In the aftermath of a crime scene or traumatic situation, it’s important to have specialist trauma cleaners on-site to deal with any potential biohazardous materials, such as blood or other bodily fluids. Cleaning crime scenes requires expert training, a strong stomach and good physical fitness. In this article, we reveal how to become a crime scene cleaner in the UK, in addition to how this role differs from traditional cleaner jobs.
What is A Professional Trauma Cleaner?
A trauma cleaner, also known as a crime scene cleaner, is someone who may deal with forensic cleaning. They’re normally called out after a crime has occurred and their job is to effectively eliminate hazardous materials, restoring an environment to safe, working order. Duties may include cleaning up blood, smashed glass or other potential materials that can cause harm to health.
Crime Scene Cleaner Skills
There are some essential skills that a crime scene cleaner must possess. These include the following:
- Exceptional attention to detail – crime scene cleaners need to be able to clean contamination thoroughly to ensure there is no risk to human health.
- Compassion – crime scenes are often sensitive situations that can have tragic circumstances. Cleaners should be able to offer reassurance to family members.
- Good communication skills – trauma cleaners need to be able to communicate effectively with each other and with their clients.
- Discretion – dealing with traumatic situations means that they are confidential.
- Commitment – crime scene clean-ups require round the clock assistance so cleaners may need to be flexible in terms of working hours.
- Integrity – due to the nature of cleaning and dealing with personal property, background checks will likely be undertaken as may random drug testing.
- Physical stamina – employees need to be physically fit to work while wearing personal protective equipment, such as masks, hazmat suits and gloves.
- Knowledge of biohazards – having an extensive understanding of biohazards is essential. Training must be given on these, in addition to how to use personal protective equipment.
- Cleaning chemical knowledge – understanding how to use chemical cleaning products and tools is a fundamental part of the job.
How Do You Become a Crime Scene Cleaner?
Background Checks
Those offering trauma cleaning services may need to complete background checks, because this type of cleaning requires access to police and crime scenes, potentially dealing with sensitive cases. Crime scene cleaners must be considered upstanding members of the community who are trustworthy and reliable.
Physical Fitness
One vital aspect in knowing how to become a trauma cleaner is understanding physical fitness. Crime scene clean-ups can be physically and emotionally demanding. That means you need to be able to work in sensitive situations for long periods. Trauma cleaning also requires the use of hazmat suits so it can become a warm environment to work in. Anyone who isn’t physically fit may struggle with this.
Biohazard Waste Training
Chemicals, blood, drugs and dealing with other harmful materials, such as bodily fluids, requires expert training. Cleaners need to know how to eliminate this type of waste correctly, as well as be trained to clean contaminated areas which may not be visible to the naked eye.
Cleaning Chemical Training
Special medical-grade chemicals are used in crime scene cleaning. Cleaners need to be trained to use these chemicals effectively, especially as they can be harmful if not used properly. Additionally, cleaners need to be trained on wearing hazmat suits for personal protection against hazardous materials.
The Difference Between a Regular Cleaner and Crime Cleaner
So, what is the difference between a traditional cleaning company and those that deal with crime scenes?
Expert Training
Regular cleaners require basic training on how to use products and equipment. However, as crime scene cleaning is a specialist cleaning service, it’s essential to understand the risk of contamination and how to remove biohazardous materials. So, rigorous training is needed to be able to handle complex scenarios to be able to provide professional after death cleaning and crime scene cleaning. Trauma cleaners must act professionally at all times, carrying out duties safely and reliably.
Vetting
Support
Traditional cleaners are unlikely to need additional support when completing cleaning tasks. On the other hand, trauma cleaners may require extra emotional support, particularly in times of very challenging cleanup situations. Mental health support is important in any job, but in this case, an employer may want to ensure their staff have access to additional support.
Situations
In regular cleaning roles, the job may involve entering a commercial or residential property and undertaking traditional tasks, such as cleaning toilets. In crime scene cleaning, you’ll need to be ready to deal with various sensitive or potentially upsetting situations. These scenarios could involve violent crimes, murder, suicide, accidents, tear gas clean-ups or extensive damage to properties. Cleaners must work to remove any hazardous materials, sanitising the areas so they are restored to being safe and clean.
Perfect Clean Offers Professional Trauma Cleaning in Scotland
We provide a specialist trauma cleaning service in Scotland, ensuring your environment is restored to a safe and clean condition. All of our cleaning staff have undertaken specialist training and are qualified trauma cleaners. Discover more about how our service can fulfil your needs by contacting us today.