Bio SoCal partners with property managers to provide expert biohazard cleanup services. Our recent article, featured in Apartment News by the Apartment Association of Orange County (AAOC), outlines the essential steps property managers should take following a tragic incident on their property. You can read the full article or review the synopsis below.
When tragedy strikes on a property—whether it’s an unattended death, crime, or suicide—property managers are often left facing a situation far beyond the scope of routine maintenance. Blood, bodily fluids, and strong odors aren’t just unpleasant—they’re dangerous biohazards that require specialized cleanup. Acting quickly and correctly not only protects your residents and staff, but also minimizes liability and restores the property to a safe, rentable condition.
At Bio SoCal, we’ve helped countless property managers navigate these difficult situations with professionalism, compassion, and compliance with all state and federal regulations. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Follow Legal and Safety Protocols
Once authorities are contacted, the coroner may seal the unit until the next of kin is notified or a positive identification is made. Do not enter the scene unless you or your staff are trained to OSHA Standard 1910.1030. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV poses serious health risks, and untrained handling could result in regulatory violations.
Step 2: Hire a Licensed Biohazard Cleanup Company
In California, biohazard cleanup must be performed by a company with a Trauma Scene Waste Management Practitioners (TSW) License from the California Department of Public Health. This license ensures the team is legally authorized to handle, transport, and dispose of biohazard waste according to health codes.
If a company cannot provide proof of this license, hiring them could expose you to legal and financial liability. At Bio SoCal, we are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
Step 3: Understand the Realities of Biohazard Cleanup
Decomposition begins immediately after death, releasing fluids and odors and attracting pests. Depending on the cause of death, biohazards may be found on:
- Floors, furniture, and bedding
- Walls, cabinets, and countertops
- Hidden areas under flooring or behind baseboards
Unlike a simple cleaning job, biohazard remediation involves removing all contamination and thoroughly disinfecting the area. Our team works discreetly and efficiently to restore the property while respecting the privacy of residents and those affected.
Step 4: Address Hidden Contamination
Blood and bodily fluids often seep beneath carpets, into wood floors, or along tile seams. If these materials aren’t removed and the subfloor treated, dangerous bacteria and viruses can remain—and odors will eventually return. We use specialized detection and removal methods to ensure nothing is left behind that could compromise safety or cause future liability.
Step 5: Odor Elimination
Even after biohazards are removed, decomposition odors can linger. We use advanced odor-removal technology—such as ozone and hydroxyl treatments—that neutralizes smells at a molecular level without leaving behind harsh chemicals or perfumes.
Why Property Managers Trust Us
A biohazard cleanup isn’t just a cleaning job—it’s a highly regulated, health-critical process that must be handled by trained professionals. At Bio SoCal, we combine:
- Full licensing and compliance with California health codes
- Rapid emergency response to reduce downtime and protect property value
- Compassionate, discreet service during sensitive situations
Our goal is to help you protect your residents, safeguard your property, and return the unit to revenue-generating condition as quickly as possible.
Your Trusted Partner for Safe, Licensed Biohazard Cleanup
Handling a death or traumatic incident on your property is one of the most difficult challenges a property manager can face. By partnering with a licensed biohazard cleanup specialist, you can ensure the job is done safely, legally, and with the care and discretion the situation demands.
If you need professional, licensed biohazard cleanup in Southern California, contact Bio SoCal 24/7. We’re here to help you restore safety, peace of mind, and normal operations.
