Crime scene cleanup is an important aspect of the investigation process. The procedure may be as simple as removing items that were potentially harmful to the investigation process. As the investigation progresses, the contaminants on the scene can grow and develop into a health hazard.
This is why contamination should be kept to a minimum, and everyone involved in the investigation should focus on minimizing and, if possible, eliminating any potential contamination. The most popular method of crime scene cleanup is the use of a clean room. A clean room is a system of individual rooms where many different components are designed to maintain a consistent, uniform temperature and humidity. These rooms are typically divided by walls and partitions in order to protect the cleaning crew from breathing in the particles and spores that may be on the scene.
The clean room will usually have a ventilation system that helps in the removal of dust and other particles. Specialized cleaning equipment will be used to remove contaminates from hard surfaces and the like. In order to ensure that the person performing the crime scene cleanup is properly protected, all employees must wear a face mask or respirator. This will help in the prevention of any serious health effects that may result from the cleaning process. Without a respirator, dust can affect the respiratory systems of the cleaning crew.
There are many cleaning techniques that are being used today. It may be as simple as purchasing a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaning the entire area, or it may be more complex and include chemicals and solutions that can be sprayed onto the surface to remove the dust and particles. For example, epoxy paint removers and degreasers can be sprayed on surfaces to remove dirt and give them a matte finish.
It’s also important to ensure that hazardous materials and products remain out of the reach of the cleaning crew. For example, it’s common for hazardous drugs to be stored near areas of hazardous waste so that the area can be cleaned safely in return. A protective suit and gloves should be worn in order to prevent the transmission of potentially harmful bacteria from contaminated gloves and masks.
There are also substances that can create dangerous mold and mildew. In some cases, this could be as simple as food that was not properly handled. In other cases, it could be as complex as contaminated clothing, bedding or other items that were stored in an environment that had a higher level of humidity. It’s important that the crime scene cleanup company comes prepared with protective gear to handle these types of issues.
One common misconception is that this type of cleanup can be performed by anyone with a minimum amount of training. This isn’t necessarily true. Criminalists, chemists and other professionals need to be present at the scene to effectively do their job and handle the high-risk environmental conditions.
By using the best equipment, skills and protective gear, a crime scene cleanup service can successfully complete the cleanup. By following proper precautions and a clear understanding of the safety protocols, the cleanup process can be completed safely and securely.