We are living in a world where crimes are committed on a daily basis. The unfortunate aspect is that these crimes aren’t only awful and gruesome but often leave a mess behind. Crime scenes, when left unattended, can be a breeding ground for all sorts of infections and diseases.
This is why they need to be cleaned as soon as possible. But, this work is easier said than done. Most times, homicide cleanup requires professional work. When working with experts, these are the things you should expect.
● No Third-Party Access
The first step of the homicide cleanup process is ensuring that the area is completely sealed so no third party can access it. Here, we aren’t talking about a matter of formality. Instead, it’s a safety precaution so everybody involved will be protected.
In biohazard situations, disastrous pathogens and substances can significantly affect health. Exposing yourself to these elements can cause serious life-threatening conditions. This is why it’s best you refrain from going to the area until everything is cleared and restored back to normal.
● Control and Assess Area
After securing the area, the next step is to control and access the place. A cleanup company like Paterson NJ Homicide Cleaning Services will first assess the area. Once they are done, they will then determine the severity of the situation and decide the most effective solution to use.
● The Control Measures
The cleanup company will set a barrier using tape or other types of barriers. They will use special equipment, such as air scrubbers, to stop the airborne pathogens from infecting people. They will also post signs that will alert everyone about the biohazard risk.
● Assessment Methodology
Specialized equipment will be used for the cleanup process while following industry-specific guidelines. They will snap photos and document the stages to help them plan the entire cleanup process effectively.
● The Usage of PPE
Based on industry standards, professional biohazard cleaners will wear personal protective equipment for their safety and to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. Some of these personal protective equipment include liquid impermeable hazmat suits, shoe covers, safety glasses, full-face respirators, and many more.
The Cleanup Processes
● Crime Scene Assessment
The first step in the cleanup process is to do an in-depth site assessment of the area while following the OSHA regulations for a crime scene cleanup. With this evaluation, the company gets to create the most effective strategy for removing the biohazards and decontaminating the area safely. Once they finish the assessment, they will contain the area so the biohazards will not spread or cross-contamination will happen.
Click here to learn more about the OSHA standards.
● Biohazard Removal
Bodily fluids are hazardous materials, so these fluids and other biological matter contain pathogens that, when contaminated with the body, can lead to serious health issues. Based on the best strategy for the scene, the company will do work ranging from neutralizing the blood and other biological remnants to removing items like furniture, decor, and carpets.
The company will use an enzyme solution to re-liquefy and disinfect the hazardous substances. The materials will be secured in approved bags or containers and then eliminated from the crime scene.
● Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Deodorizing
Once the contaminated items are eliminated, the cleanup company will then clean, decontaminate, and deodorize the area using industry-recommended cleaning elements and EPA-approved disinfectants. They will use hydrogen peroxide to remove remnants of the trauma and EPA-registered disinfectants to make sure the area is thoroughly cleaned and safe again.
They will then treat the place with strong deodorizing solutions or special equipment such as air scrubbers so the odor will be removed. Because of how biohazards are, companies dispose of contaminated cleaning supplies following industry guidelines.
● Verification
Depending on the company you decide to work with, they will finish the crime scene cleaning with adenosine triphosphate testing to ensure a high level of decontamination and safety. This adenosine triphosphate is an energy molecule found in all living things, including animals and plants.
The best way to ensure the scene is properly disinfected is to check and ensure there is a reduction in the considerable amount of ATP. Keep in mind that the presence of ATP at biohazard crime scenes doesn’t mean there are dangerous biohazard levels. However, an ATP test that provides minimal positive results means there is an absence of disease-causing pathogens in the area. Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATP_test to learn more about ATP tests.
Conclusion
Biohazard cleanup requires knowledge and experience, it’s not a work that homeowners can take upon themselves. It’s best to hire professionals who have the expertise to execute this job. When working with experts, you should expect no third-party access.
This is not about formality but about preventing the spread of diseases, controlling and assessing the area, the usage of PPE, and many more. The cleanup process involves first assessing the area, biohazard removal, cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing the area, and lastly verification.
