What is the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA)?

ABRA is an international, non-profit organization representing a growing segment of the biological hazard remediation industry.

What are ABRA's objectives?

To achieve and maintain the highest levels of competence among members in the performance of their profession. To teach, instill and require the highest technical, ethical and educational standards.
What is the scope of services provided by members of ABRA?

Originally limited to crime and trauma scene cleaning, the scope of bio-recovery technicians and trauma waste practitioners has grown to include the decontamination of diseases associated with animal waste, bird waste, rodent waste, human waste, tissue and body fluids, mold, homes unfit for habitation, clandestine drug lab cleanup, communicable disease infection control, pickup and transport of medical waste, and remediation of bio-terrorism related contaminants (i.e. Anthrax).

What is the function of ABRA?

ABRA was established in 1996 to:

• Provide members with a conduit to exchange information.
• Set industry goals
• Establish technical, ethical and educational standards for the industry
• Educate the public about our industry
• Educate insurance adjusters about our industry
• Provide a 24-Hour toll-free phone service to assist callers in locating bio-recovery assistance from our members.

Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?

Federal Regulation 29CFR1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to blood spills without first:

• Receiving blood-borne pathogen (BBP) training
• Having a written BBP exposure control plan
• Having been provided personal protective equipment
• Having been offered Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up
• Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the bio-hazardous waste in properly marked containers for disposal at an approved site

Only after these five steps have been met can an employee be required by his or her employer to clean a bio-hazardous/crime scene.

Who pays for bio-recovery services?

Ultimately, the property owner is responsible for the cost of this service. In most cases, however, home, business or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. If the victim of a crime has no insurance the Crime Victims Board may be in a position to authorize and pay for bio-recovery services.

Can't I just use my regular cleaning or janitorial service to clean up blood or pathological waste?

You can IF you are absolutely positive that your janitorial service is fully compliant with the 5 OSHA requirements.  You cannot legally shift responsibility for proper remediation to another person.  You remain liable for fines and penalties and possible legal actions by employees.