Recent Biohazard Posts

Dont’ Try This at Home/Call a Pro

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Biohazard symbol

SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatra Cleaning Services:

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

Biohazard
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene and Vandalism
Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.

Vandalism
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also provide general vandalism cleanup for graffiti and deodorization services for situations involving spoiled foods and human and animal waste.

Helping Hershey/Harrisburg East Business Owners Through the Pandemic

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Hershey/Harrisburg East to learn more.

If you own a business in Hershey or the surrounding area, we can help you. It’s part of our job to ensure the community has the resources it needs to thrive even during difficult times.

We do a lot of work cleaning up after storms, fire damage and flooding. Those disasters are things we deal with, and we work to ensure homes and businesses are restored to their original state.

But the COVID-19 pandemic is something different entirely. We’ve all had to find new ways to meet customer needs, deliver our services and provide value to our community.

It’s essential to us to help local business owners. You’re a big part of the community. We know what you do to make your business a success. It means a lot to research and planning—and everything that goes into operating and growing your business, too.

We want to help you with that process, including how you now interact with customers and keep them safe.

Connecting You With Powerful Resources

Many tools you can use to continue operating during the pandemic are available to help you. They include available business loans and tips, advice and more from trusted local and national resources.

And you have our support. We’ll get your office, store or restaurant ready for customers.

We can help you ensure that your business “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” Here’s a closer look at how our process works:

First, our team members will consult with you about your needs.

Then, we’ll clean your space using proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Our cleaning and decontamination standards come directly from the CDC.

Finally, our technicians will certify your space. And you’ll be in business again.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time at www.SERVPROhersheyswatara.com or 717-533-FIRE to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Oil Spill

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Before picture

If you are having the oil tank filled at your rental property in Lebanon and the bottom of the tank collapses who do you call to make it "Like it never even happened,"?

SERVPRO of Lebanon County will respond immediately, perform the cleanup following DEP and local regulations. SERVPRO of Lebanon County will also assist in having the old tank removed and replaced and then SERVPRO will use its experts, knowledge and equipment to deodorize the property so the tenants can safely move back in and have a safe, clean and pleasant smelling home!

Whatever emergency you have, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Lebanon County (717) 273-MOLD. We are locally owned, our owners and staff live right here in Hershey, Palmyra, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg and Carlisle. 

Some Common Myths about Bio-Hazard | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

5 Myths about Cleaning Blood Spills

When it comes to cleaning blood spills, there is pressure to get it right the first time. Why? Because blood can harbor serious health risks, and bloodborne pathogens can seep into surfaces and cause potential illnesses, bacterial growth, and foul odors. It can be difficult to effectively clean a blood spill, however, if you do not have the correct information or tools to do so. Below are 5 common myths about cleaning blood spills.

1st Myth:

The best way to thoroughly clean a blood spill is with bleach. Bleach has long been thought of as the ultimate sanitizer. Unfortunately, according to Educating Wellness, "Chlorine bleach is a strong corrosive material. It will irritate the eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract by merely inhaling the gasses. The dangers of bleach are even greater when mixing it with other cleaners." Not only is it dangerous to your health, but bleach also has the ability to destroy carpet, furnishings, and other surfaces, and can disturb ecological balance if overused.

2nd Myth

Cleaning up a blood spill and sanitizing a blood spill are the same thing. Although these words are often used interchangeably, they mean very different things. Cleaning is simply the process of removing material from a surface, whereas sanitizing is completely ridding a surface of microorganisms and biological material. Remember: Although a surface may look clean, biological material may still be present.

3rd Myth

It is impossible to fully sanitize a surface without using bleach. Believe it or not, there are better ways to sanitize blood spills than by using bleach. Furthermore, many of these processes are not toxic to humans, animals, or the environment.

4th Myth

If you are cleaning the blood of a family member, you do not have to take the same precautions as you would if you were cleaning up the blood of a stranger. No matter whose blood has been spilled, you should wear protective equipment like gloves and goggles. Because 1 in 24 people are carrying HIV, Hepatitis B and C, or a host of other pathogens (and are often unaware that they have been infected), all blood should be handled as if it poses a serious health risk.

5th Myth

You are on your own. In the case of a homicide, suicide, or serious accident that happens at home, it is generally the responsibility of the family to clean up the scene afterwards. For many families, this seems like an impossible and trying task. Fortunately, no family has to go through this process alone.

