Nearly 800,000 people commit suicide every year. That’s one person every 40 seconds.
With every suicide comes excruciating pain for friends and family especially if they see the remains. Thankfully, there are many ways to ensure the suicide cleanup is sanitary and safe for those in the area. Not sure what they are? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
Here’s everything you need to know
1. Call In the Professionals
Even though we’ll cover the step-by-step of a suicide cleanup, it’s important to note there are companies that clean up after a death who have the right equipment and expertise for the job.
Doing it yourself, especially if you were close to the deceased, is overbearing so call one of these companies instead.
2. Establish a Safety Zone
Suicide cleaners create a safety zone before the cleanup phase. This is to prevent contaminated matter from spreading throughout the area.
Safety zones also let family and friends know not to cross the line until the job is finished. Not just for the mess but also because suicide is a traumatic experience and the close proximity would make matters worse.
3. Consulting the Family
One of the most important stages of a biohazard clean up after death is talking with the family. Professional cleaners must be supportive when dealing with the family who is deeply suffering.
Suicide cleanup professionals will breakdown the cleanup process including what will happen afterwards. During this time, they must be open and listen to the family’s concerns and queries with compassion.
4. Wearing the Right Equipment
Professional cleaners will wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes coveralls, disposable gloves, safety shoes, and goggles.
They’ll also come equipped with biohazard bags when throwing away contaminated materials. These will be clearly marked and securely closed.
5. Removing Damaged Objects
The suicide cleanup team will disinfect the entire area with a product that has a broad spectrum kill claim.
This type of product should never mixed with other cleaning agents as it’s too powerful. Also, bodily fluids that have seeped into the subfloor, must be removed.
Once finished, the team will clear away items that can’t be disinfected or restored. This will include mattresses, bedding, clothing, carpets, curtains, or wallpaper.
During the process, the team will handle and dispose of affected items in a controlled manner.
6. Cleaning Recoverable Items
Anything saveable will be sanitized with cleaning agents designed to dissolve body fluids. Once everything is cleaned, the team will seal the building’s subfloor and walls to ensure the rest of the household is safe.
Those Are Our Sanitary Suicide Cleanup Tips
Now you know how to have a thorough suicide cleanup.
It’s important to call in a professional so they can handle it correctly with the right cleaning equipment. The team must wear PPE, be transparent with the family, and seal off any structures they have cleared to guarantee the household’s safety.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our articles on everything from the Environment to Family.
