Death scene cleanup service entails containing, cleaning and sanitizing sites and materials that have been contaminated. It is because of these potential hazards that death scene cleanup service and employees must meet certain requirements. This way, the safety of the workers, property owners, and occupants, as well as the general public, is guaranteed. Also, they will restore the site to its original state.
Requirements to Consider before Starting a Company
While there is no industry license required to start up a death scene cleanup service, there are federal, state, and local licenses that every reputable provider must have. Depending on the location, the company must have one or more of the following:
- Medical Waste Transportation Permit
- Biohazardous Medical Waste Transporter Registration
- Hazardous Waste Transporter License Certificate
- Infectious Waste Transporter Permit
- Biomedical Waste Transporter Permit
- Trauma Scene Waster Practitioner Permit
With this in mind, it is clear that cleaning companies, no matter the size, are expected to have vehicles that comply with the laws governing the transportation and disposal of biohazardous materials. Not only that, these experts are required to adhere strictly to OSHA standards, which include how the biohazards on-site are being handled, respiratory risks, and working in confined spaces.
Requirements for Employees
Just as earlier stated, there is no specific national certification for both the companies and employees working in this field. Prior to hiring an employee, death scene cleanup companies will give them adequate training. The company itself usually offers these training and certifications. An employee who did not complete the training successfully will be rejected.
Education
When it comes to educational qualification in crime scene field, there are no strict rules. The least you could have to qualify as a crime scene cleaner is a high school diploma or GED. Anything above these academic degrees is more than enough. One of the reasons why companies do not require ambiguous academic degrees is because they provide employees with the necessary training. Moreover, a reputable death scene cleanup service will make it mandatory for technicians to obtain certifications in any of the following areas:
- Airborne pathogens
- Hazardous materials transportation
- Airborne pathogens
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Personal protective equipment training
- Hazardous waste generation
The best part of it is that no prior experience is needed. However, knowledge about specific areas, including forensic, emergency medicine, and public health, is definitely a plus. Also, having some experience in handling some work-related tools can be extremely beneficial.
Keep in mind that death scene cleanup service can be demanding and strenuous for the most part. Therefore, technicians need by be physically fit. The task requires a lot of manpower, from moving heavy furniture and equipment to cleaning and sanitizing a crime scene for an extended period. Before hiring a technician, most companies check for any criminal records, and if clean, then your request will be granted. Random drug tests may also be carried out to determine if you are eligible or not.
