For anyone who has lost a friend or family member to suicide, the trauma can stick with you. It can be overwhelming especially to the person who discovers the scene. However, after the appropriate steps have been taken to address the situation, the next task that comes to mind is cleaning up the area.
While it may seem natural to start the cleaning process yourself, this is actually not recommended. A death cleanup scene is typically contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. This is why it’s best left up to a licensed team of professionals who will follow OSHA specifications, along with local and state guidelines. Not only will they know how to complete the appropriate biohazard cleanup, but they’ll also ensure that you have the time and space to manage other required tasks.
If you’re not sure why it’s best to leave this cleanup to professionals, these are just six of the many reasons.
1. Significant Mess
Unfortunately, after most suicides, any blood or body fluids can be easily absorbed into the walls and floors of buildings. The damage may end up being permanent if not treated with the appropriate products.
Additionally, any forensic chemicals that were applied during an investigation may also damage the area. This is similar to a crime scene cleanup and the chemicals used need to have professional products and techniques to remove them from the premises. When using professionals to clean up these stains, they have the best chance to restore the area to a good condition by using only EPA-rated disinfecting agents.
2. Need to Follow Government and Legal Regulations
When it comes to suicide cleanups, biohazard cleanup is actually subject to a certain legal process. Any suicide has to be reported to the authorities and they have to approve the cleanup as well. It may be challenging to navigate the protocols since they can be extensive as well as unfamiliar. If the job is not performed according to the specific protocols, you may be subject to legal fees. This is probably the last thing you want to deal with when handling a suicide.
When using a professional biohazard cleaning company, they know to follow the appropriate protocols at the local and state level, as well as OSHA guidelines and regulations. Because they are certified professionals, you won’t have to deal with any legal problems.
3. High Stress
When dealing with suicide and the trauma that comes from that experience, the last thing that you want to manage is the cleanup. As soon as you find the trauma scene, you can’t simply clean it or call someone to clean it. You first have to contact law enforcement so that they can perform an investigation.
Even after being approved to clean the area, the process of cleanup can trigger painful emotions and thoughts for everyone involved. Making the work more stressful isn’t going to help with the grieving process. It’s best to manage other important matters such as the funeral arrangements and leave the cleaning to professionals.
4. Reducing Time and Effort
Cleaning up biohazard materials is not a quick or easy job. There’s also a great deal to manage from the cleanup to the funeral. Did you know that the average biohazard cleaning job can take up to seven hours to complete? Also if you consider that this is when the cleaning is done by a group of professionals, imagine how much longer it might take when cleaning is not done by a certified cleaning company. When it comes to cleaning as well as other tasks, you may simply be overwhelmed. However, bringing in a group of professionals will take at least one time-consuming task off of your hands, so you can focus on more important issues.
5. Need for Professional Cleaning Products
After a suicide, you’ll find that there are blood and bodily fluids left behind. These substances can stain the carpet, furnishings, and walls. However, if you don’t use the appropriate cleaning products to remove them, they may be left behind forever. The stains can become permanent which may then lead to your needing to have carpet or furnishings replaced.
This is why using a professional company that uses EPA-approved cleaning products and disinfectants is so imiportant. These products are designed to remove stains safely as well as dispose of any biohazard materials. These professionals will follow the appropriate OSHA protocols and guidelines to ensure that the affected areas are returned to a safe and clean environment again.
6. Potentially Hazardous Materials
Like mentioned previously, probably the most important reason why a biohazard cleaning job should be left to professionals is that the cleanup can be dangerous. Homes and buildings that are affected by suicide are often filled with pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. If not handled appropriately, it can lead to infections and disease for anyone in contact.
When a biohazard team of professionals handles these jobs, they wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended by OSHA. This is not only required by law but also a good idea as it will keep them safe. At the scene, they’ll also be using professional EPA-rated disinfectants and cleaners to remove the blood and other bodily fluids. The technicians know how to prevent cross-contamination. They’ll also even remove any lingering odors with powerful technology.
The Benefits of Using Suicide Cleanup Services
The effects of suicide can be devastating for friends and family of the decreased. However, this does not mean that you have to go about cleaning the area alone. In fact, the reasons mentioned here should provide you with a thorough explanation of why this can be dangerous for your health and safety. In addition to handling the trauma of suicide, you can leave the work of cleanup in the hands of professionals.
A team of experts knows how to follow the appropriate protocols at the scene of a suicide. The expert team at 360 Hazardous will handle the scene professionally as well as courteously for everyone involved. We have seen it all, the good and the bad. When you choose 360, our service goes beyond expected procedures. If you are struggling with emotional and mental devastation, we offer post support to help you in your time of need. We are here for you 24/7, call us today.