What is the difference between the three types of trauma cleaning?

Saturday 2nd April 2022

3 minute read

Trauma clean-ups can have a wide range of scope, but they can also be divided into three groups:

  • Removing blood and body substances
  • Cleaning up a crime scene
  • Cleaning up a death scene
types-of-trauma-cleaning

Each sort of trauma cleansing has its own set of obstacles and concerns, which this post will go through in further depth.

What is involved in a blood or bodily fluid cleanup?

It's important to understand what's involved in a blood or body fluid cleanup, and in the case of a significant trauma incident, the cleanup should be handled by a professional.
Trauma cleanup expert Graham Hickman from Complete Environmental Services says “The list of potential dangers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens are many, and include Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) but there are more than 20 other less well known pathogens. If you're thinking about trying to clean up after a terrible event, my advice is to always get expert help."

When cleaning blood or biological fluids, there are a few health and safety considerations to keep in mind. To avoid contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials, gloves and a face mask should always be worn. It's also crucial to avoid coming into direct contact with blood or other materials like body parts.

The following are some of the risks:

  • Infectious microorganisms can be found in body fluids (bacteria, viruses and fungi).
  • Infection is the most common risk after hand-to-mouth, nose-to-eye, or eye-to-eye contact. Infection is also a possibility due to broken skin (cuts or scratches).
  • Cleaning products: These can contain hazardous agents including biocides and surfactants, and therefore must be kept, transported, and handled properly.

When decontaminating incidents involving human waste, trauma cleaners exercise considerable caution.

What are the methods used by trauma cleaners to clean the scene?

It's crucial to start with the most contaminated places and work your way out when it comes to cleanup. Any filthy objects, such as clothing or bedding, must be removed and properly disposed of, as must all blood and other bodily fluids. Cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces that have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids is also recommended.

It's preferable to leave a blood or bodily fluid cleanup to the specialists to ensure it's done correctly. Trauma cleaners, also known as hygiene technicians, will have the requisite knowledge and training to safely and properly conduct these types of cleanups.

What exactly does a crime scene cleanup entail?

The first step is to make sure that everyone involved is safe. This entails securing the crime scene and ensuring that no one else enters the vicinity. It also entails safeguarding against health risks such as hazardous waste, dangerously damaged materials, bloodborne diseases, and chemical contamination.

In most cases, the cleanup process entails removing all signs of the crime from the place. Cleaning and sanitising surfaces, removing blood and other human fluids, and disposing of any dangerous materials are all examples of this. Depending on the circumstances, it may also be required to repair or reconstruct parts of the damaged site or building. Carpenters, electricians, glaziers, and plumbers are examples of multi-trade operatives who could be engaged in the remediation phase of the process.

Cleaning up a crime scene is a difficult and often dangerous task that demands meticulous planning and execution. It is critical to secure the safety of all those engaged as well as the security of the crime scene. This task should only be assigned to competent personnel.

When a cleanup crew arrives on the scene, they'll examine the damage and devise a plan to restore the area. They'll operate within the parameters agreed upon with the property owner to guarantee that the site is restored to the owner's satisfaction.

What exactly does a death scene cleanup entail?

This varies based on the situation and the quantity of mess to be cleaned up, but in most cases, there are certain general measures to follow.

The first step is to make sure that people who will be cleaning up the area are safe. This entails safely containing and cleaning up all dangers, such as blood or other bodily fluids. To safeguard the cleaners from any potential threats, protective gear such as gloves and masks are constantly worn.

The next step is to clear the area of all debris. Furniture, appliances, and anything else that may be in the way are all included. After that, the debris is properly disposed of. All soft furniture and carpets may need to be removed from the area, since these can be difficult to clean effectively and harbour infections and odours.

Cleaning and disinfecting the place is the final stage. This entails removing all traces of blood, body fluids, and other impurities with specialised cleaning chemicals and equipment. After that, the area is properly dried before being returned to its former state.