Crime scene biohazard cleanup crews--often referred to as second responders--work around the clock to sanitize homes, businesses, and vehicles after investigators and forensic teams leave.
Crime Scene Biohazard Cleanup Services
Crime and trauma scene biohazard cleanup is difficult for obvious and not so apparent reasons.
According to the cleaning industry online magazine, CleanLink;
This work, called biohazard remediation, or crime and trauma scene decontamination (CTS Decon), covers crime scenes, suicides, natural deaths, meth labs and hoarder houses.
Workers see and smell blood and body fluids.
They witness the most sad and disturbing side of human existence.
Yet these situations need to be dealt with and in a way that leaves scenes sanitary and keeps workers safe from contaminants.
Challenges include:
- Exposure to human tragedy.
- Potential exposure to disease.
- Powerful odors and chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotics.
- Disturbing visuals.
- Uncomfortable personal protective equipment.
- Complicated cleanup procedures sometimes involving the removal of carpets and drywall.
- The requirement to transport and dispose of biohazard waste at designated medical waste incinerator facilities.
- The need for industry-specific certification.
- Environmental-specific training and certification, e.g., fall training or height training.
- Vaccination requirements, and;
- Mandatory yearly biohazard handling and bloodborne pathogen training.
Crime Scene Cleanup Tips
Crime scene cleanup includes a wide range of tasks, including:
- Bodily fluid removal - This can consist of blood and human waste. Non-porous PPE must always be worn and disposed of as biohazard waste.
- Cleaning up after the deceased - Depending on the length of time the body was left undiscovered, this type of environment may require additional odor removal and pest control.
- Biohazard waste removal - All fluids, tissue, and PPE are considered biohazards and must be disposed of in 55-gallon heavy-duty liners, and then transported to an authorized incineration facility to be documented and destroyed.
- Odor eradication - Decomposing bodies, blood, human waste, drug labs, and other environmental factors may result in lingering malodorous smells after cleanup is complete and require the use of fogging systems meant to sanitize air ducts and HVAC systems.
Regardless of the type of cleanup, reducing direct exposure to biohazard waste is critical for ensuring worker health and safety.
This need has led many crime scene and biohazard cleanup teams to adopt highly advanced no-touch cleaning and disinfection systems, including spray and vac, and electrostatic disinfection appliances spraying EPA-registered medical-grade disinfectants.
References & Resources
- Pricing And Marketing Crime Scene Cleanup
- Training For Biohazard Waste Disposal And More
- New Standard Published For Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
- Top Tips To The Safe Cleanup of Bodily Fluids
- Biohazard Cleaning: How to Clean Crime Scenes, Meth Labs and More
Takeaway
Crime scene cleanup and trauma waste practitioner services are not for everyone.
Those entering the scene will often be exposed to the results of some of the worst parts of humanity, the PPE is bulky, the smells can be overpowering and require HEPA filtered respirators just to enter the area, and the work can often involve entering dangerous zones and the destruction and removal of walls, furniture, and carpet.
When seeking these types of services, especially in the State of California, it is imperative that you verify the service provider meets minimum certification and training requirements to protect the health and safety of everyone.
The best service providers will insist on the use of no-touch cleaning and disinfection systems and prioritize cross-contamination prevention, occupant health and safety, and the preservation of dignity.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Palmdale CA, or Lancaster CA, call (661) 371-4756
