Blood spills and bodily fluid spillage are common occurrences in many settings: hospitals, laboratories, and crime scenes. While these incidents may seem minor, they can pose significant health hazards to those who come into contact with them.
Blood and other bodily fluids can contain infectious diseases, harmful bacteria, and other pathogens that can pose serious health risks if not handled properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of blood spills and bodily fluid spillage and provide information on how to handle and restore areas impacted by them.
Health Risks Associated with Blood Spills
Blood spills can pose several health risks, including exposure to bloodborne pathogens that may result in:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Malaria
These diseases can be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids. Exposure to these pathogens can occur through direct contact with the spill, inhalation of aerosolized particles, or contact with broken skin. In addition, blood spills can also contain harmful bacteria responsible for causing infections such as staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), E. Coli, and Salmonella. Exposure to these pathogens can trigger a range of illnesses, from skin infections to severe respiratory illnesses.
How to Handle Blood Spills
When dealing with blood spills, it is crucial to take necessary precautions to avoid exposure to these health risks. Anyone near a blood-related incident must wear protective equipment that includes, at least, gloves, goggles, and shielding clothing.
Once the protective gear is on, the next step should be to contain the hazardous materials using absorbent materials like paper towels or gauze. You must discard any contaminated materials in a biohazard bag or container, following local regulations.
Remove the hazardous materials first, then thoroughly disinfect the affected area using a bleach solution or any other suitable disinfectant. Allowing the solution to sit for at least 10 minutes will ensure proper disinfection of the area.
Dangers of Blood Spills on Materials or Items
In some cases, blood spills may occur on porous surfaces like carpets, furniture, or other personal items. These materials can easily absorb the contaminated fluids and become a source of infection if not handled correctly. It is important to act quickly in these situations and follow proper cleaning procedures to prevent any potential health risks.
We highly recommend reaching out to a blood cleanup and biohazard cleanup company for professional assistance in these situations.
The Role of Biohazard Cleanup Companies
Sometimes blood spills and bodily fluid spillage require professional cleaning services to ensure thorough and safe cleaning. For example, here at Bio-One of Pittsburgh, we use the latest technology and equipment designed to clean and restore areas impacted by blood spills and bodily fluid spillage. Our services are essential in scenarios such as crime scenes, hoarding situations, and unattended deaths where the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens is high.
Depending on the severity and type of the incident, the cost of cleanup and restoration services may vary. Factors such as the amount of biological waste, the extent of contamination, and the required level of disinfection all play a role in determining the cost of these services.
However, homeowners, business owners, and property managers should keep in mind that the cost of these services is small compared to the potential health risks and legal liabilities associated with improperly cleaning and restoring areas impacted by blood spills and bodily fluid spillage.
Bio-One of Pittsburgh is Available 24/7
Blood spills and bodily fluid spillage are hazards that should not be trivialized. These incidents pose significant health risks that can only be safely handled by trained professionals using specialized equipment and cleaning procedures.
Fortunately, you can trust Bio-One of Pittsburgh for situations that require thorough and safe cleaning and restoration. If you're dealing with a blood spill, contact us to ensure the area is cleaned and restored safely and efficiently. Don't put your health and safety at risk!
