Whether you’re a facilities manager for a public sector organisation like a local council or a hospital, or manage a portfolio of offices, cleaning is incredibly important.
Though, arguably none are more important than biohazard cleaning, to ensure the safety of employees and the public. If biohazard cleaning isn’t handled properly and a member of the public gets sick, you could fall into legal trouble.
Whether a sewage pipe explodes in an office block you manage, there’s a trauma-related incident like a crime in a park, or there are sharps left in public toilets, every biohazard incident needs to be treated the same – it must be professionally cleaned up correctly and quickly.
Biohazard cleaning is incredibly important as it shows your commitment to caring for and ensuring the general public is safe.
It’s arguably more important than ever, with new Digital Waste Management laws being introduced in October 2026, and the broader reach of Awaab’s Law creating tighter rules for landlords around mould, that you need to focus more on effective biohazard cleaning.
This biohazard cleaning guide for facility managers will educate you on what you need to know:
Biohazard legislation in the UK
A biohazard isn’t just a mess or waste; it is a serious hazard to the health of the general public. In the UK, biohazards are governed by a couple of different legislations:
COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health guidelines govern any substance or chemical that can be harmful to human health. This includes cleaning products, bloodborne pathogens, and any kind of bacteria.
Environmental Protection Act
The Environmental Protection Act ensures that waste is stored, handled and disposed of correctly, ensuring it’s not damaging to the environment.
Hazardous Waste Regulations
The Hazardous Waste Regulations Act is designed to protect humans and the environment by telling businesses how they should handle, transport and dispose of harmful waste.
What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is simply anything that can cause harm to humans, animals and the environment. It doesn’t necessarily have to be directly poisonous by touch or ingestion, and can be airborne.
Bird guano
Bird guano contains toxins that can cause illness in humans and animals if touched or ingested.
Bodily fluids
Any kind of bodily fluids, like blood, vomit or faeces from either humans or animals, contain bloodborne pathogens that are harmful.
Sharps
Anything sharp, like broken glass or used needles need to be removed quickly and correctly. These are commonly found in parks and public bathrooms.
Mould
Mould is a common problem in the UK and can be extremely toxic, especially to young children. Safe mould removal is incredibly important, especially in rented accommodation.
Discretion is key
Discretion is one of the most important things when it comes to biohazard cleaning, as it can cause alarm amongst staff and the general public. If your business welcomes visitors regularly, it could be off-putting to see cleaning operatives in hazmat suits.
This is why you should work with a company like Monthind that operates efficiently and quickly.
Where possible, we will arrive in unmarked vehicles so as not to cause alarm, and we will try to operate out of hours. If this is not possible, we will ensure we put up privacy barriers, including sealing off doors and windows to ensure discretion.
Fast biohazard cleaning response
Speed is the key to ensuring biohazard cleaning is carried out efficiently and takes no more time than necessary. When a biohazard is reported, you need to react quickly.
1) Contain the area
2) Ventilate (providing the hazard isn’t airborne)
3) Call a professional biohazard cleaning company
Following these three steps in the first instance will stop the spread of the biohazard and allow it to be cleaned quickly.
Why standard cleaning isn’t enough
Your employees and general cleaning operatives simply aren’t equipped with the equipment and cleaning products to clean biohazards effectively. Whilst areas in which biohazards have been present may look clean on the surface, harmful matter may still be lurking.
Need a local biohazard cleaning company you can trust?
At Monthind, we are highly experienced in biohazard cleaning, having been cleaning businesses in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire for close to 50 years.
We are equipped to work with businesses and organisations of all sizes, as we have mobile cleaning teams strategically located in Norwich, Ipswich, Gorleston and Cambridge that are ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice.
To find out more about our multi-site biohazard cleaning service, or to invite us to tender for your public sector organisation, give us a call on 01206 215300 or fill in the form on our website.