Tony Duiker, a Jim’s Hazardous Material franchisee based in Noble Park, recently shared valuable insights about the unique and often misunderstood world of biohazard cleanup.
From hoarder homes and sewage overflows to trauma scenes, Tony’s work highlights how Jim’s Group continues to deliver services that go beyond everyday cleaning.
From Chemical Waste to Jim’s Hazmat: A New Career Path
Tony’s journey began long before joining Jim’s.
“I did chemical waste treatment for nearly 30 years,” he said.
After decades in the industry, Tony decided to take a new path.
“I was looking for a different direction to go to, and when I saw the Hazmat division, I thought it’s along the same path, but I can do something a little different.”
He joined Jim’s Group four years ago and quickly became one of the pioneers in biohazard removal.
“They mentioned we were looking at going into the biohazard area, and I thought, wow, this sounds interesting,” he said.
“I’m not offended by smells or what I see, so I thought it’s something I could really have a crack at.”
Inside the World of Biohazard Cleanup
When most people think of cleaning, they don’t think of what Tony does.
“Biohazard is such a diverse thing, but it usually contains anything to do with the body,” he explained.
“You have blood cleanups, sewage, vomit, urine smells, animal feces, hoarder cleans, food waste; I’ve even cleaned out a tofu factory once.”
It’s not just crime scenes or tragedies, either.
“Sometimes it’s just an unintended death, or a home that’s been neglected for years,” Tony said.
“Families often can’t face it, so they call us to handle everything. I’ve had cases where they open the door and say, ‘Go in and fix it up for us.’”
Restoring Dignity, One Cleanup at a Time
Many of Tony’s jobs involve transforming spaces that others can’t bear to enter.
“I’ve had jobs where there was seven or eight inches of feces in the whole bathroom,” he said.
“You open the door, and the flies are buzzing around. It’s that horrendous. I literally had to go in there with a shovel and clean the floor.”
Every situation is different, which keeps him on his toes.
“There’s rarely a biohazard job that’s the same,” Tony said.
“You can’t follow a checklist because every job has its quirks. You problem-solve as you go.”
He uses specialized tools and chemicals to make spaces safe again.
“I use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning blood,” he said.
“When you spray it, it breaks down the outer cell and kills the bacteria. It even fizzes if you’ve missed a spot, so you know it’s completely clean.”
Compassion Behind the Cleanup
While the work is challenging, Tony sees it as deeply rewarding.
“It’s the change you provide in a situation,” he said.
“You go into a house that’s in terrible shape, and when you leave, people can return to it. The difference is night and day.”
He often collaborates with other Jim’s divisions to complete large projects.
“I’ve enlisted Jim’s Mowing guys before,” he said.
“Sometimes you’ve got six feet of grass out the front before you even start. We manage everything from point A to point B.”
Meeting Australia’s Growing Need for Biohazard Services
Tony regularly works with hospitals, aged care providers, and government departments who trust him to handle sensitive jobs.
“Sometimes the hospital staff call me directly when they’re sending a patient home and the house is too bad to return to,” he said.
“They know we’ll take care of it properly.”
He believes the need for these services will only grow as the population ages.
“It’s more common than people realize,” Tony said.
“Older people often want to stay at home, and things can get out of control. That’s when we step in.”
Key Lessons for Franchise Owners
Tony’s work is a reminder that success often comes from finding a niche and delivering it with care. His advice for franchisees:
- See problems as challenges to solve, not obstacles.
- Build relationships with local institutions and community networks.
- Don’t shy away from tough jobs; they often lead to repeat clients and referrals.
- Lean on the strength of the Jim’s brand and its support network.
As he put it, “Where other cleaners refuse to go, that’s our territory.”
To learn more about joining Australia’s largest franchise network with over 5,500 franchisees, visit jims.net.
Common Questions About Jim’s Hazmat
Q: What does Jim’s Hazmat do?
Jim’s Hazmat handles biohazard cleanups, asbestos removal, mould remediation, fire and smoke restoration, and methamphetamine decontamination.
Q: Do you need special training to join Jim’s Hazmat?
Yes. Franchisees receive specialized safety and decontamination training, including certification in crime and trauma scene cleaning.
Q: Who uses Jim’s Hazmat services?
Hospitals, aged care facilities, housing departments, and private clients who need professional cleanup after biohazard, hoarding, or contamination incidents.
Q: How can I contact Jim’s Hazmat?
You can reach the team through jims.net or by calling 131 546 for local franchise support.
Listen to the Podcast Now:
- Watch Tony Duiker’s interview from the Jim’s Podcast on YouTube.
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