Recent Biohazard Posts

What’s That Smell? Discovering Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

sewage water pooling on a kitchen floor after a leak SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.

If you have a sewage leak in your home or business, chances are that you will know pretty quickly. Sewage has a very distinct smell that can send anyone scrambling to cover their nose and mouth.

Unfortunately, sewage leaks can happen at a moment’s notice to anyone, which means your property is vulnerable even if you don’t think it will ever happen to you. We explain some helpful tips below on how to respond to a sewage leak so you can stay in control and minimize the situation as much as possible.

The Discovery of the Leak

The sewer lines in your home are designed to move wastewater down and away from your property in a smooth manner. However, that doesn’t always happen the way that it should.

Any sort of clog or blockage in a pipe can force the wastewater to move backward up the pipe and back into your sinks, tubs or toilets. Leaks can also happen wherever there is a loose connection or a crack in your pipelines.

No matter how the leak or backup starts, it is crucial that you avoid coming into contact with the water. Water comes in three different categories, and sewage falls into the most dangerous category called black water. Viruses, bacteria and microbes could be lurking in the water that can make you really sick.

Keeping in mind your safety, try to shut off the water valve for the pipe in question without getting messy, and then start opening up windows and turning on fans for ventilation. We would bet the space is probably really smelly, so keep customers or your family members out of the area while you do this. Afterward, get us on the phone so we can get started on your cleaning!

Where SERVPRO®’s Restoration Team Comes In

Our restoration team and cleaning team come together in times like these! Wastewater leaks can cause serious damage, but they also need to be treated carefully. This is why our biohazard cleaning practices come in handy. Our crew is highly trained on dangerous situations like these, so we want you to call us as soon as you discover the leak.

Our team will start gathering supplies and then we will be on our way to you. While you are waiting, snap a few photos of the damage you see. Even though these images won’t be added to a scrapbook or a family album, they will be necessary for your insurance claim.

Once we arrive, we will first focus on identifying the source of the leak and then we will work on removing the standing water from your space. Since the wastewater could be toxic, we will make sure to wear the proper PPE to stay protected while we work.

After the water is gone, we will then be able to sanitize your space to make sure it is safe to return to and then we will tackle lingering odors with our deodorization equipment. Finally, we will address any structural damage caused by the water.

Dealing with sewage leaks is always serious business. Call us right away so we can take care of your situation safely.

Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.

Is your property accurately inventoried?

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

Have you had a break in or vandalism to your property?  Have you took inventory of the contents of your home recently?  Did you know by taking accurate inventory helps keep costs low and reduces job completion time?  This simply can be done by taking photos or video.  There are also many free forms on the web where you can go room-by-room and create an inventory.  If this unfortunate event of vandalism happens to you, we at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn and Rusk Counties are here, by contacting us at (715)643-7171.  SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly 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.  Also if there has been an accident, trauma, crime, or death trained SERVPRO Franchise Technicians can remove and dispose of biohazardous substances according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.  We at SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn, and Rusk Counties hope this unfortunate event never happens, but if it arises give us a call at (715)643-7171

IICRC Recognizes Crime Scene Biological and Infectious Hazard Cleanup

1/23/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO deals with trauma clean-up
One of the more important points of focus addressed by the standard is that of material and building science.  Any tissue or bodily fluid is classified as a biohazard per Federal regulations.  Whenever a violent crime occurs within a building, or when a body begins to decompose within its interior, the surrounding building materials become contaminated with a variety of toxic agents.  The Reference Guide for Trauma and Crime Scene Biological and Infectious Hazard Clean Up provides a number of detailed items that cover the removal of these toxins from building materials.  For example, blood stains on the carpet typically soak through the carpet and seep into the flooring beneath.  Effective environmental cleaning not only removes the biohazard from the carpet, but also from its supporting understructure.  

Certain tools are required for biohazard removal.  Special equipment, such as protective gear, must also be worn by the removal personnel in order to protect them from the hazardous materials they are using.  It benefits any organization specializing in this type of work to follow the recommended equipment list found in the standard.  Tools that can be reused, along with equipment that is by nature disposable, is clearly defined.  Containers for various types of waste, along with chemicals that help sanitize the environment after cleaning is complete, are also covered in the standard.  

The Reference Guide for Trauma and Crime Scene Biological and Infectious Hazard Clean Up also talks about the various health effects associated with different types of incidents.  Diseases such as the Flu, including Type A and H1N1, HIV/AIDS, Type A and B Hepatitis, TB, Cholera, and Salmonella are all diseases that can be transmitted from bodily fluids.  These fluids escape into the environment any time a body decomposes, whether a person commits suicide, is murdered, or suffers some type of tragic, accidental death.