Crime scene cleanup, also called biohazard cleanup and trauma cleanup, involves the cleaning of Biohazard waste, meth labs, and any other cleanup where pathogens and harmful substances exist. This job requires the highest level of attention to detail as bodily fluids and hazardous substances contain different kinds of risks that can affect health and well-being.
Most companies require their workers to undergo training and certification to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, and so their clients can benefit from professional and compliant service. This article will walk you through all the important things you should know about what it takes to become a crime scene specialist.
Keep in mind that it takes a special individual to execute this job, considering the nature of the work and the challenges it offers. You will find yourself cleaning after the remains of humans and chemicals that contain viruses and bacteria. What’s more, among the requirements of the job is that you must be able to remain calm and focused while handling the job.
Some other requirements before we delve into the topic proper include becoming physically fit so you will be able to wear full-body protective suits like boots, gloves, and
a face respirator for a long time. If your body is not fit to handle the strenuous work, you may find it difficult to succeed in the job.
Remember that respirators can make breathing difficult and add an extra layer of pressure to your body, making physical fitness as important as other skills and certifications needed for the work. So, with much being said, let’s dive in and understand other items you need to possess before becoming a biohazard substances cleaner.
Qualifications
To become a biohazard cleaner, you will need to have qualifications and training certificates from places like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and experience in the medical field or law enforcement.
Police Check
Crime and police are tied closely, and that’s why crime scene cleanup companies work with local police authorities and ambulance services. This means that, as someone who wants to become a Nashua crime scene cleanup services provider, you must undergo a police check before you can submit your application. This check includes random drug testing and background checks.
Communication skills
Crime scene cleanup is a team service, which means you must be a team player to work in the field. And since you are going to work with professionals, having good communication skills is important.
Professionalism
Victims of a crime experience an emotionally draining time in their lives after the passing of their loved ones. As a cleaner, you must exercise compassion and professionalism by working in a sensitive environment to help the victim move forward with the incident.
Steps to Become a Crime Scene Cleaner
Obtain Certification in Bio-Recovery Technician Training
The bio-recovery technician training is a course where you will learn how to handle biohazards safely. You will also learn the proper ways of approaching, qualifying, and assessing a crime scene. Other important knowledge you will learn from the training
includes proper medical waste disposal, bloodborne pathogens, safe handling of biohazards, and remediation techniques.
Search for a Qualified Employer
After obtaining the bio-recovery technician training certificate, you should look for a company that complies with OSHA regulations. Once you are hired, the company will provide you with full personal protective equipment (PPE), which will protect you from pathogens and dangerous substances you will come across in the trauma scene.
Learn more about OSHA regulations at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs.
Join a Support Group
It’s no secret that crime scene cleanup industries have a low retention rate compared to other fields. Workers leave in less than three eyes. The work can be physically and mentally exhausting. That’s why it’s advisable to join a support group of like-minded individuals. This will help you cope with the stress and demanding nature of the job.
Complete Additional Training
Aside from trauma cleanup, crime scene cleanup can be hired for many other jobs. Completing additional training can help you stand out among other applicants. For example, Australia and the United States are amid a meth pandemic and need professional meth remediation technicians. Take courses on drug lab decontamination for methamphetamine to increase your employment opportunities.
Click here to read more on methamphetamine.
Always keep in mind that crime scene cleanup is not like a normal casual office job. It requires long hours and intense manual labor that can easily overwhelm people who don’t have a clear understanding of the work.
Conclusion
Once you have set your mind, you want to become a biohazard cleaner before applying for any job to ensure you have all the necessary qualifications and mental resilience to handle the work. Some of the requirements needed for crime scene cleaners include communication skills, professionalism, and at least a bio-recovery technician training certification.
