A client calls: “My elderly father had an accident in the bathroom. Can you clean it up?” You want to be helpful, so you say yes. You clean up the blood and feces. Later, the client sues you claiming you didn’t sanitize it properly, and their dad got an infection. Or worse, you get Hepatitis. Your insurance denies everything.
Key Takeaways
- The Pollution/Biohazard Exclusion: Standard Janitorial policies strictly exclude “pollutants,” which includes bacteria, viruses, blood, and bodily fluids. You are uninsured for this work.
- Workers Comp Denial: If your employee cleans blood without proper “Bloodborne Pathogen” training and gets sick, WC might penalize you for gross negligence.
- Certification Required: To get “Bio-Recovery” insurance, you usually need certification (OSHA, IICRC).
- The “Trauma Scene” Difference: Cleaning a toilet is janitorial. Cleaning a “spill” of blood is bio-recovery. They are different industry codes.
The “Why” (The Trap): Fungi and Bacteria
I reviewed the “Fungi or Bacteria Exclusion” (CG 21 67).
It excludes liability for any injury or damage arising out of inhaling, ingesting, or contact with any fungus or bacteria.
Feces = Bacteria.
Therefore, if you clean a “hoard” or a “bathroom accident” and someone gets sick, your policy pays $0.
The Investigation: Bio Insurance
I looked at the specialized market.
1. Standard Janitorial (Next/Thimble)
- Coverage: Dust, dirt, soap.
- Biohazard: Excluded.
2. Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL)
- Coverage: Mold, bacteria, bloodborne pathogens.
- Cost: Starts around $1,500/year.
3. Specialize or Refer?
- My Advice: If you aren’t doing this daily, Refer It Out. The insurance cost ($1,500) outweighs the profit from one $300 job.
Comparison Table: The Messy Truth
| Material | Janitorial GL | Bio/Pollution Liability |
| Soap Scum | Covered | N/A |
| Dog Poop (Indoors) | Excluded | Covered |
| Human Blood | Excluded | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Just Say No: If a client asks for bio-cleanup, say: “I am not insured or equipped for biohazards. You need a remediation specialist.”
- Referral Partner: Find a local “ServePro” or crime scene cleaner. Establish a referral fee.
- Update Employee Handbook: Explicitly forbid handling bodily fluids. “If you see blood, stop and call the manager.”
- Hepatitis Vaccines: If you do this work, you must offer Hep B vaccines to staff (OSHA requirement).
FAQ Section
Is cat pee considered a biohazard?
Yes, it contains ammonia and bacteria. Extensive cat urine cleanup is excluded by standard policies.
What if I didn’t know it was there?
If you accidentally touch it, you are okay. If you agree to clean it, you accept the risk.
Can I use bleach?
Bleach kills it, but it doesn’t solve the liability of proper disposal (red bags). Throwing blood-soaked rags in a regular trash can is illegal in many places.