Biohazard Cleanup Certification: What to Look For When Hiring a Company

Here's what most people don't realize: there is no federal license required to start a biohazard cleanup company. Anyone can buy a van, print business cards, and call themselves a "biohazard remediation specialist." I've seen it happen — and I've seen the results when untrained people try to clean up blood, bodily fluids, or decomposition. The health risks are real, and the emotional damage of a botched cleanup is devastating.

This guide breaks down which certifications actually matter, which ones are marketing fluff, and how to verify a company before you let them into your home during the worst week of your life.

Why Certification Matters in Biohazard Cleanup

Biohazard cleanup isn't mopping up a spill. It involves:

• Bloodborne pathogens — HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other infectious agents that survive on surfaces for days
• Chemical hazards — cleaning agents, decomposition gases (hydrogen sulfide, ammonia), fentanyl residue
• Psychological trauma — workers enter scenes of death, violence, and suffering. Proper training includes trauma-informed practices
• Legal liability — improper cleanup can leave a property unsafe, creating liability for the property owner
• Regulatory compliance — biohazard waste must be transported and disposed of according to state and federal regulations

A company without proper training puts you, your family, and themselves at serious risk.

Certifications That Actually Matter

1. ABRA Certification (American Bio Recovery Association)

ABRA is the gold standard in the biohazard cleanup industry. It's the only organization focused exclusively on biohazard and crime scene cleanup certification.

• What it covers: Bloodborne pathogen safety, crime scene cleanup protocols, decomposition cleanup, hoarding remediation, chemical decontamination
• How to verify: Ask for the technician's ABRA certification number. You can verify it at abra.org
• Red flag: If a company says they're "ABRA certified" but individual technicians can't show their credentials, that's a problem

2. IICRC Certification (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)

The IICRC primarily certifies water damage and restoration professionals, but their bloodborne pathogen and odor control certifications are relevant to biohazard work.

• Key certifications: FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician), WRT (Water Restoration Technician), OCT (Odor Control Technician)
• How to verify: Search the IICRC directory at iicrc.org
• Note: IICRC alone is not sufficient for biohazard work — it should supplement ABRA or equivalent training

3. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training (29 CFR 1910.1030)

This isn't optional — it's legally required. Every employee who might be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials must complete OSHA bloodborne pathogen training annually.

• What it covers: Exposure control plans, PPE usage, decontamination procedures, exposure incident response
• How to verify: Ask to see the company's Exposure Control Plan and employee training records
• Red flag: If they can't produce these documents on request, they're not compliant — walk away

4. HAZWOPER Certification (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response)

Required for any worker involved in hazardous waste operations. The 40-hour HAZWOPER course is essential for companies that handle chemical contamination, meth labs, or fentanyl decontamination.

• Levels: 24-hour (general site worker), 40-hour (hazardous waste site worker), 8-hour refresher (annual)
• When it matters: Any scene involving chemicals, drugs, or unknown substances

5. EPA Lead-Safe Certification (If Applicable)

For biohazard cleanup in buildings built before 1978, disturbing surfaces may release lead paint. Companies should have EPA Lead-Safe certification if working in older buildings.

Certifications That Are Marketing Fluff

Not all credentials are created equal. Watch out for:

• "Certified Crime Scene Cleaner" — There's no universally recognized certification with this exact name. Some companies make it up.
• Online-only certificates — A 2-hour online course doesn't prepare anyone for real biohazard work. Look for hands-on, in-person training components.
• "Nationally Licensed" — There is no national biohazard cleanup license. This phrase is meaningless.
• Manufacturer certifications alone — Being "certified" to use a specific brand of cleaning product is not the same as biohazard training.

Beyond Certifications: What Else to Verify

Insurance

This is non-negotiable. A biohazard cleanup company must carry:

• General liability insurance — minimum $1 million per occurrence
• Professional liability (errors & omissions) — covers damage from improper cleanup
• Workers' compensation — protects you if a worker is injured on your property
• Pollution liability — covers contamination incidents during transport or cleanup

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before work begins. A legitimate company will provide one within hours.

Biohazard Waste Transportation Permits

Every state regulates the transportation of biohazard waste differently. The company must have:

• A valid biohazard waste transportation permit for your state
• A relationship with a licensed medical waste disposal facility
• Proper DOT-compliant packaging and labeling for transport

Background Checks

Biohazard cleanup technicians enter your home during your most vulnerable moments. Ask if the company performs background checks on employees. Reputable companies do — and they'll tell you about it proactively.

How to Verify a Company Before Hiring

1. Ask for specific certification numbers — not just claims on a website
2. Call ABRA or IICRC to verify the company's status
3. Request their OSHA Exposure Control Plan — every compliant company has one
4. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance — verify it's current and covers the scope of work
5. Check state licensing — some states (California, Florida, Texas) have additional requirements
6. Read Google reviews — specifically look for reviews mentioning professionalism and thoroughness
7. Ask how many biohazard jobs they've done — experience matters as much as certification

State-Specific Requirements

Some states have additional requirements beyond federal standards:

What a Legitimate Company Looks Like

When you're in crisis, you need a quick checklist. A legitimate biohazard cleanup company will:

• ✅ Answer the phone 24/7 with a real person (not just voicemail)
• ✅ Provide a free on-site assessment before quoting a price
• ✅ Give you a written estimate with itemized costs
• ✅ Show you insurance certificates without hesitation
• ✅ Explain their cleanup process in detail
• ✅ Work directly with your insurance company on documentation
• ✅ Provide a written guarantee that the area meets safe habitability standards
• ✅ Have verifiable ABRA or equivalent certification
• ✅ Use proper PPE and follow OSHA protocols visibly
• ✅ Handle biohazard waste disposal properly with documentation

The Cost of Hiring an Uncertified Company

I've been called to re-do jobs that uncertified companies botched. Here's what happens:

• Incomplete decontamination — blood and fluids seep into subfloor, walls, and HVAC systems. Surface cleaning leaves dangerous contamination behind.
• Health risks — families move back into homes that aren't actually safe. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens causes real illness.
• Odor return — improper cleanup means the smell comes back within days or weeks, requiring a complete redo.
• Insurance denial — if cleanup wasn't done by a qualified company, insurance may deny the claim or future claims.
• Double the cost — you pay for the first (bad) cleanup and then pay for a proper one. The re-do is always more expensive because now there's additional damage.

The bottom line: verification takes 30 minutes. A bad hire costs thousands of dollars and weeks of additional trauma. Take the time to verify.

Need a vetted, certified biohazard cleanup company? Use our professional directory — every company listed has been verified. Or call (855) 566-2405 for immediate help.