Proper Bodily Fluid Cleanup Procedures and Equipment

Proper Bodily Fluid Cleanup Procedures and Equipment

If there’s an accident in the home or business and large quantities of bodily fluids are involved, it is imperative that you call a professional bodily fluid cleanup company. Hazardous bloodborne pathogens and other transmittable diseases such as HIV, MRSA, various hepatitis strains and more may be present, and taking the proper precautions to protect yourself and those around you is of the utmost importance. Oftentimes, a person doesn’t know they are a carrier of a disease, which increases the potential for the disease to spread.

Even if you don’t think your situation requires a bodily fluid cleanup company – in cases where the spillage is smaller than a plate – harmful pathogens may still be present and pose health risks and liabilities in the home or business. That’s why you should know the proper bodily fluid cleanup procedures to avoid the potential for infection or reinfection.

 

Personal Protective Equipment for Bodily Fluid Cleanup

Before you start cleaning and disinfecting bodily fluids, make sure you have the proper safety equipment. For bodily fluid spills that have potential for splashing (e.g. a raw sewage leak or blood spills larger than a small plate), bring:

  1. Disposable, water-proof gloves
  2. Rubber boots
  3. Safety goggles
  4. Waterproof coveralls or suit
  5. Disposable cloth towels 
  6. Disinfectant with broad spectrum kill claim
  7. Biohazard bags with approved labels and manifest

If the bodily fluid is already dried and there is no potential for splashing, wearing disposable gloves and safety goggles will suffice.

How to Clean and Disinfect Vomit, Feces, and other Bodily Fluids

Some of the most common bodily fluids that we disinfect and remediate include vomit, feces and blood.

    1. Don your safety gear.
    2. Soak up the wet liquid with disposable towels and discard them in the clearly marked biohazard bag.
    3. Pour the disinfectant with broad spectrum kill claim directly onto the affected material(s). Be sure proper ventilation is present and allow it to properly cure.
    4. Scrub the affected area with cloth towels, starting from the outside and working inward.
    5. Repeat if bodily fluid residue is still present.
    6. Check yourself for any fluid splashing or droplets that you may have missed and have someone else inspect your back.
    7. Wash your hands and arms with disinfectant soap and warm water.
    8. Dispose of your personal protective equipment (gloves, gown, etc.) into a biohazard bag. Contact your local health department for instructions on proper manifesting and disposal.
    9. Log and report the incident if it happened in the workplace.

For over 20 years, Aftermath Services has been the leading expert and most trusted trauma cleanup company for unattended deaths, homicides, suicides, blood and bodily fluids. If you need immediate, professional 24/7 assistance, we can be to you within a few hours. Call us at (877) 827-4339 today.

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