SERVPRO of Hershey/Harrisburg East/Lebanon County is an industry leader in bioremediation. As such we approach cleaning blood spills with both a compassionate and scientific perspective. Our method for cleaning blood spills includes rigorous cleaning procedures, structural remediation, biohazard removal (cutting away affected carpet and flooring and remove them via legal medical waste transportation), and surface sanitization of affected and adjacent areas. 

Contact SERVPRO of Hershey/Harrisburg East/Lebanon County today at 717-561-1404 

Sewage Cleanup in Mechanicsburg

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

We received a call from a customer located on Darla Drive in Mechanicsburg. This customer had experienced a sewage blockage in the lateral between the home and the street. We quickly mobilized a crew and arrived at the home within an hour of the call! We promptly got to work and today the basement which was flooded with sewage is now clean, dry and ready for our construction crew to make it 'Like It Never Even Happened'!

OUR DECONTAMINATION PROCESS

SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara employs a systematic approach to cleaning that ensures each and every trauma scene meets or exceeds hospital-grade sanitation standards.  SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara's trained service technicians are skilled in removing harmful biological contaminants, as well as any lingering odors. As remediation specialists, our primary goal is to preserve the customer’s property and return the home to a safe, livable condition. 

Step 1: Control the Contamination

For maximum control, our technicians use proven decontamination procedures, by establishing three zones using plastic sheeting and bio-tape to separate the contaminated area from other parts of the building. This process prevents cross-contamination from occurring between clean and affected rooms: 

  • The Control Zone is the contamination area, where work will take place.
  • The Buffer Zone is where technicians put on personal protective equipment, and fill disposal boxes.
  • The Clean Zone is designated to store tools and equipment, in order to prevent cross contamination. 

During all stages of the decontamination process, SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara technicians are fully protected by Personal Protective Equipment, including respiratory gear, a double layer of gloves, and hazmat suits designed especially for biohazard recovery.

We treat all crime scenes as if they contain a life threatening infection, because some of the worst viruses are known to survive in blood and biological materials. Statistics from the CDC show that 1 in 24 people has either HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.

Step 2: Biohazard Cleaning and Structural Removal

  • Cleaning: SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara  technicians start by removing all traces of dirt, chemicals, blood and biological materials from the control zone. Personal property that cannot be remediated must be disassembled and disposed of as medical waste.
  • Sanitization: After cleaning, our technicians treat the control zone with specialized disinfectants by spraying surfaces at precise intervals. Following treatment, the crew wipes all surfaces manually a second time before using fluorescence testing, the same technology used by hospitals to verify sanitation level.
  • Deodorization: In the final step, SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara follows industry standard deodorization practices to eliminate the possibility of lingering odors.

If you are facing an unattended death cleanup, blood spill, or other trauma cleanup, trust SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara's professional decontamination process to safely remediate your home, vehicle or business. 

We proudly serve the Harrisburg, Swatara, Hershey, Palmyra, and Camp Hill areas.

Crime Scene Cleaner Quality and Compliance - Harrisburg, PA | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

12/17/2015 (Permalink)

QUALITY & COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST FOR CRIME SCENE CLEANER REVIEWS

As a nationwide industry leader, SERVPRO of Hershey maintains the highest standards in cleaning, sanitation, and safety compliance. Many companies profess to have proper licensing and the certifications necessary to perform crime scene cleanup, but are they also legally able to haul away medical waste? Do they carry adequate insurance for the work involved? And how are their employees hired and trained?

Your remediation company should be able to provide the following:

  • Evidence of bloodborne pathogen training and compliance. (OSHA-29 CFR 1910.1030 et seq.)
  • Evidence of personal protective equipment training and compliance. (OSHA-29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(i) and 29 CFR 1910.132 et seq.)
  • Evidence of respiratory protection training and compliance. (OSHA-29 CFR 1910.134 et seq.)
  • Evidence of hazardous communication training and compliance. (OSHA-29 CFR 1910.1200 et seq.)
  • Evidence of a heat-illness awareness training program, including an on-site heat-stress level testing program, such as Wet Bulb Globe.
  • Evidence of job-specific OSHA training, such as Lock Out / Tag Out protocols for cleanings involve machinery, Lift and Fall Protection for cleanings involving ladders and scaffoldings, Hearing Safety for jobs involving high-noise equipment, and Back Safety for any and all lifting performed by employees.
  • Ongoing OSHA, medical waste handling/transporting, and process training for its employees. (OSHA-29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2) et seq. and EPA-40 CFR 745.80 Subpart E)
  • Evidence of expertise in environmental and regulatory compliance. (DOT, EPA, state & local agencies)
  • Evidence of compliance with asbestos regulations. (asbestos may be found in older homes & disturbing of asbestos without proper compliance violates multiple state & federal agency regulations)
  • A written exposure control program in the event of an accidental exposure incident. (OSHA-29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1))
  • A training facility for its employees.
  • Proof of workers compensation insurance.
  • Proof of commercial general liability insurance.
  • Proof of contractor’s environmental liability insurance.
  • Proof of insurance coverage to protect against theft or property damage.
  • Proof of auto insurance for all company vehicles.
  • Biohazard placarding on its vehicles. (DOT-49 CFR Part 172, Subpart D)
  • Evidence of a medical waste transporter license.
  • Evidence of a contract with a licensed medical waste disposal company, where applicable.
  • Evidence of adhering and meeting requirements for packaging, handling, transporting, and reporting of regulated medical waste. (DOT-49 CFR Part 173, Subpart E and 49 CFR Part 173.6 Subpart A and state environmental agency regulations)
  • Evidence that biohazard technicians have had Hepatitis B vaccinations. (OSHA-29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2))
  • Evidence of drug testing of its employees (random and pre-employment)
  • Evidence of background checks of its employees.
  • Evidence of clean driving records of its employees.
  • Evidence that the company does not use sub-contractors to do the remediation work.
  • Validated references or testimonials from customers.
  • Evidence of expertise in biohazard remediation.
  • Specifically designed chemicals formulated to serve the biohazard remediation industry.

At SERVPRO of Hershey - we take pride in being the must trusted and most professional restoration company in the Harrisburg area.  Call us at 717-561-1404 if you need help with biohazard or crime scene clean-up in the Harrisburg, PA or surrounding area.

Biohazard / Blood Clean-up - Harrisburg PA | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

12/17/2015 (Permalink)

5 Myths about Cleaning Blood Spills

When it comes to cleaning blood spills, there is pressure to get it right the first time. Why? Because blood can harbor serious health risks, and bloodborne pathogens can seep into surfaces and cause potential illnesses, bacterial growth, and foul odors. It can be difficult to effectively clean a blood spill, however, if you do not have the correct information or tools to do so. Below are 5 common myths about cleaning blood spills.

  1. The best way to thoroughly clean a blood spill is with bleach. Bleach has long been thought of as the ultimate sanitizer. Unfortunately, according to Educating Wellness, "Chlorine bleach is a strong corrosive material. It will irritate the eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract by merely inhaling the gasses. The dangers of bleach are even greater when mixing it with other cleaners." Not only is it dangerous to your health, but bleach also has the ability to destroy carpet, furnishings, and other surfaces, and can disturb ecological balance if overused.
  2. Cleaning up a blood spill and sanitizing a blood spill are the same thing. Although these words are often used interchangeably, they mean very different things. Cleaning is simply the process of removing material from a surface, whereas sanitizing is completely ridding a surface of microorganisms and biological material. Remember: Although a surface may look clean, biological material may still be present.
  3. It is impossible to fully sanitize a surface without using bleach. Believe it or not, there are better ways to sanitize blood spills than by using bleach. Furthermore, many of these processes are not toxic to humans, animals, or the environment.
  4. If you are cleaning the blood of a family member, you do not have to take the same precautions as you would if you were cleaning up the blood of a stranger. No matter whose blood has been spilled, you should wear protective equipment like gloves and goggles. Because 1 in 24 people are carrying HIV, Hepatitis B and C, or a host of other pathogens (and are often unaware that they have been infected), all blood should be handled as if it poses a serious health risk.
  5. You are on your own. In the case of a homicide, suicide, or serious accident that happens at home, it is generally the responsibility of the family to clean up the scene afterwards. For many families, this seems like an impossible and trying task. Fortunately, no family has to go through this process alone.

SERVPRO of Hershey is an industry leader in bioremediation, approaches cleaning blood spills with both a compassionate and scientific perspective. Our method for cleaning blood spills includes rigorous cleaning procedures, structural remediation, biohazard removal (cutting away affected carpet and flooring and remove them via legal medical waste transportation), and surface sanitization of affected and adjacent areas. 

Contact us today at 717-561-1404 

Tear Gas Clean-up - Harrisburg | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

10/9/2015 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

There are three basic types of tear gas: CN (chloroacetophenone or Mace®), CS (O-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) and OC/OR (oleoresin capsicum or pepper spray).

In the past CN was the most widely used product, but presently OC/OR has become the most popular, as it is sold in many over the counter personal defense sprays. Although referred to as tear gas, this is not exactly correct as these products are not gases, but in fact are fine particles that are dispersed as an aerosol. Therefore, the particles will eventually “fall out” and form a residue on surfaces that will need to be cleaned.

