Who Is Responsible For Cleaning Up After A Murder

Though it is not unheard of for law enforcement officials to clean the area for a variety of official reasons, as a general rule, they do not shoulder that responsibility.  Likewise, an old-wives-tale holds that the person responsible for committing the act of murder is held accountable for cleaning the crime scene by court ruling – this is also untrue.

When a murder is committed, the area is usually sealed off until an investigation can be completed by law enforcement officials – then the body is removed.  That is where most police and investigators’ involvement with the scene ends.  Often, a gruesome scene is left behind to be cleaned by whoever owns the property.

Who Cleans Up After Murders

There is truly no cut-and-dry rules or laws that states who carries the responsibility of cleaning up after a murder.  You may consider yourself responsible for cleaning if you are one of the following:

• The Homeowner – If a murder has occurred in a home that you own, either as the occupant or landlord, it will likely be your responsibility to clean up after the murder.
• The Business-Owner – Likewise, if you are the owner of a business property on which a murder has occurred, the responsibility may fall on you.
• The Next Of Kin – If your loved one has been murdered in their own home, a realtor will most likely refuse to purchase the property until you have had it thoroughly cleaned.
• A Public Entity – If a murder has occurred on public property, it is usually the responsibility of the local, municipal, or other government office to take care of the clean-up.

As a general rule, whoever possesses the deed and rights to the property on which a murder has occurred is solely responsible for clean up efforts.

Crime Scene Clean Up Services In Phoenix, Arizona

BioTeamAZ of Phoenix, Arizona understands that such horrendous acts as murder carry with them a traumatic experience, and cleaning up after a murder is no small effort for any individual – let alone a loved one.  We also understand that certain precautions must be taken to safely eliminate the hazards associated with cleaning a crime scene.

Let BioTeamAZ’s professional and certified sanitation staff take care of your property.  Contact us today.

What Spill Kits Are Used For?

Even under the strictest adherence to safety guidelines, hazardous material may spill or leak.  Spill kits are general clean-up kits designed to contain everything you need to safely clean up and remove a particular chemical, biohazardous material or substance.

Spill kits are usually kept prepared and ready in a variety of factories, retail outlets, warehouses, and cleaning services to handle dangerous materials such as:

• Battery Acid & Other Corrosives
• Blood & Other Bodily Fluids
• Oil, Gasoline, & Other Flammables

Though many spill kits may contain directions for properly disposing of the material in question or information on handling possible fumes or airborne contamination, as a general rule, the kit itself only contains the required safety equipment and materials to clean and contain the spill.

There are also spill kits designed for use in a body of water – such a pool, river, lake, or even the ocean.  These generally consists of specialized materials that absorb surface-level contaminates on top of the water, such as oil, that floats for collection. Click here to learn how to use a spill kit

What A Spill Kit May Contain?

Spill kits are generally very specific to a single or group of similar chemicals or substances.  However, spill kits normally contain the following at minimum:

• Step-by-step information on using every component of the spill kit.
• Personal protective equipment, such as goggles, gloves, face masks, and disposable smocks.
• Hazard warning signs to display in order to inform others of the danger associated with the spill.
• A neutralizer, such as baking soda to neutralize acid.
• An absorbent material such as sawdust or absorbent pads.
• A bag and/or bucket to contain the material.
• Special treatments or cleaners to use on the area the spill occurred in.
• Disposable or paper cleaning towels.

Larger kits may contain their own disposable dustpans, brooms, and mops, as well.

Professional Cleaning Services In Phoenix, Arizona

If you do not have a spill kit available for a particular hazardous material, or lack information on properly cleaning the spill, contact a professional cleaning and sanitation service.  BioTeamAZ has a professionally trained staff to deal with all manners of hazardous material cleanup, and are capable of producing the best results for cleaning, decontamination and sanitation in the Phoenix area.
Contact us today for quick, hassle-free hazardous material removal.

What Is A Spill Kit

Spill kits can vary greatly depending on the material they were designed to clean.  A simple spill kit may consist of little more than an absorbent dust or pad to place on a liquid spill in order to solidify it for a broom and dustpan.  A more complex spill kit might include protective equipment, specialized cleaning solutions or equipment, and a special container for disposal.

Normally, however, a spill kit will contain descriptions for all equipment, how to use each component, and a step-by-step procedure for using the spill kit properly.

Example Of Step-By-Step Spill Kit Procedures

The following is an example of instructions contained in a complex spill kit used to clean spilled acid from an automotive battery:

Contents:

• PPE – Rubber Gloves, Face Mask, Safety Goggles
• Baking Soda
• Barrier Agent
• Solidifier
• Plastic Content Bag
• Plastic Bucket Container

Step 1

Remove the contents of the spill kit from the plastic disposal bucket.  Set aside.

Step 2

Put on goggles, face mask, and rubber gloves for protection.

Step 3

Using the barrier agent powder, encircle the area of spilled battery acid to prevent further spreading.

