Crime Scene/Biohazard Cleanup

Various chemicals can clean and disinfect contaminated sites, including quaternary ammonium compounds, substituted and neat phenols, peroxides, hypochlorites, glutaraldehyde, iodophors, and ozone. Even “natural” botanical disinfectants and deodorizers (e.g., thymol) are toxic at certain concentrations. Chemicals used at improper application rates or concentrations, in combination with other chemicals or with incorrect delivery systems, can cause residues to remain in the building, which impacts human health by direct surface contact or inhalation. There are additional exposures in transporting these chemicals to and from jobsites and their proper disposal.

Improper use of equipment disinfecting and deodorizing ozone machines, foggers, and industrial-strength deodorizers can spread contamination to uninfected areas or leave behind hazardous residues that can impact building occupants upon return. In addition, personal protective equipment (PPE) worn, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, or washing fluids may be considered special or hazardous waste when discarded and require proper transporting and disposal procedures.

Improper handling, transporting, or disposal of biohazards can create significant health hazard exposures to third parties. Materials contaminated with blood and other infectious bodily fluids must be bagged appropriately in designated, leak-proof waste bags, sterilized, and taken to an approved and licensed disposal facility.

Crime scene cleanup can include the cleanup of a meth lab, which involves handling several toxic, reactive, corrosive, and flammable chemicals, including acetone, toluene, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and anhydrous ammonia. Meth lab cleanup can leave a toxic residue that coats and absorbs on and into building contents and materials, including drain traps, septic and HVAC systems, walls, floors, and ceilings. The cleanup process may also include handling unmarked containers of dangerous industrial solvents. There are many risks in the containment, removal, and cleanup of the area and the handling, transporting, and disposal of these toxic and contaminated materials.

Cleanup activities involve the remediation of a contaminated area, which can often include removing sections of drywall and flooring saturated with blood, bodily fluids, or toxic chemicals. These operations can disturb existing asbestos and mold inside walls and flooring materials and release fibers or spores that can affect third parties and spread to clean areas. Mishandling during cleanup, transport, or improper disposal can lead to environmental and tort liability.

Stored stock supplies of chemicals used to clean and disinfect sites are often in concentrated form, and leaks from incompatible or reactive containers may cause a release of gas or fumes (such as hydrogen chloride or ammonia) or generate enough heat for the combustion of nearby burnable materials.

At jobsites involving injuries, death, or decaying bodies, bodily fluids are available for contact and can carry infectious organisms, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, E. coli, and other transmissible disease-causing microbes. Adherence to protocols for isolation, handling, decontamination, and disposal of these materials is essential to preventing exposure to others and avoiding further spreading the contamination throughout otherwise clean areas.