An Interview with Tony Kapranos
When most people think of disaster restoration, they picture water or fire damage. But there’s a critical service that doesn’t always get the spotlight—biohazard cleanup. Whether it’s the result of an accident, trauma, or unattended death, these sensitive situations require specialized training, equipment, and care.
We sat down with Tony Kapranos, RestoreCore’s Director of Emergency Services, to help shed light on this lesser-known, but important, part of what we do.
What qualifies as a biohazard?
“The IICRC—our industry’s certifying body—defines a biohazard as any biological substance that poses a threat to human health,” Tony explains. “That can include bodily fluids, animal waste, deceased animals, and even things like used medical sharps or materials contaminated with viruses or bacteria.”
In short: If it poses a health risk and needs specialized disposal, it’s a job for trained professionals.
What’s the most common type of biohazard cleanup?
“Most commonly, we’re called in after a person has been injured or passed away—often in cases where the person wasn’t discovered right away,” says Tony. “These are emotional situations, and we take care to handle them with professionalism and compassion.”
And the most unusual?
Pausing, Tony says, “Let’s just say, we’ve seen a lot. Some scenes are hard to forget. We once responded to a call involving a medical emergency where the person had passed, leaving their pet alone for several days. It was heartbreaking—but these are the moments where our work really matters.”
What makes biohazard cleanup different?
“It’s not just a matter of wiping things down,” Tony explains. “You need to wear full PPE—head to toe. We use hospital-grade disinfectants, specialized equipment, and everything is disposed of according to strict local and federal laws.”
RestoreCore partners with certified biohazard disposal vendors who safely handle and remove everything—from affected materials to protective gear.
Why should property managers outsource this?
“Two reasons,” says Tony. “One, safety—biohazards pose real health risks. Two, legal responsibility—improper cleanup can lead to fines or future liability.”
And there’s a third: “Our team is trained not just on the technical process, but on how to show empathy and care. We’re not just cleaners—we’re responders.”
Final thoughts?
“These are the jobs no one wants to think about—but when they happen, you want a team that knows what they’re doing,” Tony says. “Our goal is to restore the property with respect and speed, while making a tough situation just a little bit easier for those affected.”
Need Help with a Biohazard Cleanup?
RestoreCore offers professional biohazard cleanup services across the Mid-Atlantic region. Whether you’re a property manager, healthcare facility, or community association professional—trust our experienced team to handle the job safely, discreetly, and with care.
📞 Call us 24/7 at (800) 231-1281
🌐 Learn more: Biohazard – RestoreCore
