Something else involving blood, body fluids, waste or contamination

The site's rule for this trade is that a surface that looks clean is not evidence that it is, and hepatitis B stays infectious on surfaces for at least seven days.

What is probably happening

• If it involves blood, body fluids, human or animal waste, sharps, or a chemical you cannot identify, it is a biohazard question and a trauma cleanup or restoration company is the right first call.
• If it is water only, with no sewage, the water damage page is the better fit. If it is mold after a leak, the mold page.
• If it is a crime, police first, and remember that every state has a crime victim compensation program that can help pay for cleanup.

Do this in the next five minutes

1. Keep children and pets out of the area and close the door.
2. Do not sweep, vacuum, or scrub anything dry. Wet cleanup with gloves is safer than dry.
3. Photograph the area from the doorway.
4. Call your homeowners insurer and describe what happened.
5. Call two biohazard cleanup companies. Ask the questions below, then the seven questions that apply to every contractor.

Do not

• Do not let a company start without a written scope.
• Do not pay cash up front.
• Do not accept a quote that will not say how the waste is disposed of.

Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out

Tap each one as you ask it.

• Are your technicians trained under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, and is that documented?
• Who is your permitted medical waste transporter?
• Do you hold ABRA CBRT or IICRC TCST certification?
• Will the scope be in writing before anyone starts, including what is not included?
• Is any structural repair in this quote, and is it itemized separately?

End the call if

• The company will not state its waste disposal method.
• Cash only.
• No written scope.