A biohazard car is essentially a vehicle that's been contaminated with biohazard substances, such as human blood, bodily fluids, or human remains. These substances can pose a serious risk to health and safety, which is why they require specialized cleanup and remediation.
Biohazard vehicles can be quite an intimidating topic, so this guide will unpack everything you need to know about them. This includes what exactly makes a vehicle a biohazard, the types, and how they're bought, sold, and cleaned, in addition to the legal and safety considerations involved.
Understanding Biohazard Cars
To be classified as a biohazard vehicle, a car has to undergo a certain degree of exposure to biohazardous materials. To reiterate, a biohazard car has been exposed to potentially infectious materials like human tissue. This often results from accidents, suicides, and violent crimes, but it could be any scenario in which human remains or bodily fluids are present.
These substances can pose severe health risks, like exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
These are hazardous to anyone who comes into contact with them without the necessary safety measures.
When a vehicle is labeled as "biohazardous," it means that specialized cleaning and decontamination techniques are required to ensure the vehicle is safe for future users. It's also important to note that the impact of these vehicles also extends beyond the physical.
There's also often a huge psychological impact associated with these vehicles, which is why a thorough cleanup is important.
Types of Biohazard Vehicles
Biohazard vehicles can vary, with each variant presenting unique challenges and risks. In this sense, it's important for anyone looking to purchase a biohazard vehicle or involved in a cleanup to understand the types:
Accident-damaged vehicles: These vehicles have been involved in accidents that resulted in the spillage of bodily fluids or human remains. The severity in the case can range from minor to significant, requiring extensive cleanup.
Flooded vehicles: Water damage from flooding can result in mold and bacteria growth. This results in the vehicle being considered a biohazard because of the potential for respiratory infections and other health risks.
Vehicles contaminated with biological remains: Beyond accidents, vehicles can be contaminated through incidents of violence, suicide, or unattended deaths. This requires careful biohazard decontamination, and oftentimes extensive legal procedures.
It's important to thoroughly inspect a vehicle's history before making a purchase to avoid the potential risks associated with biohazard vehicles.
Buying and Selling Biohazard Cars
Buying and selling biohazard automobiles comes with special considerations, especially when transactions are happening through car auctions. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Buying at auction
Significant savings: Purchasing a biohazard automobile at a public auto auction or through a dedicated auction house can lead to considerable savings off the asking price. Pricing naturally factors in the vehicle's history and condition.
Professional cleaning: While this is generally done before the auction, there may be instances in which the cost of professional cleaning may have to be factored in. Although the initial price may be lower, ensuring the vehicle is safe for use can add to the overall cost.
Salvage titles: Many biohazard cars come with salvage titles that indicate their history. This is an important document to have as it can affect future resale value and insurance options.
Selling a biohazard car
Disclosure: Sellers must disclose the biohazard status, subsequently impacting the sale process and price.
Insurance: Some insurance companies can cover the cost of biohazard decontamination, making the vehicle more marketable and helping to recover costs.
Cleaning and Remediation
Cleaning and remediating a biohazard car is a process that should be approached with absolute caution, because of the dangerous substances involved. Here's why professional intervention is necessary:
Hazardous substances: Attempting to clean a biohazard car without professional help can expose people to harmful pathogens and chemicals. Direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazardous materials can result in serious health issues.
Proper cleaning and remediation process:
Industrial cleaner: The use of industrial-strength cleaners is a must for thoroughly disinfecting and decontaminating a vehicle to ensure all biohazards are eradicated effectively.
Specialized tools: Professional cleanup companies have tools that are specifically designed to address certain aspects of the cleanup. Much like industrial-grade cleaners, these tools may not be readily available to the general public. This also includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialized disposal tools.
Professional training: Individuals involved in cleanups have to hold specific qualifications and undergo proper training before they're allowed on the job. Apart from ensuring that biohazards are professionally cleaned, their training also ensures they're better equipped to deal with the emotional and psychological aspects of a cleanup. It's also worth mentioning that these professionals also have strict standards, set by organizations like OSHA, that they're versed in and have to follow.
Legal and Safety Considerations
If you're looking to buy or sell a biohazard vehicle, then here are a few aspects to keep in mind:
Regulations: Specific laws and guidelines govern the sale, purchase, and remediation of biohazard vehicles. Complying with these regulations keeps everyone safe.
Insurance coverage: Engaging with an insurance company early on in the process is a good idea. Coverage can vary quite a lot, with some policies including the costs associated with biohazard cleanup and remediation.
Full disclosure: Sellers must always be transparent about the biohazard status of a vehicle, in addition to the history. Besides being a legal requirement, this transparency is an important step in protecting future owners from potential health risks.
Safety: Prioritizing safety means ensuring that any vehicle contaminated with biohazards is fully remediated by a professional. This has to happen before it's sold or returned to the road. Apart from protecting the new owner, it also protects the previous owner from legal issues as well as the broader community.