Help for difficult cleanup situations
Biohazard scenes can involve exposure concerns, strong odors, contaminated porous materials, sharps, or other conditions that require careful handling. The right response depends on what happened, which materials were affected, and whether the area has been released for cleanup.
Common cleanup situations
- Unattended death and decomposition
- Blood and bodily-fluid contamination
- Crime and trauma scenes
- Suicide cleanup
- Biohazard conditions associated with severe hoarding
- Commercial and property-management cleanup needs
Start with the situation, not a checklist
Every scene is different. Avoid disturbing contaminated materials unnecessarily. If there is an active emergency or a scene is still under law-enforcement control, contact the appropriate emergency or public agency first. Once the property can be cleaned, call to discuss the situation and service availability.