Having to deal with the tragedy of losing a family member to suicide is too much. However, the home or apartment where it all happened still needs cleaning. For many people, this is going to be a horrible time, and this is often the last thing that they have in mind. Learn information about suicide on this webpage.
This is where a bioremediation company comes into the picture where they are going to clean the area and make sure that it’s livable. They will provide specialized services that will make sure that every nook and cranny is covered, and they are going to offer respect for the family as well. Also, it’s not recommended for the family to clean up after a suicide because there are a lot of health risks out there, especially if full disinfection is not done.
Why Call a Bioremediation Company?
Suicide can mean a lot of blood spatters and bodily fluids that have bacteria and viruses. These biohazardous bloodborne pathogens are going to make the home or the apartment hazardous for the people living in the area. This is also the case with accidental or unattended deaths where the body might have been decomposing for weeks.
Usually, law enforcement is summoned first and the coroner will take the body. When they give a clear signal, the cleaning technicians are going to restore the place, and they are going to make sure that they are protected from infected needles, broken glass, and blood. They are going to use industrial-grade detergents and enzyme-based solutions that can remove organic materials from sinks and tubs. Find more about enzymes in this URL: https://www.britannica.com/science/enzyme.
Beyond the physical risks, the emotional toll on family members who might consider cleaning up themselves can be overwhelming. Professionals not only bring technical expertise but also approach the situation with empathy, helping to shield loved ones from additional emotional distress.
What are the Steps that they Take?
They are trained to remove bad odors, dislodge the carpets, cut out the subfloors, and slice open the insulation if all the fluids have seeped into them. It’s going to be blood everywhere and they will often determine the extent of the affected area.
After they arrive, they will identify the risks and make sure that they go through all the rooms. With their equipment, brushes, sponges, mops, vacuums, and detergents, they will also do their best to clean the upholstery and the sofas. Beds will also be thoroughly washed especially if they are still salvageable, and they are going to plan the entire process well to make sure everything is carried out efficiently.
Most of them have four pairs of gloves to prevent cross-contamination with thicker ones on the outside. They wear face shields or respirators and personal protective equipment to protect themselves from diseases like HIV or hepatitis. Also, every blood spatter in suicide cleanups is treated as contaminated, and they are never complacent with their jobs. Barriers are also set up if necessary to prevent the spread of biohazards.
Deep Cleaning and Sanitization
Everything that’s contaminated will be thrown away and they’re often sent into the incinerators according to the local and federal regulations. They will disinfect the ceilings, floors, walls, rooms, floorboards, and the basement and remove any remaining biological matter. Disinfectants are also going to help eliminate the microbes and they will do their best to make the area livable once again. Ozone generators are also utilized to make the area more livable once again.
Restoration and Decontamination
Some may offer repairs of structural elements that may be damaged during a suicide incident. For example, if blood has seeped into flooring or walls, these materials may need to be removed and replaced to ensure that no trace of the incident remains, and to preserve the structural integrity of the home.
The experts will also thoroughly inspect the space afterward and give the go signal that it’s safe for reoccupation. They are going to utilize specialized equipment to detect any remaining blood, and they will do their best to return the property to its pre-incident state. It’s going to allow the family to move forward with the healing process without needing to take care of a decomposing body during this difficult hour.
Emotional Support and Compassionate Service
Professionals in this field understand the deep impact of suicide on families and loved ones and approach their work with sensitivity. They may talk to the family members about the stuff that they want to keep, offer support, and avoid disruptions as much as possible.
In some cases, suicide cleanup companies may also provide resources or referrals to grief counseling services, helping families access the emotional support they need. The combination of a thorough cleaning service and empathy can be useful in helping families navigate the aftermath of a tragedy and begin the healing process.