Bio Recovery FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions About Biohazard, Crime Scene & Suicide Cleanup

When a traumatic event occurs, property owners are often left with difficult questions about what comes next. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about biohazard, crime scene, and suicide cleanup to help you understand the process, safety standards, and your responsibilities.

If you have any further questions or are in need of a cleanup, feel free to reach out to our specialists at 1-888-752-5001.

General Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup

  1. What is biohazard cleanup and when is it needed?
     Biohazard cleanup involves the safe removal and disinfection of materials contaminated by blood, bodily fluids, or infectious substances. It’s needed after incidents like deaths, accidents, medical emergencies, or crime scenes to restore the property to a safe and habitable condition.
  2. What counts as a biohazard?
     Biohazards include any biological material that poses a risk to human health — such as blood, tissue, feces, vomit, or contaminated medical waste. These materials can carry pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, and other infectious agents.
  3. What’s the difference between biohazard cleanup and regular cleaning?
     Regular cleaning removes dirt and surface grime. Biohazard cleanup, however, requires professional decontamination, specialized equipment, and compliance with OSHA and EPA safety standards to ensure all pathogens are neutralized.
  4. Do police or emergency crews handle crime scene cleanup?
     No. Once the police finish their investigation, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to arrange cleanup. Law enforcement and medical personnel do not provide this service.
  5. How soon should cleanup begin after a crime or trauma?
     Cleanup should start as soon as the scene is released by authorities. Delays can worsen odors, staining, and contamination, making the cleanup more complex and costly.
  6. How long does a typical cleanup take?
     Most cleanups take between a few hours and two days, depending on the size of the affected area and the extent of biohazard contamination.
  7. What happens to contaminated items like flooring or furniture?
     Porous materials such as carpet, mattresses, or drywall that have absorbed biological fluids must often be removed and disposed of following biohazard waste regulations. Non-porous surfaces are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly.
  8. Are cleanup technicians certified or licensed?
     Yes. Professional cleanup companies follow OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards and often hold certifications in biohazard remediation, trauma scene cleanup, and hazardous waste handling.
  9. How do you ensure the property is safe afterward?
     After cleaning, technicians test surfaces with ATP meters and other validation tools to confirm that all harmful pathogens have been eliminated and the property is fully sanitized.

Suicide, Unattended Death & Trauma Cleanup

  1. What is suicide cleanup and how is it different from regular cleaning?
     Suicide cleanup involves removing biohazards such as blood or bodily fluids and disinfecting the affected area. Unlike standard cleaning, this process follows strict safety protocols to prevent health risks and ensure complete decontamination.
  2. Who is responsible for suicide cleanup in a home or business?
     Once law enforcement releases the scene, the property owner or family representative is responsible for arranging professional cleanup.
  3. What happens if a body isn’t discovered for several days?
     In unattended death cases, decomposition can cause strong odors and fluid seepage into flooring or walls. Specialized odor control and structural remediation may be required to restore the property.
  4. Can odor from decomposition be completely removed?
     Yes. Professional cleanup companies use ozone treatment, hydroxyl generators, and specialized cleaning agents to neutralize odors at the molecular level.
  5. Is suicide cleanup covered by homeowners insurance?
     In most cases, yes. Homeowners or renters insurance often covers biohazard cleanup under dwelling or liability coverage. Your cleanup provider can help file the claim directly with your insurer.
  6. Do cleanup crews protect family privacy?
     Absolutely. Reputable companies use unmarked vehicles and plain uniforms to maintain discretion and respect for the affected family and neighbors.

Legal & Responsibility

  1. Who is legally responsible for cleaning a property after a death or crime?
     Typically, the property owner or next of kin is responsible. In rental situations, landlords may be obligated to handle cleanup depending on lease terms and state laws.
  2. Are there laws regulating biohazard cleanup companies?
     Yes. Cleanup professionals must follow OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, EPA hazardous waste rules, and state-specific biohazard disposal regulations.
  3. Can a homeowner legally perform the cleanup themselves?
     While not illegal, it’s highly unsafe. Biohazard cleanup exposes you to infectious materials and requires proper PPE, training, and disposal procedures. Professionals are trained to handle these risks safely.
  4. What certifications should a biohazard cleanup company have?
     Look for compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, hazardous waste transportation licenses, and trauma scene cleanup training. Certification from the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) is a strong industry standard.

Insurance, Cost & Assistance

  1. How much does biohazard or crime scene cleanup cost?
     Costs depend on factors like the size of the area, the severity of contamination, and materials affected. Most jobs range between $1,500 and $10,000. Insurance often covers a significant portion.
  2. Will my insurance cover crime scene or suicide cleanup?
     Yes, many policies do. Cleanup typically falls under “accidental damage” or “biohazard remediation.” Always check with your provider, and most cleanup companies will assist with claims.
  3. Are there programs to help pay for cleanup?
     Yes. New York State’s Crime Victims Compensation Program may reimburse eligible victims or families for cleanup costs after homicides, suicides, or violent crimes.
  4. What if there’s no insurance or the deceased had no estate?
     Many companies offer payment plans or can connect families with local victim assistance funds or nonprofit resources.

After Cleanup & Restoration

  1. What happens after cleanup is complete?
     After disinfection and removal of biohazards, the property is retested to confirm safety. Some companies also offer restoration services such as replacing drywall or flooring.
  2. Can your team repair structural damage caused by biohazard contamination?
     Yes. Professional cleanup firms can replace or restore materials affected by fluids, odor, or stains, returning the property to its pre-incident condition.
  3. How soon can I safely return to my home or business?
     Once testing confirms that all contaminants are eliminated, re-entry is safe—usually within hours of completion.
  4. What should I do immediately after discovering a biohazard scene?
     Stay out of the affected area, do not attempt to clean anything, and contact a licensed biohazard cleanup company right away. They can coordinate with authorities and begin the restoration process safely.

Need Immediate Assistance?

If you’re facing a biohazard, trauma, or suicide cleanup situation, our Long Island response team is available 24/7. We provide discreet, compassionate, and fully compliant cleanup services throughout Nassau and Suffolk County.

Call Bio Recovery now at (888) 752-5001 for immediate help.