Step 4

Liberally apply baking soda to battery acid, floor, and barrier agent powder.  Apply more baking soda to any areas that show a “bubbling” reaction – continue until reaction stops.

Step 5

Place the plastic container bag inside the bucket – the lip of the bag should cover hand over the edges of the bucket.

Step 6

Apply backing powder to inside walls of the plastic bag with a liberal layer on the bottom of the bag.

Step 7

Apply solidifier powder to the area of the spill – wait 10 minutes for liquid to be absorbed.

Step 8

Using a broom and dustpan, sweep up all powder and dispose of in the plastic container bag.

Step 9

Reapply baking soda to entire area to neutralize any remaining battery acid – sweep into dustpan and dispose of in the plastic container bag.

Step 10

Seal plastic container bag.  Leave bag in plastic bucket container and seal bucket.

Step 11

Mark bucket with hazardous waste sticker (included) and dispose of properly.

If all steps were followed correctly, the area should now be safe to clean and mop with conventional methods.

For Large Hazardous Spills In Phoenix, Arizona

If the hazardous waste in question is simply too large to clean with a conventional spill kit, contact a professional hazardous material disposal and sanitation service – such as the expert cleaning and sanitation staff at Bio-One.

BioTeamAZ is trained and certified to properly handle and dispose of a wide range of hazardous substances – and their name is trusted throughout Phoenix and the surrounding area for their unmatched skill and expertise at affordable prices.  Contact us today for a scheduled or emergency response.

What Is Tear Gas

Tear gas is a non-lethal form of riot control dispersed in a gaseous form.  Canisters of different mixtures, including CS, CR, and CN gasses, as well as pepper spray, Mace, and various other gasses, are used by police and military forces to help disperse dangerous crowds participating in riots.

Also known as lachrymatory agent, tear gasses often have the following effects:

• Burning Eyes
• Tearing
• Eye Pain
• Increased Salivation
• Uncontrollable Coughing Or Sneezing
• Chest, Throat, & Sinus Pain
• Minor Chemical Burns

Though most of these symptoms are temporary, more severe and permanent effects, such as blindness and even death, have also been recorded, though in small numbers.

The use of tear gas in many forms has been prohibited for use as a chemical warfare agent has been banned by several international treaties.

How To Get Rid Of Tear Glass

The first and most important step in cleaning up tear gas is protecting yourself.  It is generally recommended that a full-face respirator or gas mask is used – along with a hazardous material (HAZMAT) suit due to severe skin irritation that can occur with tear gas residue.

It is important to note that even after a good deal of time has passed, the process of cleaning tear gas residue can stir chemicals back into the air.  Once you are adequately protected, proceed to the following steps:

• Use a vacuum to remove as much of the powder residue as possible.  Ordinary vacuum cleaners may allow the dust to redistribute into the air, so it is important to use ULPA or HEPA vacuum.  It is also important to avoid attachments such as brushes, as they can also stir up the fine powders.

• Flushing the area with a large amount of water will help to neutralize tear gas – however, with certain tear gasses, such as CR gas, water can actually add to the effect of tear gas.  Speak with the law enforcement center(s) that issued the gas to get advice on whether or not water should be used.

• Clean hard surfaces with a surfactant hard surface cleaner or a water-based alkaline solution.  Use of mops and rags are fine (keep in mind that you must dispose of any cleaning implements after use), but brushes, brooms, and scrubbers can stir the dust back into the air.

• Sodium bisulfate and sodium meta-bisulfate added to the alkaline solution can aid in the removal of tear gas residue.  However, it has a very strong and unpleasant odor – and carries the potential to bleach or lighten the color of many surfaces.

• Carpets and upholstered furniture can be difficult to clean, and are often disposed of.  However, a citrus based or volatile dry solvent can aid in lifting residues from the fibers.

• Any item that can be removed from the scene and cleaned with an alkaline solution in an outdoor environment should be.  If items can be immersed completely and soaked in the solution, it would be much better.

• It is important to keep the area well ventilated before, during, and for a time after the cleaning process.  If severe odors persist for more than a two days, applying direct-spray deodorizers can help to lessen and eliminate them.

Remember that you should read the labels of your cleaning chemicals carefully for important health and safety information.  You may also be able to get further advice and safety information from your local law enforcement offices.

Also, keep in mind that many areas consider tear gas dust to be a biohazardous compound, and may require special considerations for safe, legal disposal.  Speak to a local Environmental Protection Agency office or law enforcement personnel to get important information on tear gas disposal.

Tear Gas Removal Services In Phoenix, Arizona

Keep in mind that tear gas is nothing less than a chemical weapon, and if at all possible should be cleaned by a professional specialty cleaning service to ensure the best quality of cleaning and sanitation.  BioTeamAZ serves Phoenix area businesses, home owners, and individuals for professional biohazard sanitation – including tear gas removal.

Don’t take a chance on your safety – call BioTeamAZ today to take care of the hazards of tear gas residue.