Biohazards in the work place!
12/16/2019 (Permalink)
Biohazards in the work place: When to call for help
Owning a business means dealing with situations you might not have considered before. For instance, biohazards. According to vocabulary.com, a biohazard is a biological substance that's dangerous to people or the environment. Because accidents are bound to happen, you may find yourself wondering what to do in case of a biohazard at your commercial building.
Anytime a business is dealing with a biohazard, there are procedures to follow set in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. These guidelines were made to keep employees safe. According to Spaulding.com, the most common type of biohazard that happens in the work place is spilled blood. If a small amount of blood is spilled on a hard surface, it is possible to take care of the cleanup without calling a professional. However, to be compliant with OSHA standards, any employee who handles the cleanup must have completed Bloodborne Pathogen Standards training. The employee must also be provided with personal protective equipment, and they must be using an approved disinfectant product. Lastly, any biohazard waste needs to be clearly marked and properly disposed of.
If you are still unsure of when to call for help, consider the dinner plate theory. If the size of the blood shed is greater than the size of a dinner plate, it’s best to call a professional. Also, if the blood/biohazardous chemical spills on carpet, calling a professional right away is the safest option.
When it comes to biohazards, anybody who comes into contact with the affected area is at risk for blood born pathogen exposure. If there is any doubt in your ability to take care of the biohazard yourself, call SERVPRO. Our teams are expertly trained, use state of the art equipment, and are faster to any disaster.
About SERVPRO of NE Grand Rapids:
SERVPRO of NE Grand Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a storm damage, fire, and smoke or water damage event. We also do bio hazard cleanup as well as general clean up. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
If you need help with cleaning up after Water, fire, or mold damage, call the Professionals at SERVPRO of NE Grand Rapids 24/7 616.647.4300