What Are The Requirements For Crime Scene Cleanup Companies?

Crime scenes, accidents, and traumatic events can leave behind biohazardous materials that require proper cleanup and disposal. Crime scene cleanup is a delicate process that involves containing, decontaminating, and restoring affected areas. Specialized companies are hired to handle these sensitive situations professionally and compassionately. California crime scene cleanup is just an example of such companies that provide cleanup services professionally.

Crime scene cleanup companies and their employees must meet strict requirements to ensure safety and proper practices. Proper cleanup protects the health of workers and prevents further contamination of the surrounding environment. This article will explore the key certifications, training, equipment, procedures, and qualities required for reputable crime scene cleanup services.

Overview of Crime Scene Cleanup

Crime scene and trauma cleanup crews are called in after law enforcement and other first responders have concluded their initial investigation and documentation of the scene. These crews specialize in cleaning up the aftermath of:

• Homicides
• Suicides
• Unattended deaths
• Industrial accidents
• Meth lab sites
• Residential and commercial crime scenes

Crime scenes and accidents can leave behind potentially hazardous substances including:

• Blood
• Bodily fluids
• Tissue
• DNA evidence

Proper cleanup helps prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens. It also removes traumatic sights and odors, allowing families and communities to move forward.

Requirements for Crime Scene Cleanup Companies

While crime scene cleanup is largely unregulated, companies must meet certain requirements to operate legally and safely:

Employee Certification and Training

Bloodborne pathogen training – Employees must understand how to protect themselves and prevent contamination when handling blood and bodily fluids. Training is required under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Hazardous materials training – Employees must know how to properly handle and dispose of hazardous substances encountered at crime scenes. This includes chemicals at meth labs and other toxic materials.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) training – Employees must understand proper selection and use of PPE including respirators, biohazard suits, gloves, and other gear.

Additional recommended training:

• Hazard communication
• Confined space awareness
• First aid/CPR

Background Checks and Drug Testing

Most companies require background checks on all crime scene cleanup employees to ensure a clean history.

Drug testing may be required for initial hiring and randomly throughout employment. This ensures workers are not under the influence on the job.

Insurance Requirements

1. Liability insurance – Protects the company and client in case of mistakes, property damage, or other incidents.
2. Pollution liability insurance – Covers spills or release of hazardous materials during transportation and cleanup.
3. Workers’ compensation – Protects employees in case of work-related injuries.

Proper Equipment and Supplies

1. PPE: Chemical-resistant suits, steel-toe boots, gloves, eye protection, respirators
2. Cleaning agents: Hospital-grade disinfectants, deodorizers, bioremediation products
3. Tools: Shovels, rakes, brushes, sprayers, scrapers, cameras
4. Containers: Medical waste containers, sharps containers, biohazard bags
5. Transportation: Vans, trailers, trucks outfitted to safely haul contaminated waste

State and Local Licensing

1. Medical waste transportation permits – For transporting biohazardous materials.
2. Infectious waste permits – For handling and transporting contaminated waste.
3. Trauma scene practitioner registration – May be required locally for remediating trauma scenes.
4. Hazardous waste generator/transporter registration – For handling and hauling hazardous materials.

The Crime Scene Cleanup Process

Reputable companies follow strict procedures to ensure safe and proper cleanup. The general crime scene remediation process includes:

1. Initial site assessment – Evaluate the scene to identify hazards, determine PPE needs, and establish a safe perimeter.
2. Documentation – Photograph scene extensively before cleanup.
3. Scene containment – Seal off affected areas with protective barriers to prevent spreading contamination.
4. Gross cleaning – Remove large contaminants, liquids, and residues using shovels, pumps, and absorbents.
5. Surface cleaning – Scrub and disinfect walls, floors, and other surfaces with hospital-grade decontaminants.
6. Odor control – Apply deodorizers and disinfectants to remove unpleasant smells. Air out the space.
7. Detailed cleaning – Clean carpets, drapes, furniture and personal belongings. Items heavily contaminated beyond repair must be properly discarded.
8. Waste disposal – Contaminated liquids, cleaning materials, clothing, and other items must be packaged and transported to a licensed medical waste facility for incineration.
9. Verification – Confirm the site has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before re-occupation.
10. Restore scene – Remove all equipment, return furnishings to original places, and “reset” the area to normal condition.

Compassionate Care for Families

Crime scene cleanup crews enter during an extremely difficult time for families and communities. Companies should provide compassionate customer service:

1. Answer questions and explain the cleanup process fully.
2. Treat the loss with empathy, discretion, and respect.
3. Never disclose private details about the scene or incident.
4. Accommodate religious, cultural, and other specific requests.
5. Leave property clean, sanitized, and restored with minimal disruption.
6. Follow up to ensure satisfaction and address any additional concerns.

Reputable companies make people their top priority and are committed to delivering caring, professional service during traumatic times.

Choosing a Crime Scene Cleanup Company

To select a qualified provider for your needs, check that the company:

1. Has all required licenses and permits for your state and area.
2. Employs trained technicians certified in handling bloodborne pathogens.
3. Carries proper insurance coverage.
4. Uses commercial-grade cleaning agents designed to disinfect biohazardous waste.
5. Owns specialized equipment for trauma scene remediation.
6. Has an established reputation and positive reviews.
7. Provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
8. Treats customers with compassion, discretion, and respect.

Only hire crime scene cleanup crews from established companies with extensive experience, training, and proper qualifications. Avoid illegal or unqualified operators offering bargain prices.

Proper crime scene cleanup protects your health, prevents contamination, and restores order after tragic events. Reputable companies get the job done safely while providing much-needed support and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What training do crime scene cleaners need?

Crime scene cleaners must have bloodborne pathogen, hazardous materials, and PPE training to safely handle biohazards. Additional training in confined space entry, first aid, and OSHA protocols is also recommended.

What kind of PPE do crime scene cleaners use?

Typical PPE includes chemical-resistant suits, steel-toe boots, multiple layers of gloves, face shields/respirators, and protective eyewear. The required gear depends on the type of contaminants present.

How do crime scene cleanup companies dispose of biohazardous waste?

Biohazardous waste must be carefully packaged in approved containers and hauled by licensed medical waste transporters to registered disposal facilities for proper incineration.

What are the state and local licensing requirements for crime scene cleanup companies?

Requirements vary but often include medical waste transportation permits, infectious waste handling permits, trauma scene practitioner registrations, and hazardous waste generator/transporter licenses.

How do I choose a reputable crime scene cleanup company?

Look for established companies with extensive biohazard experience, proper licensing for your state and area, certified trained technicians, and compassionate customer service. Avoid unqualified low-cost operators.