If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (865) 862-8908

To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. You may want to try one of the following alternatives:

Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Biohazard Blog Posts

Hazardous Waste & Biohazard Services That Protect You, Your Family, Your Facility and Your Staff

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Make certain that the restoration company that you hire knows how to handle biohazards properly. Call SERVPRO to discuss the situation.

Trust SERVPRO of ROCKY HILL/SEQUOYAH HILLS/SOUTH KNOXVILLE to Secure Your Property and Possessions from the dangers of Waste and Biohazards



The majority of biohazards in existence are only visible through the use of a microscope. Exposure to biohazards can be harmful. The two biggest problems you face are the dangerous elements and possible exposure and not knowing if the deceased is infected with any diseases. Organisms that exist outside the body and in sewage, floodwaters and even some condensation created by air conditioners possibly contain hazards that may be harmful to your health.

In some cases you may see the visible evidence of a biohazardous problem, but not the actual pathogens themselves. Black Water from sewage damage or rising river water carry elements hazardous to your and your family.  Many know this information “logically.” However, under stressful situations, people find themselves “smack-dab” in the middle of it as you see on the evening news after major floods.  In some cases, people can logically comprehend that flood waters and standing waters pose various health risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.  However while personally experiencing a catastrophe, their personal loss or experiences sets them into a state of panic, and now they are in “survival mode” and often unable to think of these dangers.  So when you see people wading “in it” as the media shares the devastation, year after year, are these people unaware of the dangers?  They often have a higher need like life-saving or even a family heirloom?

Clean water sources may also pose a biohazardous threat if left in a structure too long or it comes in contact with certain elements. Any water source or excessive moisture can provide bacteria, fungi, and viruses with a perfect growing environment.  If you were to experience this type of loss, an inspection by a certified remediation company should be considered.  We all know the saying “Time is Money” and usually the longer these type of problems are allowed to remain, (grow), the unaware hazardous or more severe they become. Delaying to take action or choosing not to take action, could become a threat to you, your staff and/or even your business.  Statistics state: “50% of businesses go out of business when a disaster occurs.” The sooner the issues are dealt with, the less expensive is, if dealing with a repeatable restoration company. Build a good relationship with a restoration company who will bring forth honesty and integrity in their work and their billing practices. If you have products in your home or building and they are not properly stored, that poses some potential hazards.  This could be as little as some small amount of property damage and could potentially become hazardous to touch or breath.  In extreme cases, it could become volatile enough to cause a fire. Even if there was no fire and only presented itself as smoke, those products are likely to emit pollutants which could become a health risk.  It would also require experienced/trained technicians to get you back or keep you in business with the least amount of business interruption while minimizing the loss of revenues.  I strongly suggest every business owner and/or facility management company find a company who understand your needs and can respond and facilitate them in a timely manner.

Become a partner with your local Large Loss SERVPRO such as SERVPRO of ROCKY HILL/SEQUOYAH HILLS/SOUTH KNOXVILLE prior to an event/loss.  If you need help, we are here to help and your business becomes prepared in ways you never knew were available.  This is a specialized service to help Building Owners, Property Managers, Business Owners, Mantainence Managers, Insurance Companies/Adjusters/Agents and any other decision makers by partnering with them to control their loss ratios.  We do this getting to your next disaster as soon as we get your call.  

When we were children in school, we did so many things to prepare ourselves in the event a natural disaster hits. Drill after drill, year after year. When learning to drive, take on a job even soon to be a new parent, we take classes.  We do all these things to prepare us for what is to come. Why is it that many companies do not know there is a disaster preparedness process we provide for our premier partners?   A simple phone Call to SERVPRO of ROCKY HILL/SEQUOYAH HILLS/SOUTH KNOXVILLE to get your name on a list to learn more about becoming a premier partner and what all that means for you, your building and your clients.  If any disaster or building issues come your way, you have a partner who is centrally located, one you can trust to help you through whatever you are hit with.  You are not supposed to handle this alone; it can be bigger than you ever imagined. Dealing with any disaster is difficult but dealing with BioRecovey has so many other layers of complexities.  We have a staff that is fully trained and certified who are ready to walk and work with you, side by side.  We can help speak and work with your insurance company and ensure there are clear lines of communication along the way; keeping you, the decision maker in control.  
 
Before deciding which professional crime scene, BioRecovey service company to use on your property, you need to perform the proper research to determine whether they have the ability to perform to the standards you have paid for within your policy or when needing to make direct payment. Unfortunately, there are still a few companies that attempt to offer these services without the proper training, certifications which make it particularly important for you to verify their certifications and association with national and international organizations such as the IICRC, RIA or ABRA. Doing this prior to allowing them to begin work on your property would be wise.  Crime scenes are hectic with so many moving parts and so many people out there claiming they are the expert. We value the well-being of everyone in our community but as with everything in which we employ, “buyers beware.”
 
SERVPRO of ROCKY HILL/SEQUOYAH HILLS/SOUTH KNOXVILLE is a proud member of the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA).  This franchise takes pride in our training both in house as well as countless certifications with IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certifications).  We, the owners choose to train relentlessly so to better ensure that safe and secure methods and practices are used in your home or facility.  We can categorically state that any biohazard services performed on your property fall well within or exceed the standards and regulations set by governing bodies. Our primary objective here at SERVPRO of ROCKY HILL/SEQUOYAH HILLS/SOUTH KNOXVILLE is to deliver the required services in an empathetic manner.  We see you not only as a customer but also a neighbor in our Knoxville community. We are a team of compassionate and caring, service professionals who live and work, just around the corner.  Our staff is 31 strong and we are proud of the services we provide.  
 
