FEATURE


being handled professionally, in a way that does not cause legal or reputational problems in the future.


For example, crime and trauma scene cleaners should be able to advise on the extent of contamination, what can be cleaned and saved, and what needs to be disposed of in accordance with statutory biohazard waste disposal regulations.


Some incidents, such as self-harm and deliberate contamination (common in prisons and mental health establishments), gun crimes, and suicides, can affect a widespread area. Experienced crime and trauma scene cleaners can work with loss adjusters to deal with these knotty issues.


Incidents of undiscovered deaths need specialist cleaning to remove decomposing bodily fluids and matter that has seeped into the fabric of the building. There will almost certainly be flies and maggots that need professional pest control.


equipment needed to manage the situation. They could well be too upset and traumatised themselves. Safety and wellbeing considerations are likely to point to the need for external help with the clean-up. To do otherwise could expose an employer to legal action for damages.


You need the assurance that a professional emergency cleaning service will manage and resolve the problem efficiently while enabling you to maintain business operations as far as possible.


Crime and trauma scenes involving biohazards are complex situations. A professional emergency cleaning team should carry out a thorough site risk assessment and give honest, practical advice about what is required. On a practical level, professional biohazard cleaning technicians should have training and experience in


“Emergency cleaning specialists know best how to act with discretion, professionalism and sensitivity.”


dealing with biohazards. They should have the correct tools, cleaning and sanitising products, personal protection equipment and procedures to carry out a thorough job. They should also be able to align their methodology with a client’s internal policies, procedures, and quality standards.


KPIs for an emergency cleaning service A key performance indicator for an emergency cleaning service is a timely response. Once the police have released the crime scene, an organisation will want blood and other bodily fluids removed quickly and thoroughly, both for safety and business continuity.


Crime scene cleaning professionals should start working with your crisis management team to develop a plan for reopening contaminated areas as quickly as possible. Every stage of the cleaning process should be documented and recorded.


Arson requires highly-technical cleaning and fire damage restoration methods. Fires create a complex series of problems that need to be resolved including soot, smoke damage and potentially poisonous fumes.


Accidents in the workplace can also create trauma scenes. It is likely that the impact on other employees and witnesses will be significant, so it is essential to work with emergency cleaning technicians who are tactful and sympathetic.


Why call in specialist cleaners? After a traumatic incident, an organisation and its FM partner have a duty of care to employees. In-house cleaners will almost certainly not have the skills and


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Possibly most important of all, emergency cleaning specialists know best how to act with discretion, professionalism and sensitivity. This is vitally important for business continuity and protecting brand reputation.


Some crime scenes attract significant media attention. In the age of social media, it is not just important do the right thing, it has to be seen to be done right. The family of a murder victim will want to know that anyone associated with an incident shows the highest level of integrity. The same applies where there has been a suicide or undiscovered death.


Professional crime scene and trauma cleaning technicians should always display respect for the victim, compassion for affected staff and members of the public, and keep confidential all matters relating to the work undertaken.


www.cleansafeservices.co.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 23


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