Effective June 1, 2025
As stated in the NAAA Arbitration Policy, Appendix I, Sellers are responsible for announcing and disclosing the existence of
biohazards and/or other environmental hazards for vehicles offered or sold at Auction. To improve clarity on this topic, the
NAAA Safety Committee and Auction Standards Committee have partnered to provide the following additional guidance to
member Auctions and our valued buyers and sellers.
To aid in determining the proper approach to both address and disclose these hazards, the NAAA Safety Committee has
developed a table that identifies two (2) tiers of vehicle hazards. Tier 1 hazards are of greater severity and scope and will
require professional cleaning and/or remediation. Tier 2 concerns are less severe and can be addressed by properly trained
local auction staff or by professional services. Regardless of the tier of the vehicle hazard, failure to properly remediate and
remove the hazard, will require the Seller to disclose and announce the condition to prospective Buyers.
If the condition is properly remediated and removed, unless required by state or federal law, no disclosure or
announcement is required. However, the Seller remains subject to arbitration should the condition return during the stated
arbitration timeline for the related transaction.
Tier 1 Hazards |
||
| Microbes or bodily fluid larger than a quarter or bodily matter |
>2.5”x2.5” coverage | Professional Cleaning & Remediation Services Recommended |
| Pathogens or blood spots | >2.5”x2.5” coverage | |
| Opioids or other airborne drugs that could be harmful. |
Open bag or exposed | |
| Mold growth on interior of vehicle | Any section of growth that covers greater than 1”x1” in size. | |
| Large infestation of insects or rodents | At-Risk of bites or stings (throughout vehicle) |
|
| Multiple uncovered needles that have evidence of blood or other bodily fluid |
More than one needle with evidence of bodily fluid |
|
Tier 2 Hazards |
||
| Dried pathogens or blood spots | >2.5”x2.5” coverage | Professional Cleaning & Remediation Services Recommended |
| Microbes or bodily fluid spots | >2.5”x2.5” coverage | |
| Small group of insects or bugs in the vehicle that do not represent a hazard to personnel. |
Insects or bugs that do not bite or sting. | |
| Covered needles or a single needle uncovered with no blood or bodily fluid evidence. |
A single needle or covered needles with no exposure to blood or human fluid. |
|
| Mold growth that is minor and only impacting a single, small area, and not covering multiple components or areas. |
Small growth that covers less than 1”x1” in size. | |
The above listings are not all-inclusive. There may be unique hazards present that will also require proper
disclosures and/or remediation. We encourage reference to official sources such as: https://www.osha.com/blog/biological-hazards/