CATEGORY:
Biohazard / Crime Scene
Summary:
Crime scene cleanup is a specialized profession that involves containing and disposing of hazardous biological waste, as well as cleaning and disinfecting crime scenes. Crime scene cleanup companies require employees to undergo specialized certification programs and training, including certifications and permits for transporting and disposing of biological waste. Employees must also undergo background checks and drug tests. Liability insurance is also crucial for protecting clients in case of accidents. Personal qualifications for becoming a crime scene cleaner include a high school degree, physical fitness, attention to detail, and a strong stomach. Specialized equipment is necessary for crime scene cleaning, including hazmat containers and blood solvents. Crime scene cleanup companies like Spaulding Decon are here to help with professional services.
Every 26.2 seconds, a violent crime occurs in the US. Meanwhile, a property-related crime occurs every 4.4 seconds. And these events can leave behind hazardous biological remains.
Someone has to clean up the mess. That’s where crime scene cleanup companies come in. These professionals are experts in dealing with the result of crime. Crime scene cleaning involves containing and disposing of possibly hazardous biological waste. Crime scene cleanup professionals can then clean and disinfect the crime scene itself.
Cleaning crime scenes is a dirty and potentially dangerous profession. Here’s what it takes to get the job done.
Not just any cleaning company can handle crime scenes. Crime scenes require cleaners to fully sanitize the area making it safe for people to return to. Professionals must also deal with biohazards like blood and unattended deaths. That’s why crime scene cleanup company employees undergo specialized certification programs and training.
Crime scene cleaning isn’t a regulated industry. That means companies don’t need a license to start cleaning crime scenes. Still, a high-quality crime scene cleaner will have the appropriate certifications and permits.
For example, consider a company that disposes of biological waste. To legally transport these materials, it needs a Medical Waste Transportation permit. It might also need a Hazardous Waste Transporter certification and registration. The following organizations provide training and resources for crime scene cleanup companies and professionals:
Other permits and certifications recommended for crime scene cleaners include Trauma Scene Waste Practitioner permits, Biomedical Waste Transporter certifications, and Infectious Waste Transporter permits.
All employees of a crime scene cleanup company must undergo industry-specific training. Cleaners need to understand how to use crime scene cleaning chemicals and equipment. That includes training in personal protective equipment (PPE) use. These cleaners also need to understand the safety risks biological waste presents. Further, professionals need to know how to sanitize/disinfect all kinds of crime scenes. This includes indoor, outdoor, and conveyance crime scenes.
All crime scene cleaning company employees must undergo background checks. These companies also usually drug test their professionals. That way, if the team must enter a personal dwelling or business, clients know their belongings are safe.
Homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost for crime scene cleanup. But any good crime scene cleaning company should have insurance, too.
Liability insurance will protect clients in case of an accident. Imagine if a hazardous material pollutes the area after the cleanup crew leaves. Pollution liability insurance can help protect the company and the client. Are you looking for crime scene cleaners? Spaulding Decon has been cleaning up crime scenes since 2005. Click here to learn more about our crime scene cleanup services!
Crime scene cleaning companies require certifications, permits, and employee training. But there are also crime scene cleaner requirements. Here are the top crime scene clean up qualifications employees must possess.
If you want to become a crime scene cleanup professional, you’ll first need a high school degree. A GED should also suffice for most companies.
You don’t need a specialized degree to get into crime scene cleaning. Employees receive on-the-job training once they’re hired.
Examples of training a crime scene cleaning professional might undergo include:
Crime scene cleaning is also a no-experience-required job, too. However, prospective cleaners can get a leg up on the competition. All you need is a related background. Crime scene cleaning is related to jobs in medicine and forensics. Backgrounds in law enforcement or public health may also give you an advantage.
Take the example of Spaulding Decon’s founder and CEO. She started off as a law enforcement officer.
Unlike traditional cleaning jobs, you need to be physically fit to be a crime scene cleaner. This is because you may have to lift heavy loads, work all day, or both, depending on the crime scene.At the same time, you may also have to wear a biohazard suit for some jobs. This can restrict your breathing and increase your body temperature. Professionals in optimal health and fitness are more suited to these challenges.
The right temperament is just as important for crime scene cleaning as physicality. Professionals should pay attention to detail and showcase a compassionate attitude. Having a strong stomach is especially important. After all, you may be dealing with blood and other body matter.
We’ve already mentioned that crime scene cleaners have to wear PPE. But what other types of equipment do crime scene cleanup companies use? Crime scene cleanup typically requires two types of equipment. These are standard and crime scene-specialized equipment. Standard cleaning equipment includes cloths, sponges, and mops. Household chemicals like bleach and ammonia are also standard cleaning tools.
The difference between traditional and crime scene cleaning? Any equipment used must be disposed of after cleaning biological waste. Crime scene cleaning companies also use more specialized equipment. This includes blood solvents and hazardous matter (hazmat) containers. Companies might also bring equipment for cleaning up fingerprint powder or tear gas.
Importantly, crime scene cleaning companies also have large transportation vehicles. This allows professionals to haul away permanently damaged items. For example, items like bloodstained furniture and ruined carpeting.
Crime scene cleanup companies clear away crime scene biohazards and disinfect the area. There’s no regulating body for this industry. But a good company will have the right qualifications, training, and employees. Have a crime scene that needs cleaning up? Find a Spaulding Decon location near you. And call us today to take advantage of our professional services!
Blood can be a difficult and potentially dangerous substance to clean up. Whether it's due to a medical emergency, crime scene, or an accident, it's important to know how to properly clean and dispose of blood to minimize the risk of harm to yourself and others. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about cleaning up blood, from safety precautions to effective cleaning methods.
Coming into the scene of a suicide can be quite traumatic for anyone, especially family members of the deceased.If someone commits suicide on your property or another location, you will need to clean up the biohazard or remains as law enforcement does not do this. First you will need to call law enforcement to perform a thorough investigation. Once this is complete you should consider hiring biohazard experts as cleaning remains is an extensive job. This requires having safety protective gear, the right chemicals and equipment to clean thoroughly and experts to dispose of decomposition as you cannot just dump it in the trash.
Cleaning can be a tedious, messy, and rather challenging task, especially if you’re dealing with a biohazard environment. Many people take cleaning upon themselves as it seemingly looks simple and straightforward, but rudimentary cleaning knowledge will not suffice if you’re dealing with contaminated areas.
