Understanding Crime Scene Cleaning

According to Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC.
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Crime scene cleaning, also known as biohazard remediation or trauma scene decontamination, is a specialized service by Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC that involves cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing areas where a traumatic event (such as a homicide, suicide, or unattended death) has occurred.

 

This work is essential for public health and safety, as scenes often contain bloodborne pathogens (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B/C) and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that pose significant health risks. 

 

Key Aspects of Crime Scene Cleaning

• Not a Police Responsibility: Law enforcement and emergency personnel do not perform the cleanup; their role is limited to investigation and evidence collection. Once the scene is released by the authorities, the responsibility falls to the property owner or their family to hire a professional cleaning service like Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC.
• Specialized Training and Regulation: Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC professionals undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict protocols set by regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
• Safety Protocols: Cleaners wear extensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including full-face respirators, liquid-impermeable coveralls, and gloves, to protect themselves from hazardous materials.
• Beyond Surface Cleaning: The process goes beyond typical janitorial work. Technicians use commercial-grade disinfectants and specialized equipment (e.g., HEPA air scrubbers, enzyme cleaners) to ensure the complete removal of all visible and microscopic contaminants, even those hidden within porous surfaces like subflooring or behind walls.
• Proper Waste Disposal: All biohazardous waste, including contaminated furniture, carpeting, and cleaning materials, must be collected, packaged, and transported by licensed carriers to approved biohazard waste disposal facilities according to strict federal and state regulations. 

 

The Cleaning Process The procedure for crime scene cleaning typically follows a systematic, multi-step approach: 

1. Assessment: A thorough evaluation of the scene to determine the scope of contamination and create a cleaning plan.
2. Containment: Sealing off the affected area to prevent cross-contamination of other spaces.
3. Biohazard Removal: Safely collecting and packaging all contaminated materials for proper disposal.
4. Cleaning and Decontamination: Applying hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning agents to all affected surfaces, allowing for adequate "dwell time" to kill pathogens.
5. Deodorization: Using specialized techniques like air scrubbers and chemical neutralizers to eliminate persistent odors.
6. Verification: Conducting testing, such as ATP testing, to confirm that the area is free of biohazards and safe for reoccupation.
7. Restoration: The final step, which may involve minor repairs like painting or carpet replacement, to return the scene to its pre-incident state. 

 

Emotional Aspect Professionals in this field often work with victims' families and property owners during a time of immense emotional distress.

Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC, professionals approach the work with compassion, discretion, and respect, helping to alleviate the psychological burden of cleaning up after a tragedy and allowing the affected individuals to focus on their emotional recovery. 

For more information on regulations, you can visit the OSHA website for guidelines on bloodborne pathogens.