all blood and biological materials contain potentially infectious bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, HIV, or Tuberculosis.
- Mandatory Hepatitis B Vaccinations: Employers must ensure that employees are trained about the vaccine and vaccination, including efficacy, safety, method of administration, and the benefits of vaccination.
- Respiratory Standards:
- Required respiratory medical screening by a physician
- Personal, full-face respirators that are fit-tested for individual employees
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards:
- Recommended equipment includes: gloves, full-body suits, booties, safety goggles or full-face respirators. All equipment must be changed at regular intervals to prevent employee exposure and cross-contamination
- Initial and continual training to appropriately don and doff equipment
- Mandatory Heat-Stress Protocols: Protocol designed to prevent an employee from suffering a heat-stress injury caused by working within a semi-permeable suit while performing manual labor.
- Written Exposure Plan: Plans must be updated and reviewed annually with employee participation.
- Annual OSHA Compliance Training: Required for all employees in BBP, PPE, HAZCOM, and respiratory protection.
Its just blood right?
Wrong its not just blood, Most people are unaware of the exposure risks of dealing with blood and bodily fluids. Any time these biohazards are present, proceed with caution. These risks can be effectively limited by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established remediation and disinfection protocols that are required by law and set by industry best practices. It is important for any company or organization to understand that they are responsible for their employees’, customers’, and members’ safety when it comes to biohazard exposure. There are several state and federal regulations that address how blood and biological materials should be handled and disposed of.
The EPA, DOT, OSHA Established Guidelines
- The EPA, DOT, OSHA, and state environmental agencies all have specific regulations tied to how medical waste should be handled, packaged, labeled, transported, manifested, and disposed of.
- Regulated medical waste must be placed in a red bag of a certain textile strength that is labeled with the universal biohazard symbol.
- The red bag must be placed in a secondary container that is leak-proof.
- Containers must be properly labeled and must be tracked through a chain of custody manifesting forms.
- The waste must then be disposed of according to state and federal laws, which typically provides for disposal through autoclaving or incineration.
It varies by state, but those who generate, transport, store, or dispose of medical waste must be licensed by the appropriate agencies. Employees must be trained on the state and federal regulations under the license and must adhere to proper exposure regulations when handling the medical waste boxes. All of these regulations and guidelines serve as the foundation for the processes that Econ Biohazard utilizes when performing biohazard remediation services.
The CDC & NIOSH Established Guidelines.
The CDC and NIOSH have established guidelines for how blood and biological materials must be treated to render them as harmless as possible.
- The CDC has determined that pathogens cannot be properly disinfected unless an EPA-rated disinfectant or tuberculocide has been sprayed on clean, hard surfaces. Remediation companies cleaning up blood spills must:
- (a) use EPA-rated chemicals
- (b) strictly adhere to the directions provided by the chemical manufacturer which are the conditions under which the EPA approved the disinfectant
- (c) remove any biological materials from the hard surface prior to using the disinfectant; and
- (d) spray only hard, non-permeable surfaces.
- If the above conditions cannot be met, then the surface or item cannot be disinfected and must be properly removed and disposed of as regulated medical waste.
- The CDC, in conjunction with OSHA, issued an opinion letter stating that blood on carpeting cannot be disinfected. Carpet is a soft, permeable surface and no disinfectant has been rated by the EPA as adequate enough to properly disinfect soft surfaces. Therefore, an affected carpet cannot be disinfected, but must instead be removed and disposed of as regulated medical waste.