Biohazard cleanup generally is not licensed as its own trade in Colorado the way electricians or plumbers are, so the burden of checking falls on the person hiring. That can feel like a lot to ask of someone who is grieving or in shock. It helps to have a relative or friend make the calls with this list in hand, and to ask every provider the same questions so answers can be compared side by side.
Nothing below requires technical knowledge to evaluate. You are listening for specific answers, a willingness to put things in writing, and respect for your situation.
The core questions
- What training have the workers who will be in my home completed, such as OSHA bloodborne pathogens training, and can I see proof?
- Which respirators and protective equipment will be worn for this job?
- How will you determine how far contamination has spread under flooring and behind walls?
- Which materials do you expect to remove, and which will be cleaned in place?
- Who transports regulated medical waste from this job, and will I receive disposal paperwork?
- Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and can you send certificates?
- Will you give me a written scope and estimate before work begins?
- Will you work directly with my insurer, and what will I owe if the insurer pays less than the invoice?
- How will personal items, documents and valuables be handled?
- How will you confirm the work is complete, and what happens if odor returns?
Reading the answers
- Topic
- Training
- Reassuring answer
- Names specific training and offers records
- Reason for caution
- Says training is not needed or changes the subject
- Topic
- Waste
- Reassuring answer
- Names how regulated waste is packaged, who hauls it and what paper you receive
- Reason for caution
- Plans to use a regular dumpster for everything
- Topic
- Scope
- Reassuring answer
- Offers a written scope listing rooms, materials and exclusions
- Reason for caution
- Quotes a single number with no detail
- Topic
- Payment
- Reassuring answer
- Explains insurer billing and your share clearly
- Reason for caution
- Demands full payment up front or asks you to sign over all claim rights without explanation
- Topic
- Privacy
- Reassuring answer
- Asks what you prefer about vehicles, timing and communication
- Reason for caution
- Shrugs off the question
- Topic
- Completion
- Reassuring answer
- Describes a final check and documentation
- Reason for caution
- Says you will know it is done when it smells fine
Documents to collect before work starts
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.