Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can't I just use my regular cleaning or janitorial service to clean up blood or pathological waste?

A: Not unless your regular cleaning or janitorial service has been properly trained and equipped to handle bio-hazardous waste such as blood or body fluids, and has a legally accepted mechanism in place to dispose of the recovered bio-hazardous waste.

Q: Who pays for bio-recovery services?

Ultimately, the property owner is responsible for the cost of this service. In most cases, however, home, business or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. If the victim of a crime has no insurance the Crime Victims Board may be in a position to authorize and pay for bio-recovery services.

Q: Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?

A: Federal Regulation 29CFR1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to blood spills without first:

1. Receiving bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training.
2. Having a written BBP exposure control plan.
3. Having been provided personal protective equipment.
4. Having been offered Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up.
5. Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the bio-hazardous waste in properly marked containers for disposal at an approved site.

Only after these five steps have been met can an employee be required by his or her employer to clean a bio-hazardous/crime scene.