As someone who has been in the biohazard cleanup industry for years, safety has always been our top priority at BioTechs. Whether we’re dealing with bloodborne pathogens, like those found at a crime scene, or addressing the risks associated with COVID-19, the protocols we follow are essential to keeping both our team and the public safe. The work we do requires meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to health regulations.
In a city like San Antonio, with its diverse settings—from historic neighborhoods like King William District to commercial hubs like The Pearl—each cleanup site presents unique challenges. However, the safety protocols we use remain the same, ensuring that every environment we clean is fully decontaminated and safe for future use. Let’s take a closer look at the safety measures we follow, from handling bloodborne pathogens to managing COVID-19 contamination.
The Importance of Bloodborne Pathogen Safety Protocols
Handling blood and bodily fluids is a routine part of trauma and crime scene cleanup, but it’s also one of the most hazardous aspects of our work. Blood can carry dangerous pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These pathogens can survive on surfaces for extended periods, which is why proper handling and decontamination are critical. According to the CDC, hepatitis B can survive on surfaces for up to seven days, making thorough cleanup essential to prevent transmission.
At BioTechs, we strictly follow OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) to protect both our team and the public from these risks. This includes wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), using specialized disinfectants approved by the EPA, and carefully managing the disposal of all biohazardous waste.
Each cleanup begins with an assessment of the scene to identify potential hazards. Once the scene is secured, my team and I use extraction tools to remove any blood or bodily fluids, followed by a deep decontamination of all affected surfaces. For porous materials like carpets or upholstery, we may need to remove and safely dispose of them, as these materials can trap pathogens deep within their fibers. All biohazardous waste is disposed of following HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) guidelines.
These protocols are not just about following regulations—they’re about ensuring that anyone who enters the space after us is completely safe. For families or businesses in high-traffic areas like Downtown San Antonio, where contamination could affect a large number of people, our stringent adherence to safety standards is vital.
Responding to COVID-19: Enhanced Safety Measures
When COVID-19 emerged, it quickly changed the way we approached decontamination. Unlike trauma scenes where we primarily deal with bloodborne pathogens, COVID-19 is a highly contagious airborne virus that can also survive on surfaces. According to research cited by the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus can live on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, which means proper cleaning and disinfection protocols are critical to prevent its spread.
At BioTechs, we adapted our safety measures to address the unique challenges posed by COVID-19. We expanded our use of PPE to include N95 masks and face shields, ensuring that our team is protected during the cleaning process. Additionally, we began using hospital-grade disinfectants that are proven to kill the virus on surfaces, along with advanced equipment like electrostatic sprayers that allow us to cover large areas quickly and efficiently.
Just like with bloodborne pathogens, cleaning for COVID-19 requires careful attention to detail. Our IICRC-certified technicians use disinfectants that are EPA-approved for COVID-19 cleanup, ensuring that we meet all necessary guidelines. We also follow a specific protocol for areas like doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch surfaces, which are often overlooked but pose a significant risk for virus transmission.
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been called to disinfect both residential homes and commercial properties, including office buildings and restaurants in San Antonio. It’s been particularly important in high-traffic areas like The Quarry Market or the Shops at La Cantera, where businesses need to ensure the safety of their customers and employees.
Continuous Training and Certification
One of the things I’m most proud of is our team’s commitment to ongoing training. As new threats like COVID-19 emerge, it’s essential that we stay up-to-date with the latest cleaning techniques and safety protocols. My team holds certifications from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), including Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST), which trains us in handling biohazards safely and effectively.
Additionally, all BioTechs technicians are Bloodborne Pathogens Cleanup and Decontamination Certified, which means we understand how to properly contain, clean, and disinfect environments exposed to bloodborne pathogens. This certification is essential in ensuring that we follow the strictest guidelines to protect ourselves, our clients, and anyone who enters the space after cleanup.
Our IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) certification also comes into play, especially when dealing with COVID-19. Lingering odors or poor air quality can indicate that a space hasn’t been properly ventilated or sanitized, which is why we use advanced air purification techniques to ensure the area is safe to re-enter.
Serving San Antonio with Safety and Compassion
As a lifelong resident of San Antonio, I know how much this community values health and safety, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether we’re cleaning up after a traumatic incident or sanitizing a business after a potential COVID-19 exposure, our mission at BioTechs is always the same: to restore safety and peace of mind.
In 2020, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported over 1.5 million cases of COVID-19 statewide, many of them concentrated in Bexar County. During the height of the pandemic, we worked closely with local businesses and residents to ensure their spaces were properly disinfected, helping the community get through an incredibly difficult time.
Why You Can Trust BioTechs
Biohazard cleanup, whether for bloodborne pathogens or COVID-19, is a task that requires expertise, compassion, and strict adherence to safety protocols. At BioTechs, we bring all of that to every job we handle. Our team is trained, certified, and equipped with the latest tools to ensure that every environment we clean is safe for those who live and work there.
If you ever need professional cleaning services for biohazard or COVID-19 contamination in San Antonio, I encourage you to reach out. We’re here to help, and you can trust that we’ll follow every safety protocol to the letter, ensuring your home or business is restored to a safe and healthy condition.
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