At Decon-X, we understand that some remediation jobs are not just about restoring a property but also about handling delicate situations with empathy and care. Recently, we were contracted to perform a forensic assessment of a home where a tragic death had occurred just a few months prior.

The Situation

This standalone, old timber property, which showed signs of being poorly kept, still contained approximately 50% of the previous family's belongings. Items such as children's clothing, school uniforms, and toys served as poignant reminders of the young family that had once lived here.

A military uniform was on display in the master bedroom, indicating that the deceased may have had ties to the military. This added another layer of complexity to an already heart breaking situation.

Key Standards and Protocols

Undertaking a forensic assessment involves adhering to established standards, protocols, and guidelines to ensure the highest levels of safety and thoroughness. In New South Wales (NSW) and across Australia, the following key standards govern practices related to biohazard assessment and forensic cleaning:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW): This legislation establishes a framework to ensure health and safety at work, emphasizing the obligations of employers and workers in environments where biohazards may be present.
• SafeWork NSW Regulations: These guidelines outline protocols and codes of practice for managing biohazards in the workplace, including cleaning and decontamination best practices. The Code of Practice for Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals provides key guidance relevant to our work.
• Australian Standards (AS): Several standards apply, including:
• AS/NZS 1345: Identification of Hazardous Chemicals, guiding the classification of hazardous materials during biohazard cleaning.
• AS 3780: The Storage and Handling of Corrosive Substances, which offers protocols for safely using cleaning agents and disinfectants.
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, detailing requirements for establishing safety protocols to ensure worker protection.
• Environment Protection Authority (EPA) NSW: The EPA sets guidelines on hazardous waste management and disposal in NSW, providing specific protocols for dealing with contaminated materials.
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): The NHMRC offers comprehensive guidelines for managing infection control, applicable in forensic cleaning contexts, covering standards for cleaning, disinfecting, and waste disposal.
• Australian Government Department of Health: Provides resources on infection control and biosecurity, particularly related to managing biohazards in various settings.
• Australian Institute of Environmental Health (AIEH): Delivers resources and guidelines for environmental health practices, including risk management relating to biological hazards.

Initial Findings

Despite the tragic background, the absence of insect infestation or odorous evidence of biohazards supported the information we received prior to accessing the premises regarding the removal timeline. Even when equipped with suitable respirators, the distinct smell associated with biohazards typically persists if bodily fluids are present, however, on this occasion there was no odour present.

Upon entering the residence, it was evident that the previous occupants had left in haste. While the home was messy, there were no notable signs indicating extensive contamination.

Remediation Plan

Given that much of the property was made of timber, a material known for its porosity, we recognised that specialised remediation was typically necessary. Fortunately, our assessment indicated that remediation would be straightforward: a deep cleaning with a specialized solution designed to remove biohazards.

Crucially and given the property's construction, we determined that we would not need to remove floorboards or excavate dirt beneath the house, simplifying the process and ensuring minimal disruption to the property.

Moving Forward

Though we may never fully know the story of the previous occupants, our goal remains to restore the property safely and compassionately. In doing so, we hope to pave the way for the children left behind to eventually move forward with their lives.

A Compassionate Partner in Difficult Times

At Decon-X, we approach every job with compassion and professionalism, especially when faced with sensitive situations. Our dedication to compliance with established standards ensures that we handle each property with the utmost care. Engaging qualified professionals who adhere to these standards is crucial to ensuring safety during the cleaning processes related to death.

If you need help with remediation, trust us to restore your property to a safe and healthy state while respecting the emotional context of your situation.

Please note: No site images were uploaded out of respect for the deceased's family and loved ones.