Biohazard cleanup is required in a variety of different situations. Whether the situation involves domestic or commercial construction, landscaping or industrial facilities, most require some type of cleanup. This article focuses on the various issues involved with a cleanup project in commercial construction and discusses how to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
The first step in any cleanup is to thoroughly clean up any items that may have been contaminated with hazardous materials. Cleaning any potential contamination involves two steps. First, there is the preparation for the clean up and second is the cleanup itself. The following are three basic steps that should be followed before any cleanup takes place.
The preparation process is the initial stage of any cleanup and involves creating a temporary work environment that allows workers to clean as they go. Workers must avoid any contact with any potentially contaminated materials. As soon as possible after contact, the work site should be cleared and the area sanitized to remove any evidence of contamination. This step can take some time depending on the size of the area and the number of people involved. It is best to employ a professional cleanup service when cleaning up hazardous materials.
Once the cleanup has been completed, any workers involved must follow the guidelines for proper clean up. The first rule of thumb is to wear gloves, masks and breathing equipment. In addition, all workers should be monitored at all times during their cleanup duties.
There are many types of biohazard cleanup in commercial construction and each requires a different approach. It is important to consider the particular project and risk involved when selecting the type of cleanup strategy. This includes a visit to the site and an inspection of the workplace. During this time, the environment should be assessed for contaminant levels and general cleanliness. Careful testing is also required to determine the extent of the contamination and the amount of contamination that will be removed through the clean up.
Most commercial cleanup contractors will carry out the clean up at the same time as the construction is completed. Once the site has been cleared and testing is complete, the contractor will make a detailed report detailing the cleanup, potential exposures and the measures to minimize the risks associated with the clean up. With very large scale construction projects it may be necessary to employ subcontractors to complete the clean up. Depending on the size of the project and the size of the subcontractors, a clean up could last several days or could last for several weeks.
With the information gathered from the construction workers and the contractor, the project manager can review the work to determine whether the clean up will be effective. If it appears that the plan will be effective, then the project manager will make final decisions about how the clean up will proceed. Depending on the nature of the project, the project manager may make adjustments to the plan and appropriate approval will be obtained from the project manager. If approval is not obtained from the project manager, then the project will not be complete.
It is a good idea to consult with your project manager if you are unsure about the best course of action to follow in a particular case. The project manager will not only know what steps are needed to complete the clean up but will also know the expertise of a cleanup contractor and will know the limits of any exposure.