Frequently Asked Questions
As in any profession, quality varies. A competent bio-recovery service will operate vehicles that are designed for the job. It’s technicians will be professional in attitude and appearance. These technicians will be sensitive to the nature of each scene and the people around them. They will work closely with the property managers 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. 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, these specialists isolate, clean, disinfect each surface, and decontaminate properly. Upon completion, the collected waste is properly contained, labeled and transported for appropriate disposal at a medical waste-handling facility.
A: 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 training.
- Having a written bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan.
- Having been provided with personal protective equipment.
- Having been offered a Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up.
- Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the biohazardous waste in a properly marked container for disposal at an approved site.
Penalties for violation of the standard are severe and the employee may also file a workers’ compensation claim in addition to filing a lawsuit.
In most cases home, business, or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. Ultimately, the property owner is responsible for the cost of the service. (We bill the insurance company directly for you.)
We are trained and equipped in removal and disposal of biohazards. We are trained and proficient in infectious waste handling and decontamination procedures that are effective against dangerous pathogenic diseases including HIV-1 (associated with AIDS) and Hepatitis-B Virus (HBA). We specialize in trauma and crime scene abatement, suicides, decomposition, natural deaths, and animal biohazard remediation.
Are they members of ABRA? (American Bio-Recovery Association)
How long have they been in business?
Will they work with the property owner’s insurance?
Will they handle all the insurance paperwork for the property owner?
Are they insured?
Can they provide documents proving destruction of any biohazardous waste that has been generated?
Can they provide the name of their medical waste disposal facility?
Can they provide references?
It is not mandatory in all states, but it is recommended. By using a professional crime scene clean-up company such as Accident Scene Cleaners®, the likelihood of adding further trauma to the victim or family with the task of cleaning up the aftermath is eliminated. Infectious pathogens and odor causing bacteria are removed following the strict guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA.
The majority of local or national janitorial companies have little or no experience dealing with blood borne pathogens. Most of these companies are not licensed to do any demolition or restoration work. Few if any are authorized to transport or dispose of biohazard waste. The sad fact is you are charged great sums of money for disposal and the waste ends up in a traditional landfill. Depending where you live you may be responsible and held liable for this illegal dumping since you are the original owner. Some of these companies actually try to extract large amounts of blood with a carpet extractor, the same one they use to clean carpets. Large blood spots leave a stain in the carpet backing. The stain on the pad and the sub floor are twice as big and are still there even after these so called experts are done. These companies also charge as much or more than a reputable bioh
