Cleaning up a crime scene is a task that requires professional expertise, not just because of the nature of the job, but due to the potentially dangerous biohazards involved. One of the most common challenges in crime scene cleaning is tackling blood stains.
Here's how professional crime scene cleaners approach the removal of blood stains and why their role is crucial in the aftermath of a crime.
Blood Stains
Blood stains, especially dried ones, can be exceptionally stubborn to remove due to the presence of proteins that bind the blood to surfaces. Moreover, blood is considered a biohazard material, posing potential risks like disease transmission. Therefore, it's essential that the cleaning process not only focuses on stain removal but also on disinfecting the area thoroughly.
Tackling Blood Stains
The process of cleaning up blood stains at a crime scene involves several steps:
- Assessment: Before any cleaning can occur, the professionals first assess the situation to determine the extent of the blood stain and the appropriate cleaning measures to be used.
- Protection: Crime scene cleaners must don personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and hazmat suits to protect themselves from biohazards present at the scene.
- Cleaning: The actual cleaning process often begins with the use of specialized cleaning agents designed to break down proteins and lift the blood stain from the surface. This is usually followed by thorough scrubbing and wiping to physically remove the stain.
- Sanitization: After the visible stain is removed, the area is sanitized to kill potential pathogens. This often involves the use of EPA-approved disinfectants or a process known as fogging, where a disinfectant is atomized to reach even hard-to-reach areas.
- Deodorization: Finally, professionals will deodorize the area to remove the lingering smell of blood and disinfectants, ensuring the space is as close to its original state as possible.
- Disposal: Any cleaning materials, PPE, and absorbent materials saturated with blood must be disposed of following local regulations regarding biohazardous waste.
Professional Crime Scene Cleaner
While it might be tempting to clean up a crime scene yourself, it's highly recommended to leave this task to professionals. Not only do they have the knowledge and expertise to safely remove blood stains and other biohazards, but they also have the emotional detachment necessary to perform this job without undue distress.
Dealing with the aftermath of a crime can be a traumatic experience, and the presence of blood stains can serve as a grim reminder of the incident. Professional crime scene cleaners provide a critical service, restoring the scene to a safe, clean state. By employing industry-approved methods, advanced cleaning products, and rigorous safety measures, these professionals meticulously remove blood stains, helping to bring some normalcy back in the wake of a tragic event.
For more information, contact a company like Northeastern Restoration.
