A crime scene can contain potentially infectious materials. Cleanup must be performed to clean blood, bodily fluids, and other possible biohazard waste. If unsanitized, the infected fluids can transmit diseases.

In addition, unwanted odors may cause headaches or nausea and leave a negative impression on future guests. Biohazards can also accelerate the deterioration process and damage properties. For example, blood stains can cause permanent damage to flooring. Expert cleaners thoroughly decontaminate the area to prevent further adverse consequences.

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Body fluids may contain pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis. Hence, a crime scene cleaner must wear the appropriate PPE before entering the area.

• Shoe covers give a protective layer to footwear. They protect the shoes from bodily fluids and avoid slips and falls.
• Disposable latex gloves prevent direct contact between the cleaners and possible infected objects at the scene. They may also use a second set of gloves for additional protection.
• Face masks shield the eyes, nose, and mouth from potential contaminants. They also maintain clean and odor-free air for the workers.
• Full-body suits give the cleaners head-to-toe protection. Workers may need to wear flame-resistant suits if the area contains explosive chemicals.

2. Conduct Initial Assessment

First responders include police officers and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Only after the crime scene investigation can the cleaners assess the area. Hence, they are also called second responders.

They assess the scene to set up cleaning zones and isolate contaminated areas. Moreover, it helps them prepare the required materials, such as disposal containers, plastic sheets, Bio-Tape, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing kits.

Cleaners use Bio-Tape or similar tools to determine possible microbial and aerial contamination. It allows them to know the level of contamination at the crime site. On the other hand, ATP tests enable them to verify the cleanliness of surfaces. After the workers sanitize the area, they will take a swab of the surface and place it in a meter.

3. Establish Containment and Isolation Zones

Crime scene cleaners set up three zones — the control, buffer, and clean section. They use plastic sheeting and Bio-Tape to separate and determine the zones.

• The control zone is a contaminated area where workers eliminate biohazards and conduct cleanup procedures.
• In the buffer zone, they put on their PPE and discard contaminated objects.
• The clean zone is where workers keep their equipment to avoid cross-contamination.

4. Remove Hazardous Material

Infected human blood may contain HIV, hepatitis, and other transmissible diseases. Hence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provided guidelines for cleaning up blood.

For instance, surfaces contaminated with blood or possibly infectious material must be decontaminated with appropriate disinfectants.

Carpet, grout, and wood floors are the usual surfaces contaminated with blood.

• Wood floors absorb blood and bodily fluids quickly, so crime scene cleaners aim to immediately clean up blood off these floors. They use a dry cloth and spray chemicals on the stain. Moreover, they sprinkle specialty chemicals, brush the area, and then apply wax to restore the floor’s normal appearance.
• The cleaners use a dry cloth on the fresh blood. Next, they use a brush so any dried blood will loosen up. After brushing, they apply a professional cleaning solution to remove the blood stain. They may take several attempts before completely removing the mark.
• The workers, specializing in crime scene cleanup, use a sponge to meticulously wipe the blood stains from the grout. Next, they use a brush dipped in a solution and clean the area gently to prevent damaging the grout’s appearance. Afterward, they use water to rinse the area.

After cleaning up the blood, they wash their hands and arms with warm water and disinfectant. Lastly, they dispose of their PPE in a biohazard bag.

5. Sanitize and Decontaminate

Expert cleaners often use hydrogen peroxide to sanitize the crime scene. It has an extra oxygen molecule, which oxidizes and kills germs. It also removes stains from carpets, drapes, and untreated wood. They may test for color loss because hydrogen peroxide has a bleaching effect on some fabrics.

They also use chlorine bleach containing sodium hypochlorite to clean the area. Even scientists use sodium hypochlorite to decontaminate surfaces in laboratories. Moreover, other cleaners use chlorine dioxide, a strong chemical that kills viruses and bacteria. Only skilled personnel may handle these cleaning solutions since they are very reactive.

6. Eliminate Unpleasant Odors

Fabric, flooring, and other objects at the scene of the crime can absorb blood and bodily fluids. These pathogens can cause unpleasant odors that household air fresheners cannot usually remove. The lingering smell will then remind the occupants about the traumatic event on the property.

Cleaners use professional tools and techniques to remove unwanted odor.

• The workers open all windows and doors to ventilate the area and encourage the flow of fresh air. They also turn on the ceiling and portable fans to remove the decomposition smell.
• An ozone machine can also eliminate strong odors and reduce airborne contaminants. When they use the equipment, the occupants must evacuate due to possible hazards.
• Industrial-strength deodorizers can control or remove odors while leaving a pleasant smell on the property.

7. Proper Disposal of Waste

To complete the crime scene cleanup, workers must follow the OSHA regulations on waste disposal. For example, they should place potentially infectious materials in closed, leak-proof, labeled containers. They must also dispose of the biohazard at an appropriate facility. Otherwise, the agency may impose fines and suspensions.

After proper waste disposal, the workers can start repairing the area. It helps the families and occupants regain normalcy after a traumatic event.

Trusted Crime Scene Cleaners

A crime site may contain biohazards that only experts can clean up. The cleaners wear PPE and assess the area before establishing zones. Next, they remove harmful materials, sanitize the scene, and eliminate unwanted odors. Lastly, they dispose of waste properly.

Contact United Restoration for high-quality, empathetic cleaning services for a crime scene. We only use reliable equipment and techniques to clean and restore properties. Most importantly, we help families bring normalcy to their homes after an unfortunate event.

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