Cleaning out a hoarders house is a complex and sensitive task that requires careful planning, empathy, and attention to detail. At Trauma Clean 24 Seven, we understand the unique challenges involved in this process, especially when it comes to the health and safety of both our clients and their neighbours. Today, we’ll take you through a typical day in the life of our team as we work to restore a hoarded property to a safe and liveable condition.
Step 1: Preparation at the Office
Every successful hoarding cleanout begins at our head office. We review the job sheet to familiarise ourselves with the details of the situation. For instance, in this case, we’re addressing concerns for a 63-year-old male neighbour, who may be affected by the clutter and potential hazards emanating from the hoarded property. Understanding these concerns allows us to approach the situation with the necessary sensitivity and urgency.
Before heading to the site, we ensure that our van is stocked with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This is crucial for our safety and for minimising risks associated with entering a hoarders house.
Step 2: On-Site Safety Protocols for Cleaning out a hoarders house
Upon arrival, our first step is to don our PPE. This includes gloves, masks, and protective suits, which shield us from potential health hazards. Next, we conduct a thorough risk assessment of the property. We evaluate various factors such as:
- Presence of Needles: Ensuring that we don’t encounter sharps that could cause injury.
- Structural Stability: Checking for any signs of weakness in the building’s structure that might pose a risk.
- Pest Infestation: Identifying any pest issues that could affect health and safety.
- Fire Hazards: Looking for potential fire risks due to excessive clutter or unsafe wiring.
Step 3: Building Trust with the Client
If the client is present, we take the time to discuss the process with them. Building a good working relationship and establishing trust is paramount. Hoarding can often be tied to emotional distress, and we aim to provide a compassionate and supportive environment.
Step 4: Identifying Items to Keep vs Waste
After establishing rapport, we start identifying items that the client wants to keep, including sentimental and valuable items, as well as important documents. We approach this process with respect and consideration, recognizing the significance of certain belongings to the client.
Step 5: Safe Removal of Waste
We employ the “top to bottom” method for waste removal, which minimises the risk of encountering hazards during the cleaning process. This involves starting from the highest points of the property and working our way down. All items are carefully bagged and sorted for easy loading into our van.
Step 6: Cleaning and Final Steps
After all waste has been removed, we carry out a basic clean of the property. This step helps to restore the space, making it more habitable. Once the clean is complete, we hand the property back to the client, ensuring they are satisfied with the results.
Step 7: Documentation and Waste Disposal
Finally, we complete the necessary documentation to maintain a record of the work done and the items disposed of. Our team transports the waste to an appropriate disposal facility, adhering to local regulations to ensure safe and responsible waste management.
Conclusion
Did you know? We offer a range of other specialist biohazard cleaning services including after death clean up, needle clean up and crime scene clean up. Contact us on 0203 6408 247 or email us at [email protected] for further information.