Biohazard Cleaning: How to Clean Crime Scenes, Meth Labs and More

Biohazard cleaning is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding jobs around. These professionals puroclean step in after the police, investigators and forensic specialists leave. Their job is to put the scene back to its original state by cleaning and sanitizing the home, business or vehicle.

All while maintaining the utmost discretion, professionalism and sensitivity.

Often called ‘second responders‘ biohazard cleaning professionals must be available 24 hours a day and be well trained on bloodborne pathogens and personal protection equipment . They also need the stamina, and the stomach, for a strenuous and unpleasant job. Crime and trauma scene decontamination (CTS Decon) specialists can be called for a variety of situations.

Crime Scene Cleanup is Challenging
Homicides or any crime that leaves behind blood and human tissue must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to remove potentially infectious materials. Diseases like HIV, MRSA, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and the Measles can all be transmitted through blood and other fluids.

Because of the risks, CTS Decon specialists must undergo rigorous training. According to Crime Clean Up.com that OSHA-mandated training includes:

Yearly bloodborne pathogen training
Access to personal protective equipment (PPE)
Training on how to properly use PPE

Training on the removal, packaging and proper storage of biohazard waste
Training on where to properly dispose of contaminated waste
Be vaccinated for Hepatitis B
Thorough biohazard cleaning and crime scene cleanup means finding and disposing of every drop of blood and bit of tissue. This can involve ripping up carpet and hardwood floors and cutting away porous drywall, if necessary

Unattended Bodies Require Special Care
Unattended bodies, where the deceased has not been discovered for some time, bring other cleaning and sanitizing challenges. Along with the risk of bloodborne infections, unattended bodies can attract insects and other vermin that can transport germs throughout the site. Decomposition, which begins quickly, can release potentially harmful, and malodourous, bacteria.

Removing that smell should be the last job on the CTS Decon specialists list.

Cleaning Meth Labs, Tear Gas and Hoarders
Specialized biohazard cleanup extends to meth labs, instances where tear gas was used and hoarders. Each situation calls for specific procedures and protocols.

Meth labs leave dangerous chemicals in their wake. Proper cleaning starts with ventilation, often several days before cleaning begins and continues throughout the process. Carpet, drapes, upholstered furniture and other porous materials should be collected and destroyed. Use a HEPA filter vacuum on hard surfaces before triple washing and rinsing.

Cleaning tear gas residue also requires removing and disposing of all porous materials and vacuuming hard surfaces with a HEPA vacuum before cleaning with a specially formulated agent. Because tear gas Is a heavy particle that settles downward, a top to bottom workflow is recommended. ‘Even if there’s no visible tear gas in areas such as basements, air conditioning systems may have brought exposure into those areas so test and clean accordingly,’ according to an article in Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine.

Cleaning up after someone with a hoarding disorder is another specialized service that requires a respectful approach. These homes can be fire hazards and often have insect and mice infestations and mold. There may not be electricity or running water. Residents with the disorder may resist help or even become violent.