How To Prevent Biohazards

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Wash hands with soap and water before handling any samples or materials.

Biohazards are among the deadliest threats to property and people. They need to be handled in a very particular way. In this blog, we will talk about what a biohazard event is an dhow to handle it.

What is a Biohazard?

Biohazards can be found in many places, including homes and businesses, so it's important to know how to prevent biohazards in your home or business. A biohazard is anything that could cause illness or injury if exposed to the human body. This includes bloodborne pathogens like HIV or Hepatitis B as well as harmful bacteria like E.coli and staphylococcus epidermidis (SSE). It also includes animal-borne diseases such as rabies or lyme disease that can spread from pets when they bite someone without being vaccinated against it first!

Mold is a fungus that grows on organic matter such as wood, paper and other surfaces. Molds can also grow in your home or workplace, causing serious health problems. Molds produce spores that contain toxins or irritants which are harmful to humans when inhaled or ingested orally by living organisms. Molds are able to grow in places with too much moisture because they require water to survive. Mold is a common secondary issue with a biohazard event. 

Mindful Hygiene

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of biohazard safety, it's important to understand that the first line of biosecurity is mindful hygiene.

• Wash hands with soap and water before handling any samples or materials. (Did you know that it takes only 20 seconds for germs to spread?)
• Wear gloves when working with samples or materials, especially if they're wet or damp. (Wear clean gloves every time.)
• Wear a respirator in areas where there are particles in the air; this includes work areas and storage facilities where biohazards are present.

PPE is Critical

Please note, PPE is a critical part of preventing cross-contamination. Properly worn PPE must be replaced regularly and at all times during work with biohazards. If you are not wearing the correct PPE (or if it's not in good condition), you could be exposed to the hazard. This can result in injury or illness to yourself and others, as well as spreading contamination through your facility.

In order to protect your property, never underestimate the risk of biohazard contamination. It can happen in any building and its effects can be devastating. A biohazard laboratory is no exception; regardless of how careful you are when working with infectious materials, a spill or accident could occur at any time.

We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of handling biohazards safely. It’s not something that should be taken lightly, as contamination can lead to serious problems for both humans and animals alike. If you have a biohazard issue in your home or business, it’s a good idea to call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Lakeway/Westlake. We can get your Austin, TX property back to normal quickly!