Facts you need to know about biohazards

Biohazards are known to be the greatest threat to humankind. Here are some important facts you need to know about biohazards. The risk and extent of exposure to biological materials/ hazards depend on the industry and workplace. Exposure to biological hazards is can be widespread and is not always obvious.
Hence it is important to have a good understanding of what constitutes a biohazard material as well as the different categories of hazardous waste. This allows you to take the right actions to protect your health and property.

What is a biological hazard?
A biological hazard or biohazard, refers to any biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms – humans or animals.
Exposure to biohazards can cause a variety of effects ranging from skin irritation and allergies to infections (e.g., tuberculosis, AIDS), cancer, etc.

What are the sources of biological hazards?
Sources of biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans.

What are the categories of biohazard waste materials?
They are categorized into broad groups based on the source of potential transmission.

Solid and liquid biohazardous waste
Human bodily matter and blood products which includes blood and other body fluids, tissues, vomit, urine, faeces, semen, saliva and breast milk etc, These may contain viral or bacterial infection.
Animal products including raw and cooked meat, offal, skins, bones, blood, milk and eggs

Microbiological waste
Laboratory cultures like animal and human tissue cultures, bacterial and cell cultures waste, biopsy materials.

Pathological waste
Refers to human or animal organs, tissues, and body parts that have been removed or from medical procedures or autopsies.

Animals/birds, their wastes and carcasses
Live animals and birds, or any material used by that them which may be infected. Their wastes include urine and droppings/faeces. Carcasses and body parts tend to get contaminated with infectious agents or parasites.

Sharps waste and rubbish
Needles, blades, syringes, scalpels, microscope slides, and broken glass tubes. These dangerous items can penetrate the skin and allow toxins from the biohazard materials to enter the bloodstream.

Biohazard Safety Levels
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, there are 4 levels of biohazards. Each level has specific controls for containment of microbes and biological agents and requires specific laboratory practices, safety equipment and facility construction. The bio safety levels range from BSL-1 (low-risk microbes) to BSL-4 (high-risk microbes).

Biohazard Level 1
The viruses in this level are not very dangerous and usually only cause mild sickness. Precautions against the biohazardous materials are minimal, mostly involving washing hands with soap, wearing gloves and some sort of facial protection, and putting waste materials in specially-marked bins. Some of the bacteria and viruses include canine hepatitis, E-coli, Bacillus subtilis, chicken pox.

Biohazard Level 2
The microbes like Staphylococcus aureus in this level pose moderate to severe hazards to laboratories and the environment. Diseases associated with this level are of varying severity such as Hepatitis, influenza A, salmonella, mumps, measles, dengue fever, HIV. Access to the laboratory should be restricted and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn

Biosafety Level 3
The microbes are airborne and can cause severe to fatal disease in humans like SARS and yellow fever, tuberculosis and malaria. However, vaccines or other treatments do exist for these diseases. Access to these areas should be restricted and controlled at all times with persons there being kept under medical surveillance and might receive immunizations.

Biosafety Level 4
It is the highest level of biological safety as these microbes are dangerous and exotic. They cause diseases that are frequently fatal to humans. Treatment or vaccines are usually not available for such diseases like Ebola and Marburg viruses, smallpox. Here, the use of a positive pressure personnel suit, with a segregated air supply, is mandatory. Areas dealing with this has to be in a separate building or isolated and restricted zones. There are strict decontamination procedures before and after entering such areas


If you are facing a biohazard situation, call us at Bio Cleanse Services 0427 411 789. Our trained professionals eliminate the biohazardous substances and dispose them properly. They are equipped with necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, to decontaminate the area and help turn your property into a clean & safe place.

BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT CRIME SCENE CLEAN-UP

Dealing with an unexpected crime in your home can be stressful and highly emotional. To avoid any further turmoil of dealing with the cleanup of the crime scene, it should not be attempted by yourself. It is best to employ the services of professional crime scene cleaners. They can ensure proper clean up of blood, pathogens, bodily fluids and any bio-hazards, leaving your home odour free, safe and liveable.

However, despite their importance, most people have misconceptions of what crime scene cleanup is all about. Some of these myths are addressed below:

Crime scene cleaning is impersonal/doesn’t respect victims.
Crime scene cleaners are professionals, and are trained to be compassionate and respectful to the family and friends of the victim. They will get the clean up job done with care and concern.

