Unattended Death Cleanup

Unattended death cleanup, sometimes called decomposition cleanup, is needed when a person has died and was not found right away. Fluids and odor can move into flooring, subfloors, and personal belongings. The condition of the property varies widely. An independent partner company has to see the site, or receive a careful description from the property contact, before it can say what the work involves.

Why a professional company

Professional cleanup is recommended because blood and other body fluids can carry pathogens. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, governs workers who handle blood on the job. That standard applies to the employer's workers. It is one reason this work belongs with a company that trains its own people, not with family members using household products.

What partner companies typically do

Partners typically assess structural materials, remove what cannot be salvaged, disinfect what can remain, and treat odor only after the source is addressed. They do not promise that every odor will disappear, and they set their own price.

What to do right now

• Leave the area closed off.
• Do not run household fans in a way that spreads odor through the rest of the building without a plan.
• Do not remove furniture until a partner has assessed it.
• Wait for officials to release the scene if they are involved.

If the property also has needles or drug residue, ask for cleanup of needles and other sharps as its own match.

Some property insurance policies may cover part of biohazard cleanup; many don't, and coverage depends on your policy. Check with your insurer. Insurance and self-pay jobs are accepted. Top Clean Bio is not an insurer, adjuster, or public adjuster and does not handle or negotiate claims.