Mortuaries play an important role in every hospital as they deal with the preservation of bodies. The reality of death is that you can’t really do much about the biodegradation process and nature eventually takes its course.

This process generates biological waste, which can transmit infectious diseases. It is important to follow local, state, and federal guidelines for managing corpses, while also respecting the dead.

With that said, the biohazardous substances in mortuaries should be handled with care. One mistake during cleanup could jeopardize the safety and well-being of everyone around you. This is not a DIY situation. What you need is an experienced commercial biohazard company in Portland.

Look for a Certified Cleanup Crew

Biohazard cleaning requires proper training and is challenging. Technicians should be able to handle hazardous materials such as body fluids and blood. You cannot risk contamination.

The first thing you should ask any biohazard cleanup company is for their certifications and experiences. Mortuary cleaners should be fully trained in every aspect of biohazard cleanup, including removal, transport, water remediation, smoke damage recovery, and more. This isn’t a task you can leave to an inexperienced team.

You should also check to see if the company prioritizes safety. If you notice that the company ignores safety precautions, it is a good idea to avoid doing any business with them.

Check Online Reviews

In this industry, reputation means everything. Talk to other mortuaries in your area and ask them about their experience of hiring a biohazard company in Portland and if they will use them in the future.

You can also check online testimonials and reviews. It is healthy to have a few negative reviews – it shows that the testimonials aren’t forced or faked. Choose a company with good overall feedback.

Experience is Vital

So you’ve found a company with a good reputation – but are they actually qualified for cleaning up mortuaries? Before you decide to hire them, make sure they have enough experience in this area. Check for recommendations and references from former clients. You should also ask the following questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many mortuaries have you cleaned up?
• Have you received any professional training in biohazard cleanup?
• What are your previous recommendations?

Besides the above questions, you should also look at a few other things such as training, professionalism, and more.

Ability to Handle Paperwork

Cleanup in mortuaries involves significant paperwork challenges that cleaners should be able to handle. For example, you will want to ask the cleaners if they can provide you with documentation certifying that the biohazard material is safely and properly eliminated.  The last thing you want is a botched cleanup from several years ago coming back to haunt you.

Professional biohazard companies in Portland will produce detailed reports, such as photos of the tools and chemicals used, as well as any other documentation that you may need in the future.

Extensive paperwork and documentation minimize the risk of liability for you.

Ask for a Quote and What Services it Covers

Commercial biohazard companies in Portland may not provide all of the services you need for mortuary cleanups. It is upon you to do the research and learn about their process.

In other words, you’ll have to be familiar with your exact requirements for cleanup and match them with every service they offer. If you can’t find a service you need, try to negotiate with them to do it for you or look elsewhere.

Look at their Equipment

Mortuary cleanup requires access to specialized equipment for the safe and effective disposal of biohazard waste. The use of incorrect equipment increases the risk of spreading deadly pathogens to other people and surfaces.

Make sure the commercial biohazard company has access to tools designed to help them get rid of dangerous chemicals. Check to see if the company uses special cleaning chemicals and testing kits. Ask them about their cleanup process to determine if they are trained for the role.

Safety First

Never ask your employees or an untrained individual to handle biohazard substances. The entire reason why you’re hiring a commercial biohazard company in the first place is that they are trained in the process. An untrained person is probably not going to handle the dangerous biohazard material properly, which can lead to exposure to contaminants and deadly pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV).

If someone on your staff was exposed to blood-borne pathogens, you could be looking at a costly lawsuit. With the general public being well aware of the risks involved in exposure to biohazards, you would not be able to use the “I didn’t know” excuse.

911 Restoration is committed to helping its clients avoid safety risks involved in mortuary cleanups in Portland. Our highly trained technicians will provide extensive cleanup services for your mortuary. To schedule a mortuary cleanup service in Portland, contact us on our website.