DIY Network

Biohazard Cleanup Biohazard Cleanup From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-125

In the mid-80s, while fireman Dale Cillian was living in an apartment complex in Arizona, another resident passed away during a period of extreme heat, and the body wasn't found for days. In an effort to help the property owner have the apartment properly cleaned, Cillian called funeral homes and other businesses in the city to ask whether they could clean the site, only to find that no one provided cleaning services appropriate for such extreme conditions. Having been at many trauma, accident and crime scenes, and being familiar with the often disturbing circumstances of such environments, he decided to offer to clean the apartment. From there he went on to launch his own business; a company that is only one of three licensed in Arizona to clean any scene that involves biohazards.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

The term biohazard is applied to a number of situations ranging from relatively simple materials like mold to the removal of needles and blood-contaminated products from tattoo parlors. More extreme situations can involve squalid living conditions containing human and animal waste, accident and trauma sites and illegal drug labs (figure A). Cillian has also traveled to Israel to learn how the aftermath of suicide bombings is handled, and he has become licensed to clean up anthrax, should the need arise.

Professionals must wear special clothing -- Tyvek suits with positive air respirators -- for illegal drug and biohazard situations (figure B). They also wear gloves, the type depending on the materials being handled; these are secured to the suits with chemical tape to protect the skin from various fluids. Tape-secured booties are worn over shoes to help protect legs and feet. Masks vary, depending on the contaminants in each environment.

In the summer, due to heat, these suits can be worn for approximately 30 minutes at a time before they must be removed for a "breathing break." They are then destroyed and a new suit used each time a cleaner re-suits. During winter months the suits can be worn for 45 minutes to an hour.

Interest in forensic science is increasing, and with it the number of companies performing such specialized cleaning is growing. As with all businesses, some are better than others, and laws regarding biohazard cleanup can vary in every city and state. If you find yourself in need of this service, make sure the company you use is licensed and has a proven track record. Check with the Better Business Bureau, get referrals and check references, if at all possible.

Tip: To remove strong smells such as garlic or onions from your hands, "wash" with room-temperature coffee grounds.