Crime scene cleanup services is done by Law Enforcement authorities.
Your tax dollars do not take care of a crime scene cleanup. Law enforcement officials do not handle it. It is the responsibility of the property owner to pay for it and ensure it is done. Hence, cleaning and restoration is best handled by professional crime scene cleaners.

Crime scene cleanups can help in investigations.
Due to popular television crime shows, people often think that crime scene cleaning crews can help in solving a crime. However, these cleaning professionals take over only after the investigators have collected evidence left the scene.


Professional crime scene cleaners are equipped with the right equipment, techniques, and skills to ensure that crime scenes are not left contaminated in any way. These technicians are certified and experienced to handle the situation.

Contact Bio Cleanse Services on 0427 411 789 in case of any crime scene cleaning emergency.

What are the benefits of Dry Ice Blasting?

Picture Credits: flickr.com

Dry ice is a CO2 gas by-product. It is non-toxic and eco-friendly. It is a recycled material and has wide application. Dry ice cleaning has numerous benefits, some of which are listed below.

Less after cleaning

When it comes to dry ice cleaning, there's very less after cleaning to do, unlike most other methods. It leaves no residue or waste behind as dry ice gets quickly converted into a gaseous form.

A thorough and quick cleaning method

Dry ice blasting is not only an effective technique but also efficient as it does a thorough cleaning in a short duration. It helps to save time as well as reduce labour cost. This method also helps to clean areas that are not easily reachable.

Multi area usage

Dry ice is used as a disinfectant when it comes to getting rid of fungus and bacteria. It can also be used in food processing areas to decontaminate equipment from food poisoning bacteria.

Cleaning delicate surfaces

In cases of fragile surfaces where using harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing can do substantial damage, dry ice cleaning is an excellent choice.

Avoids fire hazards

Dry ice is non-flammable and non-conductive in nature. Hence, it is safe to use for cleaning electronics and electricals without the worry of causing a hazard.

Eliminates equipment damage

Dry ice blasting does not reduce the life of your machinery as it is non-abrasive to surfaces. It also reduces the risks associated with moving or disassembling equipment while cleaning.

Reduces downtime

With this process, equipment can be cleaned in place without the hassle of transporting it to a separate cleaning facility.

Ensures a high safety level

The non-toxic pellets used are approved by the relevant authorities and are safe to the environment, your employees, and production facility.

For any queries relating to Dry ice blasting, call us on 0427 411 789 or visit us at http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/dry-ice-blasting/

Tips to eliminate car odours

How do you take care of the odours and stains that can accumulate with the daily use of your car?

Here are some pointers to help you to eliminate car odours, allowing for pleasant rides!

Identify the Odour
Identifying the cause of the odour helps you decide the cleaning process required.
Check all areas of your vehicle including beneath seats, between seat cushions and in the trunk. Use a flashlight and adjust the seats when required. Check the cabin air filter which traps debris.

Cleaning the car
Treat upholstery stains by applying a stain remover. Allow it to set, then use cleaning tools to loosen the dirt. Vacuum the area and dry the upholstery. For leather upholstery, use a mild cleanser and a soft-bristled scrub brush. Dry the seats with a microfiber cloth.
Ensure the upholstery and carpet are completely dry.
All-purpose cleaners can be used for dashboards and other similar surfaces.

Choose an odour removal methods
Using affordable household products and methods to control odours.
Leave an open container with dryer sheets/coffee beans or a bag of charcoal briquettes under the seat.
Call Bio Cleanse Services.

Develop preventive measures
Develop good practices like removing leftover food even in containers and clean up a spill immediately to avoid sticky residue build up.

Consider the Role Weather Plays
The weather is another factor that can affect your car.
Car windows should be up during rainy weather to ensure that the interiors remain dry to prevent the growth of mould.
Avoid leaving perishables or any items that may melt in direct sunlight during warmer weather.

Be aware of health risks caused by odours
Car odours can also have an effect on your well-being.
Exposure to mould or mildew can trigger an allergic reaction in anyone with sensitivities to the bacteria created by it. Sensitivities to a variety of odours can cause headaches or nausea.

If you're in need of odour removal service in Sydney, Goulburn, Canberra, Batemans Bay & surrounding NSW. Bio Cleanse has years of experience in removing bad odour from your home/ business. You can schedule an appointment, call – 0412 547 547. You may also email us at - info@primerestorations.com.au