Different kinds of crime can leave harmful biological traces behind. That means someone has to clean such mess when it occurs. Since they specialize in managing the aftermath of such events, crime scene cleanup companies thus become rather crucial.
In crime scene cleanup, possible hazardous biological material is gathered and disposed of. Professional Crime Scene Cleaning Services sterilize and clean the crime site as they perform thorough biohazard and trauma cleanup. We shall go over the characteristics of a good crime scene cleanup company.
Characteristics of a Good Crime Scene Cleanup Company
A crime scene is not something every cleaning company can handle. At such locations, cleaners have to sterilize the area totally so that people may return safely. Professionals also must handle biohazards, including blood and unattended deaths. Employees of these cleanup firms thus complete specific training courses and certification programs.
Well-Trained Employees
Every employee of a cleaning company has industry-specific training they have to complete. Cleaners have to know about chemicals and tools used in this kind of cleanup. That includes the use of PPE training for personal safety.
These cleaners must know about the safety concerns biological waste brings as well. Professionals also have to be adept at sterilizing and cleaning all kinds of crime scenes. This includes scenes both inside and outside and conveyance.
Every staff member of cleaning firms undergoes background checks. Many times, these companies also drug test their staff. This guarantees that should the team have to visit a personal residence or business, clients know their items are safe.
Possess Proper Permits and Certifications
Cleaning a crime scene falls outside of a controlled industry. Companies therefore do not need a license to start running a business. You can visit https://www.legalzoom.com/ to learn why businesses need a license. Still, a reputable company will have the required certificates and licenses.
For instance, let us consider a company that eliminates biological waste. The legal movement of these waste products calls for a Medical Waste Transportation license. It may also call for certification and registration as a Hazardous Waste Transporter. These organizations provide professionals and companies with training and resources:
- The Department of Transportation
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Other advised certifications and permits for these businesses are Trauma Scene Waste Practitioner permits, Infectious Waste Transporter certifications, and Biomedical Waste Transporter certifications.
They Have Liability Insurance
The insurance of the homeowner could cover the cleanup expenses. Still, any good cleaning company should also have insurance. Should an accident happen, liability insurance protects customers.
Imagine if a dangerous chemical contaminates the environment after the cleanup crew leaves. Insurance for pollution liability protects the client and the company. Therefore, be sure the cleanup company you are seeking has appropriate insurance coverage.
Characteristics of a Crime Scene Cleaner
Companies cleaning a crime scene have to be qualified, and licensed, and their staff well-trained. Staff members must also possess certain characteristics necessary to do the job. These are the main characteristics of a crime scene cleaner.
Adequate Education
If you decide to work in this field, you will need a high school degree. Most companies would also find a GED adequate. To work in this field, you don’t require any specific degree. Staff members receive on-the-job training when they are employed.
You might have to do the following training:
- Hazardous substance generation transportation training
- PPE application training
- Bloodborne and airborne diseases training
Though it’s a no-experience job, however, being experienced ensures you have an advantage over other applicants. You just need a background that is related to this field. For instance, medical and forensic jobs can be beneficial when switching to this type of cleanup. Public health or law enforcement backgrounds could also benefit you.
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Physical Fitness and Emotional Intelligence
Unlike most cleaning jobs, working cleaner in this field demands physical fitness. You might have to work all day, lift big objects, or both; thus, this is relevant. You can check out this page to see some things you can do to improve your physical fitness. You might also have to don a biohazard suit concurrently for some jobs.
Your breathing will be limited, and your body temperature will climb. Professionals in optimal health and fitness are more suited to these expectations. So, go get fit if you want this job since you will need it.
Like physicality, emotional intelligence is essential. Professionals should be sympathetic and highly meticulous. Especially important is a strong stomach. After all, you might be dealing with blood and other bodily fluids.
Appropriate Equipment Knowledge and Use
As we already pointed out, one of the requirements to do this job is wearing PPE. But what other types of tools do these cleanup employees use? Usually, two types of tools are used in this job.
These are standard and crime scene-specific instruments. Among basic cleaning supplies are towels, sponges, and mops. Common cleaning products also include household chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Every tool used has to be disposed of in line with biological waste cleaning.
Additionally used by cleanup companies are specific tools. This includes blood solvents and hazardous material (hazmat) containers. Businesses could also have instruments for wiping fingerprint powder or tear gas.
Conclusion
Companies that clean crime scenes do not begin their business just out of nowhere. They start a business following specific criteria. The characteristics these companies must have to operate are covered at great length in this article.
