Workers wearing coveralls, gloves and face protection

Questions and answers

Biohazard cleanup questions, answered plainly

If you are facing a cleanup for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most, answered as plainly as we can.

Phones answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We listen and explain the next step.

Workers in coveralls, gloves and respirators — California Department of Public Health photo (illustrative). · Photo: California Department of Public Health, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

What happens when you callSomeone answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We listen to what happened and explain the next step.

Before you call

These answers apply across our services in Nashville and the rest of Middle Tennessee. Every situation is different, so the most useful next step is usually a short phone conversation at 615-513-5112, where we can answer questions about your specific property. You can also read about insurance and what affects cost in more depth.

Frequently asked questions

What is biohazard cleanup?
Biohazard cleanup is the removal, cleaning and disinfection of materials that may carry disease, such as blood, body fluids, decomposition, sewage, animal waste and used needles. It also covers the disposal of contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned.
Is your phone really answered 24/7?
Yes. You can call 615-513-5112 at any hour, any day, and a person answers. We ask where the property is, what happened in general terms and whether any authorities have released it. Then we talk through next steps, including whether you need us at all. Nothing is scheduled until you agree.
Where do you work?
We are a mobile service based in the Nashville area and serve all 41 counties of Middle Tennessee. We come to homes, businesses, vehicles and public properties.
Do you remove the body after a death?
No. The medical examiner or investigators and the funeral home take care of the person who died. Our work begins after they have finished and the property has been released.
How soon can cleanup start after a crime or unattended death?
Cleanup starts after law enforcement and, if a death occurred, the medical examiner have released the property. We recommend confirming release with the investigating agency before scheduling.
Can I clean it up myself?
For a small spill on a hard surface, many people can, with gloves and an EPA-registered disinfectant used per its label. For larger amounts of blood or fluids, decomposition, sewage or anything soaked into carpet, furniture or subflooring, professional cleanup is safer and more thorough.
Will insurance pay for the cleanup?
That turns on your specific policy and what caused the damage. Some homeowners, renters, commercial and auto policies may cover part of the cost; others do not. We cannot promise coverage, but we can provide documentation such as photos and a written scope.
How much does biohazard cleanup cost?
Cost depends on the size of the affected area, what materials are involved, how long it has been since the incident and other factors. We explain the scope and cost before any work begins, so you know what to expect.
Do I need to be there while you work?
Not always. Many clients prefer not to be present. We need someone with authority to approve the work and give us access, and we keep in touch by phone as the job progresses.
What happens to my belongings?
We talk with you about which items you want to keep before anything is discarded. Items that can be cleaned are cleaned; items too contaminated to save are removed only with your agreement.
Do you test to confirm the area is safe?
No. Where clearance testing is needed, such as for some drug residue jobs, it should be done by an independent industrial hygienist or accredited laboratory, not by the company that did the cleaning.
Can you get rid of the odor?
Lasting odor control starts with removing the source, which usually means taking out contaminated materials. Deodorizing equipment can help afterward but is not a substitute for source removal.
What work do you refer to others?
We refer out pest control and wildlife exclusion, HVAC work, plumbing repairs, structural or licensed contractor work, regulated medical-waste hauling, evidence handling and removal of human remains. We tell you early when a job needs one of those trades.
Do you work with landlords, businesses and agencies?
Yes. We work with families, property managers, businesses, fleets and public agencies, and we adapt our scheduling and paperwork to each.
What if I am not sure I need biohazard cleanup?
Call and describe what you are dealing with. If it is something you can safely handle yourself, or something another trade should handle, we will tell you.
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