The death of a loved one is devastating. Once the police and emergency crews have done their work, a cleanup team is called to deal with the messy aftermath. The job is called death cleanup, or biohazard cleaning. It involves removing the residue and disinfecting porous surfaces to make living spaces tenable again.
It is a dangerous job. Without proper training and the right personal protective equipment, anyone could become sick from contact with blood-borne pathogens. That includes family members who may not have had a direct hand in the incident. The most common pathogens are Hepatitis and HIV, but it is possible for a variety of serious diseases to be transmitted through bodily fluids and decomposition odors.
Beyond the Tragedy: The Vital Role of Death Cleanup Services in Restoration and Closure
The technicians wear a Tyvek suit, with booties over the shoes, rubber gloves taped at the wrists to keep contaminants out, and a mask that covers the face. They also use an ozone generator and/or hydroxyl machine to resolve lingering odors. This process can take days to complete. The technicians must take regular breaks, to strip off the suits, to let their skin breathe and cool off. They have to stay hydrated, too, as sweat can lead to heat exhaustion.
Death cleanup is a difficult task. A person can die unexpectedly at any time, and even if the body is discovered relatively quickly, decomposition can cause blood, urine and feces to spill and leave a foul odor. The good news is that most homeowner’s insurance policies cover the costs of professional biohazard cleaning services.
…