To successfully complete a crime and trauma scene cleanup, a contractor needs to know and comply with local, state or provincial, and federal guidelines regarding the generation, transportation and disposal of biomedical waste.
Guidelines vary by location, but in the United States, the federal guideline is OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard. This standard prescribes safeguards to protect workers against the health hazards caused by bloodborne pathogens. Its requirements address items such as exposure control plans, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, hepatitis B vaccination, post-exposure follow-up, hazard communication and training, and recordkeeping.
Next, contractors need to set up training programs for employees in three major areas: safety practices, psychological issues, and cleaning, decontamination and odor control procedures. Once training is implemented, contractors need to compile a supply list of equipment and cleaning, decontaminating and deodorizing solutions as well as the necessary supplies for disposing of bio-hazardous waste, for employees' PPE, and for engineering controls and rebuild, as necessary.
Cleaning supplies: chemicals and equipment
Odor control supplies: chemicals and equipment
Antimicrobials: disinfectants, sanitizers, growth inhibitors and spraying equipment
Disposal supplies: bags, boxes, tape, labels and plastic sheeting to be in compliance for biohazardous medical waste
Demolition supplies: for carpet, structural surfaces, etc. to include battery-operated and electrical
Misc. supplies: working lights, extension cords, moisture sensors, photographic equipment, spring poles or PVC pipes and polyethylene for building containment when necessary
Contractors should send their employees through two classes: the IICRC HST (Safety class) and the IICRC TCST (Trauma and Crime Scene Technician class).