SERVPRO of ROCKY HILL/SEQUOYAH HILLS/SOUTH KNOXVILLE Managers, Crew chiefs, and technicians all have extensive training and experience which allows us to provide you with the proper processes and procedures to remove biological threats from your home or business with the least amount of disruption to the environment.  Our company is ABRA Certified, and we have one of 16 in the world CBRM, (Certified Bio-Recovery Master) who is able to provide bio restoration consultant services to you, upon request. Our methods provide premiere services which reduce the possibility of causing exposure and cross contamination to unaffected areas and persons on the job site. SERVPRO of ROCKY HILL/SEQUOYAH HILLS/SOUTH KNOXVILLE understands that biological substances have the potential of posing risks to your health and deploy all appropriate safety precautions before performing bioremediation services or attempting to remove microbial threats from your property.  Our technicians are a team of well-trained men and women in the restoration industry who regularly put their personal safety on the line to ensure that your family and or business have a safe, healthy environment to call home or work.
 
We are proud to provide education and training regarding these risks to property managers, maintenance personnel and/or anyone else who needs help understanding how to protect yourself or your property.  We have vast experience in how to keep you from becoming contaminated or even spreading” it,” (cross-contaminating).  We are here to help. We can train you at our facility with hands-on experiences as well as bring our educators to provide CE credits at your location.  We are only a phone call away for your next CE Class and/or Breakfast/Lunch or Dinner-N-Learn at no cost to you.
 
Contact SERVPRO of Rocky Hill/Sequoyah Hills/ South Knoxville today for additional information about the many professional services that we can offer to put you, your family, staff and/or facility back on track.  On a personal level, we try to help bring in the new normal in the lives we serve. We have staff available 24 hours a day and are here locally, when you need us the most.
(865) 862-8907

Knoxville Biohazard and Sewage-What to Do?

4/20/2016 (Permalink)

Knoxville Biohazard and Sewage Problems call for Professional Assistance from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Can Safely Remedy Biohazard and Sewage Cleanup in Knoxville

Knoxville biohazard and sewage cleanup can involve hidden dangers. It must only be handled by an expert team, with the right training, skills, and equipment to do the job safely. With the assistance of a professional biohazard service from SERVPRO, you can rest assured that your health and the security of your property is a top priority.

There are many reasons why biohazards develop. Several are crime scene residues, chemical spills, animal waste or carcasses, hoarding, and the most frequent, sewage backups. The main point to remember is that certain chemicals and pathogens can lead to unhealthy and dangerous consequences if left untreated in a home or business. If you suspect that this kind of problem has occurred in or around your property, you need to call in the SERVPRO experts quickly to assess the situation.

Once the experts carry out a thorough inspection of the site, they can give you a general assessment. You should not attempt to re-enter the property until you have received clearance from an authoritative source.

The reason eradication and elimination are the primary tactics for biohazard cleanup are because any materials that have come into contact with raw sewage could present a serious risk to health. Within areas deemed ‘unsafe,’ life-threatening organisms like E. coli, salmonella, tapeworm, HPV (human papilloma virus), chemicals, and even HIV and AIDs can lurk if blood is present.

If you experience any breakdown involving sewage in Knoxville on a scale larger than a small toilet overflow, you absolutely must contact a biohazard removal team right away. In most cases, it is only sewer water that warrants such an immediate reaction, but it is important to be aware that other forms of water damage can become harmful if left untreated.

For example, water from drains and polluted rivers may flood a property and deposit contaminants. This water is not clean; it contains all kinds of bacteria, irritants, and harmful substances and is termed Black Water. This is why you should never wait before you get water damage of any type restored and repaired, even as the contaminated water is quickly removed from the premises.

For businesses, the urgency of biohazard cleanup is particularly pressing. You cannot afford to have your workers or clients exposed to contaminated water, pathogenic agents from a crime scene, or meth lab chemicals. Get in touch with an expert biohazard cleanup team from SERVPRO right away. These skilled professionals, wearing Hazmat safety clothing and gear, utilize special equipment for any biohazard clean up in Chattanooga. Immediate mitigation of health related issues and property preservation are the main, initial focal points. Safety always comes first.

 24 Hour Emergency Service for Biohazard and Sewage Clean Up

SERVPRO of Rocky Hill / Sequoyah Hills / South Knoxville has water damage restoration specialists and has specific training and expertise to remediate biohazard and sewage contaminants safely. Call us in Knoxville, Rocky Hill, and Bearden for 24/7 emergency service. (856) 862-8907.

In Rocky Hill, Removal of Blood and Other Biohazards

12/31/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Safely Clean Up Crime Scene Contaminants and Biohazards

Rely on SERVPRO for Safe Biohazard Removal from Your Rocky Hill Property

Blood, bodily fluids, and other Rocky Hill biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Rocky Hill, Sequoyah Hills, South Knoxville for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks
Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Besides, you cannot assume the area is safe again just because the visible traces have been removed. If a space contaminated with blood or other biohazards is not appropriately cleaned, sanitized and restored, these unseen hazards can linger, posing a threat to anyone who enters it. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions
As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. The responsibility for cleaning up after a crime, trauma or death falls on the Rocky Hill property owner, and there are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety
At SERVPRO of Rocky Hill/Sequoyah Hills/South Knoxville, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the presence of even a minute trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately.

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of Rocky Hill/Sequoyah Hills/South Knoxville for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact us now to discover more about our Rocky Hill biohazard restoration services and secure our help. (865) 862-8907

24 Hour Emergency Service

We are available 24 hours a day—our highly trained technicians are standing by. We will always treat your property in Rocky Hill, Knoxville, or Sequoyah Hills with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances. We are here. (865) 862-8907