HOARDING

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

This shows what the room looked like before cleanup, the resulting damage to the floor, and the room after the floor removal and cleanup is complete.

HOARDING…

Hoarding is the persistent difficulty to discard or part with possessions, regardless of their actual value. The behavior usually has detrimental effects—emotional, physical, social, financial, legal, and possible loss of their home. This not only affects the hoarder but family members as well.

Common hoarding cleanup hazards

For those who hoard, the quantity of their collected items sets them apart from other people. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 40 percent of object hoarders also keep animals and more than 80 percent of animal hoarders have diseased, dying, or dead animals on the premises. The animal waste, including fecal matter and urine, are biohazards and spread disease. This creates a situation that is just as dangerous to cleanup as infected blood. droppings and urine residue is a biohazard and can spread disease.

The following materials are common hazards found in a hoarding home:

• Human waste – Toilets, tubs, and sinks are usually unusable or inaccessible
• Mold/Mildew
• Sharps (needles, medical instruments, and sharp objects)
• Asbestos
• Rotting food - major appliances are broken or inaccessible
• Paper/Plastic - newspapers, magazines, paper, cardboard boxes, photographs, and plastic bags
• Heavy dust – poor air quality
• Stressed property – damaged flooring, ceiling, walls, etc.
• Electrical hazards
•  Tripping and the possibility of contents falling

Importance of safety gear during a hoarding cleanup

It’s not uncommon for hoarding cleanup technicians to be exposed to a cocktail of human and animal waste, hypodermic needles, broken glass, and black mold. The bacteria transmitted through animal and human waste can cause infections and respiratory complications that have long-term effects.

SERVPRO of Winnetka/Wilmette/Skokie technicians are properly equipped and trained to handle biohazard materials and hazardous working conditions. Our technicians wear personal protective gear that meets the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, including:

• Disposable mask
• Purifying full-face respirator
• Chemical and Puncture resistant gloves
• Biohazard suits
• Steel Toe Boots

 We at SERVPRO of Winnetka/Wilmette/Skokie are here to make the process as quick and painless as possible.  You can count on us.

Sources: adaa.org, aftermath.com, and ARyan