Recent Biohazard Posts

Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Whether it is an act of vandalism or a full on crime scene, SERVPRO Technicians are trained to cleanup and restore messes of all degrees: 

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the scene.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Your professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting and deodorizing as they clean.

You don’t want to sit in a house contaminated with anything listed above, so make sure you call SERVPRO of Savannah at (912) 234-9690!

Vandalism Cleanup

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners quickly recover from fire and water damage. They also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

If you ever encounter an act of vandalism to your home or building, here are some tips on what to do until SERVPRO arrives:

DO:

  • Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
  • Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don’t overwet). Scrape and blot (don’t rub: it may damage fibers).
  • Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery
  • Save containers, which reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.
  • Record all damage and photograph when possible.

DON’T:

  • Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
  • Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
  • Discard wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.

Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Whether it is an act of vandalism or a full on crime scene, SERVPRO Technicians are trained to cleanup and restore messes of all degrees: 

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPO Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the scene.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Your professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting and deodorizing as they clean.

You don’t want to sit in a house contaminated with anything listed above, so make sure you call SERVPRO of Savannah at (912) 234-9690!

Caution: Contaminated Water

9/28/2016 (Permalink)

Any water damage in your facility is bad, especially when the water contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect the health of occupants and the value of your property. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and other black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly messes; these bio-hazardous damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into your building, as well as the moisture necessary to ensure their continued growth. 

Sewage damage poses serious health risks to anyone exposed to the contaminated water. The danger arises from various harmful substances, including parasites, that can cause intestinal disease. Some common risks are hepatitis A, E-coli and Salmonella. This grossly unsanitary water is often referred to as "black water." Building occupants should practice precautionary and safety measures at all times when dealing with the threat of black water.

Safety Tips for Building Occupants

DO:

  • Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items

DON'T:

  • Don't spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas and by tracking the contamination elsewhere.
  • Don't turn on the HVAC system if impacted by water. The HVAC system could spread contaminated air to other parts of the building.
  • Don't use household fans to dry the structure which could possibly spread contaminants.
  • Don't use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if they have been exposed to the contaminated areas.
  • Don't consume food or drink that has been exposed to the contaminated areas.

Harmful Waste: Proper Handling & Safety

8/25/2016 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies nationwide, SERVPRO Professionals offer fast, reliable biohazard cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

If you encounter harmful waste, such as sewage or blood borne pathogens, here are some helpful tips on what to do until help arrives:

Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
  • Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
  • Turn off HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

Don't:

  • Attempt cleanup of any kind.
  • Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
  • Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas.

If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup

8/25/2016 (Permalink)

Whether it is an act of vandalism or a full on crime scene, SERVPRO Technicians are trained to cleanup and restore messes of all degrees: 

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPO Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the scene.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Your professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting and deodorizing as they clean.

You don’t want to sit in a house contaminated with anything listed above, so make sure you call SERVPRO of Savannah at (912) 234-9690!

Home Chemical Safety Tips

8/25/2016 (Permalink)

Keep household cleaners and chemicals out of reach of children!

There is an endless supply of cleaning products in our home – everything from glass cleaner and disinfectant wipes, to chlorine bleach and insecticides. These can be found all over the house inside cupboards, under bathroom sinks, and in garages. If these chemicals are used or mixed incorrectly, the result can be extremely hazardous. So what can you do to increase chemical safety at home (and even in the workplace)? Here are some tips that the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) suggest:

  • Make sure you read the warning labels carefully – these contain important instructions on proper use, storage, and disposal.
  • Don’t use too much of one cleaning product.
  • Immediately wash your hands with warm, soapy water after use of any chemical product.
  • Always properly ventilate the area that you are using the chemicals – keep a window open and turn on the fan.
  • Make sure you properly dispose of chemicals. Always dispose of any bottles that you notice are leaking or expired.
  • Keep all cleaning supplies and hazardous chemicals away from food and food preparation areas.
  • Do not combine chemicals or household cleaners.
  • Keep hazardous materials out of reach of children.

 If you are unsure of what substances in your home could be potentially harmful, look for the following characteristics:

  • Corrosive - They eat or wear away at many materials;
  • Flammable - They easily ignite;
  • Reactive - They can cause an explosion or produce deadly vapors; and
  • Toxic - They are poisonous to humans and animals.

Some examples of hazardous wastes found around the home include antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, chemical strippers, chlorine bleach, contact cement, drain cleaners, insecticides, lawn chemicals, nail polish remover, spot removers, toilet and oven cleaners and used motor oil.

In case of accidental ingestion, immediately contact the Poison Control Center (in the United States it is (800) 222-1222).

If you ever need more information about a specific product, you can always find the manufacturer's contact information on the label.

For more information, please visit http://ehstoday.com/safety/chemical/ehs_imp_39314