Crime scenes, suicides, and accidents are emotionally overwhelming and intense situations. When the scene includes biohazardous materials such as body tissue, blood, or items soiled with bodily fluid, the scene cleanup requires expert remediation due to the inherent health hazards. Georgia Clean offers extensive experience managing a wide array of traumatic events. The following information addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about crime scene cleanup and biohazardous waste removal.
Payments and Insurance Questions
When is payment due?
At Georgia Clean, we never require payment before or at the time of service. We will work directly with your insurance company to collect payment.
Who pays for the service?
Our services are almost always covered under homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, or commercial insurance policies. We handle everything, including filing the claim and handling all the insurance paperwork to facilitate a stress-free and efficient payment process.
How much do you charge?
Every suicide, crime scene, or accident scene is different. Therefore, we are unable to provide an across-the-board cost. However, your homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, or commercial insurance policy will usually cover the cost of the cleanup. The policy will also cover the majority – if not all – of the costs of the damages to the structure.
My insurance company recommended another company. Am I required to go with them?
No, you have the right to choose the company you feel most comfortable with. While most insurance companies have a list of “preferred companies,” most of those companies focus on water remediation – not biohazard remediation.
It’s imperative you choose a company with the proper experience and training to clean and decontaminate your home. The company should also have the proper GA EPD certifications to remove and transport the biohazardous material to a secure disposal site – not your local landfill.
It’s your right to choose whoever you trust to complete the task properly. No insurance company can force you to use one service over another.
General Crime and Trauma Scene Cleanup
How is Georgia Clean Different?
Georgia Clean takes an infinite amount of pride in being the leader in the industry. We want to make sure our employees are trustworthy and professional before we bring them into your home.
Unlike other biohazard cleanup companies, all of our professionals are required to pass a pre-employment drug test and strenuous background check. After passing our rigorous screening process, each employee is then personally trained by our owner – who remains on site for all services.
This means if you have a question or concern, you can always speak directly to the owner for an instant solution.
How can I prove the area was treated in accordance with OSHA and GA EPD regulation?
At the completion of the job, Georgia Clean will provide you with a Certificate of Treatment. This certificate guarantees that all federal and state regulations have been met in the disposal of biohazardous material. The certificate of disinfection provides the necessary documentation to prove the proper steps were taken to ensure the safety and health of inhabitants. Most importantly, this document can be used to maintain the value of the property.
What is your typical response time?
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will typically be at the scene within one hour from the time we are requested.
How long does crime scene cleanup take?
This will depend on the severity of the situation. In most cases, we will be on the scene at least three hours or more.
Can anyone dispose of materials with blood or bodily fluid?
Any material with bodily fluid or blood on it must be disposed as a biohazard, which requires a different set of protocol. As a fully accredited, bonded, and insured company, Georgia Clean has all of the required training, insurance, and licensing to properly remove and dispose of these substances.
Why is crime scene cleaning dangerous?
Although the process may look similar to other types of cleaning, blood and bodily fluids can carry life-threatening infectious diseases, such as AIDS, hepatitis, and other dangerous diseases. Most crime scenes are also littered with sharp objects that may puncture the skin and make the spread of disease more of a risk.
Because of these hazards, it’s best to leave crime scene cleanup and biohazard removal to the professionals who know the proper ways to handle and dispose of these types of dangerous waste.
Do I have to be present during the crime scene cleaning?
In these situations, you and your family have suffered enough and being present during the cleaning process will only add more stress to your situation. We always suggest that the family leave the home while our crews are present. You may have a relative or friend present, if you desire, but it is not necessary.
You can feel confident when you call Georgia Clean. The owner is a former federal law enforcement official and believes security and professionalism are paramount in all aspects of this business. Therefore, every member of his crew must pass a yearly criminal background check and drug test before they will be allowed in your home. In addition, we are fully insured, bonded, and accredited.
FAQs About GA Crime Scene
How is Georgia Clean different from a normal cleaning company?
Standard cleaning companies lack the proper equipment and knowledge to safely remove and clean biohazard situations. However, Georgia Clean specializes in biohazard waste removal and remediation. Our experts undergo strenuous training and education to ensure not just their safety, but the safety of your home and family.
What are your qualifications to do crime scene cleanup?
- We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured.
- We have a license for the transportation of bio-medical waste.
- We adhere to all of the rules and regulations set forth by OSHA and the GA EPD.
- All of our employees have the necessary, training licensing, and insurance.
Qualifications and Insurance Requirements
Why can’t my employees clean up the mess?
OSHA Regulation 29CFR1910.1030 requires any employee involved in the cleaning of bodily fluids, infectious waste, blood or biohazard must:
- Have been formally trained in bloodborne pathogens
- That your company has a formal written bloodborne pathogens plan
- That your employees are equipped with all necessary and required personal protective equipment
- That all employees involved have had at least the first round of hepatitis vaccine. The employer must provide the full series of vaccines.
- You provide them with the proper methods for legally removing, storing, and disposing of biohazardous waste. In Georgia, this requires a permit from the GA EPD.
Why can’t I hire any cleaning company?
In order for you to use your own employees or another cleaning company, the party must be compliant with the previously mentioned OSHA requirements. If the company you hire isn’t compliant, you and your organization will be held liable if anything goes wrong. The best way to avoid legal ramifications is to hire a certified biohazard remediation company.
Contact Georgia Clean
Georgia Clean provides compassionate and comprehensive remediation services for Georgia.
Contact Georgia Clean by calling us at 770-766-4562 for immediate assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or by filling out our online contact form.
