Unattended death cleanup involves cleaning, sanitizing, and restoring an area where a death occurred, usually once decomposition has begun. Biohazard remediation professionals play a vital role in ensuring that the cleanup process follows the appropriate standards.
Whether a young person commits suicide or your elderly neighbor dies of a heart attack alone in their home, unattended deaths are depressingly common. Unfortunately, these types of deaths often require extensive decontamination services, which is where biohazard cleanup professionals come in.
What Is an Unattended Death?
An unattended death simply means that the individual who passed away did so alone. Typically, unattended deaths occur among elderly people who no longer have a spouse or live with family. Sometimes, they are the result of accidents, or worse, depressed individuals choose to take their own lives.
An unattended death also occurs when it isn't because of a terminal illness or injury. Usually, the incident comes as a surprise to family members and loved ones. As a result, many unattended deaths result in extensive decomposition.
What Happens During Decomposition?
Decomposition is the body's process of breaking down once the organism dies. Although the process is the same for all humans, the timeline can vary based on the location and other external factors.
In colder climates, for example, it may take a corpse longer to decompose because lower temperatures act as a preservative. The heat of summer, on the other hand, will speed up decomposition because bacteria thrive in warmer settings.
Even if an individual looks the same when they pass away, the decomposition process begins the moment their heart stops beating. Skin grows pale as blood pools in the extremities, and rigor mortis typically sets in within a few hours. Cells begin to eat themselves from the inside out because they no longer have a source of oxygen.
When enzymes begin to leak, they produce gases that cause the body to bloat. The bloating stage emits the putrid odors that people typically associate with death and decay.
After bloating, the active decay process starts to break down all of the body's soft tissue. Then, the hair, cartilage, and bones decompose, leaving only the skeleton behind.
What Is the Process of Unattended Death Cleanup?
Whether it is a crime scene cleanup process or someone who died of natural causes, it is important to understand how biohazard cleanup services work to make the area habitable again. Here are some of the key steps.
Initial Cleanup
The team assesses the scene and determines the best course of action, then begins to clean up the primary biohazard materials. The body needs to be removed before any major cleanup occurs. Sometimes, the crime scene cleanup process may be delayed due to ongoing investigations.
Sanitizing the Area
Specialists use industrial cleaning solutions and tools to sanitize the affected area. The goal is to destroy any pathogens or viruses present at the scene. Companies such as Bio-One Cleaning have the qualifications and expertise to ensure that the site is completely sterilized.
Removing Odors
The odors associated with human decay are some of the worst an individual can experience. They also tend to linger for much longer than other smells, so teams use a variety of techniques and tools to clear up the odor as much as possible.
Restoration
Finally, once the area is deemed safe, restoration can begin. The extent of the restoration depends on the initial damage. Sometimes, restoration simply involves replacing carpet, while other projects may require more materials and a longer timeline.
Does Homeowners' Insurance Cover Cleanup After a Death?
Yes, homeowners' insurance policies often help pay for cleanup and remediation following a death. To determine how much your plan will cover, it is best to look at your plan details or speak with an insurance representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Clean Up After a Death Myself?
Usually, no. Even if your loved one passes away while attended by family members or medical professionals, they will often release bodily fluids upon death that can be considered biohazards. While these may not be as harmful or as traumatizing as an unattended death cleanup, they can still cause illness or create long-term health risks.
If you want to help clean and organize after the death, wait until the biohazard remediation services are complete. You can participate by sorting through your loved one's items or doing light cleaning after the biohazard remediation professionals finish their job.
Do I Have to Disclose a Death Cleanup in a Real Estate Transaction?
Typically, yes. However, whether you have to disclose certain information depends on where you live. Make sure to research laws and regulations regarding deaths on the property and biohazard cleanups if you want to list a home for sale.
The type of death and how recently it occurred are two factors that influence whether you need to publicize the information. Suicides or violent deaths almost always need to be disclosed. Usually, you also need to disclose the information if a potential homebuyer asks you directly if a death occurred recently on the property.
What Types of Qualifications Do Biohazard Cleanup Specialists Need?
While you typically do not need a college degree to become a biohazard remediation professional, there are still some necessary qualifications to obtain before you can safely work in the field. They include:
- HAZWOPER Certification: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response covers protocols and guidelines for working with hazardous waste
- Trauma Scene Waste Practitioner License: Some states, like California, require additional licensure to clean up crime scenes
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard: Training that covers handling and disposal of infectious substances and materials, along with preventing exposure through PPE and best practices
Along with formal qualifications, professionals also need to have the stomach and mental fortitude to handle death scene cleanups. Staying calm in tough situations is critical for success in the field.
The Importance of Decontamination Services for Unattended Death
While it may be gruesome, unattended death cleanup is crucial for unexpected circumstances. With this guide, you can gain a better understanding of the process and know what to do if you find yourself in this type of unfortunate circumstance.
If you would like to learn more about keeping your space free of biohazards and contaminants, browse our site for more tips and tricks.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.