Sewage Spill - A Health Hazard

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A sewage spill is one of the most unpleasant situations that can occur in your home, not to mention one that can damage your property and cause serious sanitation problems. A septic tank backup, a toilet overflow, a clogged drain, or area flooding due to a natural calamity, all classify as water damage and can create a hazardous environment for your family. Also of paramount concern is the health risk of being exposed, especially to a sewage spill. If the spill is small, you can choose to clean it up yourself with specialized cleaning products to disinfect the area. But if the spill is massive, it’s best to call in the professionals. Even just being in the vicinity of the spill can put your family’s health at risk, because the contaminants contained in sewage and septic tank spills can cause serious illness or disease.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when a sewage spill occurs:

Evacuate

It is important to act quickly and evacuate all people with compromised immune systems, or problems like asthma. These would include young children, the infirm and the elderly, and even your pets. Ensure that nobody eats or drinks in the location of the spill.

Act quickly

The longer you are exposed to the sewage, the worse it gets, because bacteria spread quickly. Parasites, fungi and viruses are also among the agents found in raw sewage responsible for causing diseases like Hepatitis A. Allowing time to pass before clean-up may also create foul doors that will later be difficult to remove. Therefore, spills must be dealt with promptly.

Stay protected

Spills must also be dealt with in a safe manner, wearing protective gear, considering that one is handling infectious waste. Wear waterproof boots and gloves, a face mask, safety goggles or similar protective eyewear, and thick clothing which is best to throw away after the cleanup. If one already has any wounds, cuts or bruises on the body, they must be covered up so that they do not get exposed to sewage.

How long has it been there?

If the spill or overflow has happen when no one is around, it’s likely that it has been sitting around for some hours. It is probably too late to stop bacteria from spreading. Safety gear is essential in such a situation and breathing apparatuses are highly advised.

Mould growth

It is also necessary to protect other areas and your property such as furniture from the overflow. Water damage creates an environment conducive to the growth of mould or fungi. This can play havoc with your family’s health in the long run.

After the cleanup, the property must be thoroughly decontaminated, to create a safe and healthy environment in your home.

See Also: Proper sewage cleanup is necessary

Call in the pros

Getting professional help is necessary in case of a large spill. We at Bio Cleanse Services handle sewage cleanup in a professional manner. Apart from cleaning up the disgusting mess, we also clean carpet and upholstery, decontaminate and restore your property. Speed is our forte, and this would not only mean damage control but would also help you get back to normal life quickly. Call us on 0427 411 789.