Blood itself is not a biohazard, it’s what may be in the potentially hazardous blood, such as bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) or infectious microorganisms, that can cause diseases.
Biohazards are any biological contaminants such as those found in sewage, mold, or any viral or bacterial contamination such as MRSA. Biohazards also include toxins found in decaying organisms, as well as bodily fluids.
Crime scene cleanup is the professional removal, cleaning, and sanitization of biological hazards left behind after a traumatic event. This includes safely addressing contamination so the property no longer poses a health risk and can be used again.
The process involves securing affected areas, removing contaminated materials, deep cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, deodorizing the space, and ensuring the property meets safety standards before re-occupancy. That’s how crime scene cleanup works
Once authorities have completed their work, cleanup becomes the responsibility of the property owner, family, or property manager—often handled through professional biohazard cleanup services. While the property owner is responsible for crime scene cleanup, it is best to work with experts to achieve it.
Many homeowners and commercial insurance policies provide coverage for crime scene and trauma cleanup, depending on the cause of loss. Coverage details vary by policy.
Cleanup time depends on the extent of contamination and size of the affected area. Some jobs take several hours, while others may require multiple days for full remediation. How long does crime scene cleanup take? Short answer, it depends on the severity of the situation.
No. Law enforcement secures and investigates the scene but does not handle biohazard cleanup. Professional services are required afterward.
Yes — when performed by trained professionals. Proper cleanup removes health risks that could otherwise endanger occupants and pets if left untreated.
Once professional cleanup is complete and safety standards are met, the property can typically be reoccupied immediately.
Yes. Professional trauma cleanup companies prioritize discretion, privacy, and respect throughout the entire process.
Any scenario involving biological contaminants that pose health risks can be classified as requiring biohazard cleanup situation —such as bodily fluids, sewage, pathogens, or hoarding-related contamination.
Insurance policies have many variables, while Crime Scene or Biohazard cleanup is often covered it is very important that you consult your insurance broker or agent to determine your specific coverages.
Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
When a biohazard occurs, professionals are needed to clean and disinfect as improper treatment can spread contamination and lead to illness or life-threatening conditions.