Typically law enforcement agencies will introduce tear gas into structures through the use of small canisters, also referred to as “grenades”. These can either be thrown or shot with the use of a special gun. They also have a very big canister that is referred to as a “bomb”, which will release much more tear gas than the standard grenade. Cleaning up behind the “bomb’ is much more difficult, due to the increased amount of tear gas that has been released.  

If your home or business is impacted by tear gas - call SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara.  We serve the Harrisburg, Hershey and the capital region and we are ready to respond 24/7.  

Beware of Mothballs !!!! Naphthalene Poisoning | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

11/12/2014 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

According to the EPA – “Naphthalene is used in the production of mothballs.  Acute (short-term) exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia, damage to the liver, and neurological damage.  Cataracts have also been reported in workers acutely exposed to naphthalene by inhalation and ingestion.  Chronic (long-term) exposure of workers and rodents to naphthalene has been reported to cause cataracts and damage to the retina.  Hemolytic anemia has been reported in infants born to mothers who "sniffed" and ingested naphthalene (as mothballs) during pregnancy.  Available data are inadequate to establish a causal relationship between exposure to naphthalene and cancer in humans.  EPA has classified naphthalene as a Group C, possible human carcinogen.”

If you can smell the mothball – detectable in the air at just a few parts per billion by the human nose – that means you’re also inhaling the same noxious gas that the CDC says can cause a significant amount of unpleasantness:

“Headache, confusion, excitement, malaise (vague feeling of discomfort); nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; irritation bladder; profuse sweating; jaundice; hematuria (blood in the urine), renal shutdown; dermatitis, optical neuritis, corneal damage.” It also causes cancer in rats.  

If your home is affected by Napthalene – SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara can remediate the situation and rid your home of the cointamination.  The process involves many of the same steps involved in the proper remediation of mold contamination and the removal of smoke odors.  Basically – the first thing that must be done is to remove the source of the contamination. When the mothballs have been removed, we thoroughly clean the area and employ techniques to expedite release of the VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the material in the home (including clothes and linens). 

Fortunately, once the mothballs are removed and remediation starts - it does not take long to eliminate the contamination.  Given the nature of the compound and its half-life, proper application of heat to the affected material and proper control of air flow - air quality can return to normal in just a few days. Air quality tests - pre and post remediation provide confirmation of success. 

If you find yourself affected by Napthalene exposure – you should first seek medical attention and then give us a call to remediate the impact in your home. 

Call SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara at 717-561-1404 and we can help!

For more detailed information on Napthalene – see the following links:

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/naphtech.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/91203.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002477.htm 

Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

10/17/2014 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Hershey/ Swatara Professionals are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara Professionals are here to help transform any unsafe environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Need Biohazard Cleanup?
Call Us Today 717-561-1404

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding, or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

The SERVPRO of Hershey /Swatara Professionals provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:

  • Sewage backups
  • Crime scene residues
  • Suicide/death accidents
  • Homicide cleanups
  • Blood cleanup
  • Accident cleanup
  • Hoarding scenes
  • Animal waste/remains
  • Chemical spills
  • Tear gas cleanup
  • Meth lab cleanup

Common Biohazard Scenarios

Sewage Backups

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs

SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. Our Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

24 Hour Emergency Service

Biohazard emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours, and that’s why SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. 

Our Biohazard Clean-up Process | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

10/3/2014 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

OUR DECONTAMINATION PROCESS

SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara employs a systematic approach to cleaning that ensures each and every trauma scene meets or exceeds hospital-grade sanitation standards.  SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara's trained service technicians are skilled in removing harmful biological contaminants, as well as any lingering odors. As remediation specialists, our primary goal is to preserve the customer’s property and return the home to a safe, livable condition. 

Step 1: Control the Contamination

For maximum control, our technicians use proven decontamination procedures, by establishing three zones using plastic sheeting and bio-tape to separate the contaminated area from other parts of the building. This process prevents cross-contamination from occurring between clean and affected rooms: 

  • The Control Zone is the contamination area, where work will take place.
  • The Buffer Zone is where technicians put on personal protective equipment, and fill disposal boxes.
  • The Clean Zone is designated to store tools and equipment, in order to prevent cross contamination. 

During all stages of the decontamination process, SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara technicians are fully protected by Personal Protective Equipment, including respiratory gear, a double layer of gloves, and hazmat suits designed especially for biohazard recovery.

