What Does Crime Scene Cleanup Involve?

Crime scene cleanup, a form of biohazard remediation, is an extensive process that is required to be handled by a professional. Unlike water damage remediation or mold removal, crime scene cleanup must include close coordination with local authorities. Crime scene cleanup is not finished whenever the clean-up is complete, as there is necessary documentation that must be performed both before and after. This type of cleanup must be handled by a licensed professional due to the risk of bio contamination and delicate nature of the job. So what exactly does crime scene cleanup involve?

Prior To The Cleanup, Assessment Must Be Performed

The first step in crime scene cleanup, like any other remediation, requires an assessment. A biohazard team will assess the cleanup area, determine the types of contamination that is present, and create a treatment plan.

PPE Must Be Worn During The Cleanup

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to be worn by professionals dealing with a biohazard contamination. Whenever there is organic material, there is always a risk of disease along with other dangerous health risks. PPE equipment must be worn at all times and be regularly changed and sanitized.

Waste Removal Must Be Carefully Performed

After assessing the area and conducting a plan, the waste removal process begins. Biohazard waste must be properly disposed of. This can include any biohazard materials such as blood-soaked materials, bodily fluids, and other potential organic material. This waste must be properly disposed of with local regulations and in coordination with necessary authorities. After the removal is complete, these materials must be properly packaged and relocated to a medical waste disposal facility where they can be documented and taken care of.

After Waste Removal Is Complete, The Area Must Be Properly Cleaned and Sanitized

Waste removal is only the first step in the remediation process after the assessment, and an extensive cleaning process follows. This is a crucial step in the process as sanitation will prevent potential contamination in the future. A technician will use specialized cleaning agents to tediously clean the entire affected area. Biohazard waste can be visible or invisible, so the cleaning process is extensive and lengthy.

Deodorization And Ventilation

Crime scenes and biohazard waste areas often have an extremely strong odor that can linger in the air. Due to this, deodorization is necessary to remove the smell. Ventilation and specialized cleaning products are used to remove the smell and make the area accessible again.

Structural Restoration Is Sometimes A Necessary Step In The Process

At times, drywall or other structural aspects of an area are too heavily affected and must be removed and replaced. If structural restoration is necessary, then the areas will be removed and replaced to restore the affected area to it’s prior condition.

There Are Many Regulations And Required Documentation

Crime scene cleanup is a delicate job, and must be handled in coordination with the proper authorities. Technicians must be specially licensed and comply with the proper regulations. These regulations can include federal, state, and local regulations that pertain to the disposal and transportation of biohazard waste. In addition, proper documentation must be completed for both legal and insurance purposes. This can include before and after photos, detailed notes on the cleanup activities, and any necessary paperwork regarding the disposal process.

Coordination With The Proper Authorities Is Necessary

Crime scene cleanup is a delicate and challenging job and coordination with the proper authorities is significantly important. Biohazard technicians must collaborate with local authorities, emergency services, and other required authorities. Technicians must also follow any specific protocols and guidelines that are given by these authorities and work closely with them until the task is complete.

If you are in need of biohazard cleanup, Puroclean Northwest offers the delicacy and care necessary to get the job done. For more information about biohazard waste removal and crime scene cleanup in Washington areas such as Seattle, Tacoma, Lynnwood, and Olympia, visit our biohazard and crime scene cleanup page. If you are in need of cleanup services, visit our contact page to get in contact with our team today.