Crime Scene Clean-Up: A Growing Profession
In the last decade American TV dramas have gotten pretty realistic in displaying "all-too-real" crime and autopsy scenes. Death is always inconvenient, often messy, and sadly someone has to clean up after it. CTSD (crime and trauma scene decontamination) is a growing profession. CTSD's are trained professionals who deal with high stress situations.
All scenes are not the result of violence. CST's also deal with hoarders and natural deaths.
The CTSD industry requires specialists.
CTS companies are certified specialists. This training and certification is offered primarily through American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA) which also works with its members on OSHA compliance issues.
Whenever there is a large amount of hazardous material on-site (scene of a bloody crime), there are additional decontamination and disinfectant measures required.
This industry requires work cleaning with blood and tissue. Employees in this industry fall into the category of hazardous materials elimination workers. These are not typical janitorial cleaning services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for crime scene cleaners was $37,600 in 2010. In April 2013, crime scene cleaners earned an average of $39,000 per year.
Being Sensitive to Those Left Behind
All scenes are not the result of violence. CST's also deal with hoarders and natural deaths.
The clean-up crew often interacts with the family of the deceased. This interaction should be approached with sensitivity and sympathy. Many CST's are provided training or crisis counseling to deal with the still grieving families at the scene.
Death Cleaning Basics
Trauma and crime clean-up is a specialized field. Sometimes carpets, pads, and mattresses, are ruined and must be removed. The cleaning technician should check the area with Luminol to make sure that all blood traces are cleaned to avoid bacteria growth.
Twenty four hour emergency cleaners usually enter the scene in protective, non-breathable gear, including disposable coveralls and gloves. They set up bio-hazard containers and start removing blood and foreign substances, as well as disinfecting all surface areas.
Crews set up an ozone machine to sanitize the air and rid the scene of odors.
Job Risks
The job is physical, hazardous, and emotionally stressful. Employees in this industry, at places such as ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning Services, often see and clean-up after traumatic events. This experience makes them vulnerable to stress and trauma related disorders. Some companies offer counseling to their employees, to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. This is not a job for everyone, but it is most certainly a job that must be done.