We treat all crime scenes as if they contain a life threatening infection, because some of the worst viruses are known to survive in blood and biological materials. Statistics from the CDC show that 1 in 24 people has either HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.

Step 2: Biohazard Cleaning and Structural Removal

  • Cleaning: SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara  technicians start by removing all traces of dirt, chemicals, blood and biological materials from the control zone. Personal property that cannot be remediated must be disassembled and disposed of as medical waste.
  • Sanitization: After cleaning, our technicians treat the control zone with specialized disinfectants by spraying surfaces at precise intervals. Following treatment, the crew wipes all surfaces manually a second time before using fluorescence testing, the same technology used by hospitals to verify sanitation level.
  • Deodorization: In the final step, SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara follows industry standard deodorization practices to eliminate the possibility of lingering odors.

If you are facing an unattended death cleanup, blood spill, or other trauma cleanup, trust SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara's professional decontamination process to safely remediate your home, vehicle or business. 

We proudly serve the Harrisburg, Swatara, Hershey, Palmyra, and Camp Hill areas.

Crime Scene Clean-up Certification | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

9/27/2014 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

ABRA: Levels of Education and Proficiency

  

Last June, ABRA President Dale Cillian proposed to the board of directors new criteria for the various levels of education and proficiency in the field of biorecovery. The ABRA board unanimously passed this proposal and foresees it will encourage individuals to seek advancement in their field of expertise. These levels will be distinguished on the National Bio-Recovery Registry, which is maintained by ABRA at www.americanbiorecovery.org.

Once again, ABRA is raising the bar and dividing the playing field of those with good intentions and those that have professionalism. The levels are:

  • Level 1: ABRA Certified Bio-Recovery Technician
  • Level 2: ABRA Master Bio-Recovery Technician
  • Level 3: ABRA Licensed Bio-Recovery Technician

Level 1: ABRA Certified Bio-Recovery Technician (present certification)

  • Pass the basic ABRA bio-recovery exam.
  • Maintain certification status with a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education (industry related) every three years.

Level 2: ABRA Master Bio-Recovery Technician (5 years minimum experience in bio-recovery)

  • One year as an ABRA Certified Tech.
  • 40-hour HAZWOPER Certification.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Hand Tool Safety.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Power Tool Safety.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 Tag Out / Lock Out.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Confined Space Entry.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.25-.27 Ladders.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 HAZ Com (Right to Know).
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910 & 1292 Fall Protection.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.331-335 Electrical Safety.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Hearing Conversation.

Level 3: ABRA Licensed Bio-Recovery Technician (In addition to Level 1 and Level 2)

  • Three years as an ABRA-certified Tech.
  • Eight years doing bio-recovery cleaning.
  • 24-hour worker or 40-hour supervisor AHERA Asbestos Certification.
  • 8-hour lead training.
  • Elective courses: meth lab training, bio-terrorism training, 8-hour HAZWOPER.
  • 8-hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 HAZ Materials & Incident Command.
  • OSHA Disaster Site Worker #7600.
  • Additional specialization certification in bio-terrorism, bird flu, drug labs, Et

Sewer Backup = Serious Bio-Hazard ! | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

9/27/2014 (Permalink)

Time to call SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara! | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

Sewage is one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings. It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which are disease-causing. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the hazards that sewage presents, particularly for the very young or very old, or for those with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems.

The IICRC complied guidelines for professional sewage clean-up called the Standard for Water Damage Restoration (S500).

Here are the key principles homeowners should know about sewage back-ups:

  • Sewage contains a variety of pathogenic – disease causing – fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Anyone who works on sewage losses must have updated vaccinations, including one for Hepatitis B.
  • Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone under two or over 60, those who are pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on prescription drugs or chemotherapy, or are AIDS victims.
  • It is not safe to stay in a building that’s flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so that there will be no cross contamination of unaffected areas.
  • Highly absorbent sewage-saturated materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper or even fabrics that can’t be washed in hot water (130°F/54°C) for at least 10 minutes, must be contained and disposed of properly.  This goes for sewage-saturated drywall, insulation and several other structural materials too.  There’s simply too great a health risk involved if any of these materials are dried in place and cleaned only.
  • Only the most highly trained professionals should attempt sewage remediation work. Then, a “third party” indoor environmental professional can provide post-remediation verification or “clearance testing” to ensure that the home or building is safe to re-occupy.

Don't Try This At Home ! Call a Professional | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

2/5/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatra Cleaning Services:

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

Biohazard
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene and Vandalism
Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.

Vandalism
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also provide general vandalism cleanup for graffiti and deodorization services for situations involving spoiled foods and human and animal waste.