Biohazard Awareness Month: Bloodborne Pathogens & Biohazard Cleanup

February is Biohazard Awareness Month. We’re marking the occasion by discussing topics that concern our safety and the risks we experience from bloodborne pathogens and other biohazardous sources. We’re inviting you to help us draw attention to these concerns by donning your own PPE (whether it’s boots, gloves, hard hat or a mask) and sharing your photo with us on social media. Use the hashtag #BiohazardAwarenessMonth to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens, called BBPs for short, exist in human blood and other body fluids. These microorganisms can spread diseases from one person to another when proper precautions aren’t taken. Bloodborne pathogens spread many diseases, including:

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• HIV

Although bloodborne pathogens can lead to serious illness, there’s no sure way to know if another individual carries them. In some cases, the person themselves may be unaware they are a carrier. For this reason, it is always important to be cautious around blood and other body fluids, and ensure that any biohazardous materials are cleaned up thoroughly and efficiently.

Who is at Risk?

Under the direction of the Department of Labor, OSHA has developed specific procedures and regulations for employers and employees to follow to ensure safety when dealing with blood and other fluids. In careers where biohazard exposure is considered routine, this may involve formal training and the use of specialized PPE. Standards may vary from role to role, but some examples of high-risk occupations are:

• First aid personnel
• Nurses
• Housekeeping
• Law enforcement

Whatever you do, it is important to note that the possibility of exposure can happen no matter where you are. In cases where there is no cleaning plan in place, hiring a professional biohazard cleanup company can be a cost-saving preventative measure.

Aftermath employs specialized cleaning tools and processes to ensure that any hazardous waste is safely removed from your home or place of business. Furthermore, our cleanup technicians are trained to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to guard themselves against any exposure during cleanup and take steps to verify that a scene is fully clean at the end of each job.

WhAT CAN YOU DO TO protect yourself?

Having a plan in place before an incident occurs can save time and money; it also provides additional peace of mind to business owners, employees, and customers. Here at Aftermath, we are committed to providing blood cleanup services with an unparalleled level of respect and compassion. We understand these incidents can be traumatizing and potentially hazardous; it is our goal to do all we can to help our customers remain safe and healthy.

Don’t forget to put on your PPE and share the photo with us on social media. Use the hashtag #BiohazardAwarenessMonth to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. For safe cleanup 24/7, please call us at 877-698-5580. If you are a member of law enforcement, free rollcall presentations and PPE may be available to you and your department. Please visit our website for more information.