Cleaning up after a crime is a serious and often hazardous task that only a trained crime scene cleaner must undertake. After all, these traumatic incidents return to normal once the evidence is collected. Therefore, a professional’s responsibility is to sanitize, clean, and remediate a crime scene. 

Crime scenes can involve various types of bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, urine, and more. Hence, not only is there a risk of infection from diseases like Hepatitis B and C and HIV, but the trauma of the event itself can also be emotionally overwhelming.

This article will cover 10 things that every crime scene cleaner must know before undertaking a cleanup job. From understanding the nature of the crime to identifying the surfaces and materials that need cleaning, these tips will help ensure that the job is done thoroughly, safely, and with the utmost professionalism. 

10 Things Every Crime Scene Cleaner Must Know

Cleaning up a crime scene is an unenviable task that requires experience and expertise. Crime scene cleaners face a range of challenges, from the nature of the crime to the types of bodily fluids and hazardous materials present. 

This section will cover the ten key things all professional cleaners must know before starting the cleanup process at a crime scene.

1. Nature of The Crime

The nature of the crime is crucial in determining the level of risk and complexity of the cleaning process. For example, crimes involving homicide or suicide typically require more extensive and thorough crime scene cleaning than those involving less severe injuries or death.

2. How Long Ago The Crime Occurred

The length of time since the crime occurred affects the difficulty of the cleaning process. The longer the time, the harder it is to remove stains and disinfect the area. It can also result in a stronger odor, which makes the cleanup more challenging.

3. Potential Risks of Infection

Crime scenes can pose serious health risks due to the presence of bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B & C and HIV. One of the crime scene cleaner’s jobs is to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.

4. Potential Risk of Needles

Needles and other sharp objects pose a risk of injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Therefore, cleaners should never handle needles and other sharp objects with their bare hands.

5. Any Hazardous Chemicals Present

Hazardous chemicals such as cleaning agents, pesticides, and drugs can be harmful to cleaners. Therefore, they must be aware of the chemicals present and take appropriate precautions.

6. What The Crime Scene Includes

Cleaning crime scenes can involve a range of materials and areas, including furniture, carpets, walls, outdoor spaces, or even vehicles. They require different techniques and equipment, so cleaners must be familiar with the specific cleaning requirements of each material.

7. What Bodily Fluids Are Present

Crime scenes can involve a range of bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, and urine. Cleaners must know how to properly handle and dispose of these fluids to avoid cross-contamination and minimize health risks.

8. If There Is A Body Present

Cleaning up after a death involves a unique set of challenges. Those in the crime scene cleaning business must know how to safely remove the body – or work alongside a service that will – and dispose of any contaminated materials. Moreover, the cleaning process cannot commence until the appropriate authorities remove the body. 

9. If A Vehicle Is Involved

Crime scenes involving vehicles require a different approach to cleaning due to the unique challenges presented by the confined space and complex materials. For example, if the crime scene involves a car crash, the vehicle must be removed before the area can be cleaned. Furthermore, a damaged vehicle can mean broken glass or metal shards, which pose a unique risk to every crime scene cleaner.

10. What Surfaces Are Contaminated

Different surfaces require different cleaning techniques. Therefore, they must identify which surfaces are contaminated and use the appropriate cleaning methods to ensure effective cleaning and disinfection.

Understanding these ten key factors is crucial for them to ensure that they perform the cleaning process safely and effectively. In addition, by keeping these factors in mind, they can protect themselves and others from the potential health risks a crime scene poses.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning up after a crime is a difficult and sensitive process only professionals must handle. As a crime scene cleaner, knowing the risks and challenges and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you is essential.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• This job is a serious hazard; bodily fluids like blood, vomit, and urine can pose a significant risk of infection, including Hepatitis B & C and HIV.
• Only experienced professionals with the necessary training, equipment, and knowledge to do the job safely and effectively must perform it.
• A crime scene cleaner must consider a range of factors, including the nature of the crime, the time since the incident occurred, the presence of needles and hazardous chemicals, and the type and extent of bodily fluids present.
• It can involve a range of surfaces, from carpets and walls to floors and vehicles, each of which may require different cleaning techniques and equipment.

We understand that crime scenes can be distressing and overwhelming, and each crime scene cleaner at United Restoration is here to help. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to provide professional, discreet, and compassionate cleaning services, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure a thorough and safe cleanup. If you require our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.