Hiring a biohazard cleaner is not like hiring a standard cleaning company. When blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials are involved, the job requires specialized training, protective equipment, documented procedures, and compliant disposal practices.
Homeowners often only realize this after they start calling around and get wildly different answers. Some companies sound professional but cannot explain their training. Others use vague terms like certified and licensed without showing proof.
This guide breaks down what certification should mean in the real world and how to verify it before anyone steps into your home.
What “certified” should actually mean for a biohazard cleaner
There is no single universal license that automatically makes someone qualified for every trauma or biohazard situation. Instead, credibility usually comes from a combination of industry training, OSHA-required safety programs, and proof the company follows recognized standards for trauma and crime scene cleanup.
One certification homeowners may hear about is the IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician, often shown as TCST. The IICRC describes TCST as a certification covering the unique situations encountered during trauma and crime scene cleanup.
If a company claims TCST certified technicians, it is reasonable to ask who is certified, what their certification number is, and whether the certification can be verified through the certifying organization.
Step 1: Ask what safety standard and training they follow
A trustworthy biohazard cleaner should be able to explain what safety framework they use and what training their technicians complete. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard applies to cleanup work where employees may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Ask directly how the company handles bloodborne pathogen exposure control, PPE, decontamination procedures, and what happens if an exposure incident occurs. A legitimate provider should have clear answers, not “we’ve been doing this a long time.”
Also ask whether the team may fall under HAZWOPER requirements in certain situations, because OSHA notes that biohazard remediation workers responding to a declared emergency release of a hazardous substance may need HAZWOPER training.
Step 2: Verify credentials instead of accepting claims
If a company says it is certified, ask for proof and verify it. For IICRC certifications, IICRC’s guidance points people to use its Certification Locator to find and verify certifications.
A credible company should be comfortable providing:
- The exact certification name, not just “certified.”
- The technician name tied to the credential.
- Documentation that is current, not expired.
Step 3: Confirm they understand containment, cleaning, and documentation
Biohazard work is as much about controlling spread as it is about cleaning what is visible. A qualified company should be able to describe how they isolate work areas, prevent cross-contamination, and document the job for insurance or property records.
If the company cannot clearly explain their process, that is a red flag. A homeowner should not be expected to know the technical details, but the provider should.
Step 4: Ask how biohazard waste is handled and disposed of
One of the biggest differences between a professional biohazard cleaner and an unqualified operator is disposal. In California, biohazardous waste rules include restrictions such as not removing biohazardous waste from the biohazard bag until treatment is completed, with limited exceptions.
Even if a homeowner never sees the disposal step, it matters because improper handling can create exposure risks and potential liability. Ask who transports the waste, whether they use authorized transporters, and what documentation exists for proper handling.
If the answer sounds like “we throw it away in a dumpster,” do not hire them. California’s medical waste program information highlights that medical waste management has specific rules and cautions against improper disposal.
Step 5: Watch for common red flags in biohazard cleaning
Homeowners can protect themselves by paying attention to warning signs during the estimate and intake call. Here are common red flags:
- They will not name the training standard they follow.
- They cannot explain PPE, containment, or decontamination steps.
- They claim certification but cannot provide a way to verify it.
- They are vague about waste disposal and documentation.
Practical questions to ask before you book
Use these questions as a quick homeowner checklist:
- What training do your technicians have for bloodborne pathogens and trauma scene cleanup.
- Do you have IICRC TCST certified technicians, and can you provide proof and verification steps.
- How do you prevent cross-contamination throughout the home.
- How do you handle and dispose of biohazardous waste in California.
- Can you provide documentation of the work performed for insurance or property records.
When to call a professional biohazard cleaner
If the situation involves blood, bodily fluids, decomposition, suicide, homicide, or severe hoarding conditions with contamination, professional remediation is the safest choice. OSHA confirms the Bloodborne Pathogens standard applies to cleanup work where employees may be exposed, which underscores that this is not standard household cleaning.
If you are not sure whether your situation qualifies as biohazard cleanup, it is better to call and ask questions than to guess. The right company will answer clearly, respectfully, and without pressuring you.
