The aftermath of a crime can be overwhelming for individuals involved in the crime scene. Proper cleanup is perhaps the single most critical part to keep in mind during the restoration of a space following a violent event.
Most people are unaware of the fact that crime scene cleanup constitutes not merely the removal of apparent traces of trauma but also securing the area from biohazards and legal liability.
Improper crime scene cleanup may expose victims, witnesses, or bystanders to severe health risks, environmental hazards, and even some legal consequences. This article will address the dangers that accrue from inadequate cleanup of crime scenes and why you would need a professional crime scene cleaning company.
Health Hazards of Improper Crime Scene Cleanup
Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Blood and bodily fluids may contain HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. If not entirely cleaned and disinfected, these fluids can infect anyone it directly contacts.
Such viruses may be dangerous, and even deposits on the most microscopic scale left behind can be a health concern. People who clean crime scenes without the necessary means of protective gear are in a significant risk category for infection.
Spread of Bacteria and Viruses
Crime scenes can be growing habitats for bacteria and viruses. If such places are not treated properly with disinfectants, these very agents can be communicable diseases.
Harmful microbes rest hidden in the recesses of surfaces, fabrics, and porous materials until long past the point when the visible mess has been cleared away. Dried blood may continue to carry with it infectious agents for several days, up to weeks at times, and in such situations thorough decontamination is paramount.
Mold and Odor Issues
Blood and other bodily fluids can infiltrate carpets, flooring, and walls. This moisture, if left for long without proper cleaning, can provide the perfect setting for mold growth, causing respiratory problems.
Decompositional odor may linger for weeks and render a space uninhabitable. The longer these substances are left, the more difficult they will be to clean up and the greater the chances of excessively damaging the property.
Airborne Contaminants
Improper cleaning can lead to the release of harmful particles into the air. Cleaning up an infested area by scrubbing or vacuuming, without using proper filtration systems, can spread biohazards, such as blood or virus, throughout a property and put others at risk.
Airborne contaminants can trigger allergies, respiratory disease, and infection in susceptible people.
Pest Infestations
Crime scenes left unattended are a hotbed for infestation by insects and rodents. Decomposing matter can be food for flies and maggots that can spread further contamination.
These pests harbor various diseases, making the restoration of the place fit for habitation, even more challenging.
Legal Consequences of Inadequate Cleanup
Liability for Health Issues
If someone falls sick owing to improper cleanup, property owners can be sued for liability. If any tenant, employees, or visitors contract any illness or unsafe conditions caused by improper cleaning, they could file lawsuits against the owner for costly legal challenges and financial losses.
Violations of Health and Safety Regulations
Federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established rigid guidelines governing biohazard cleanup.
A business or property owner who does not conform to established regulations can be fined and may face criminal prosecution. In some cases, violations of state or local health codes may lead to the forced closure of a business.
Hard to Claim Insurance
Usually, most of the policies demand crime scene cleanup to be performed by professionals. If a property owner tries to perform the cleaning by themselves and fails to adhere to professional standards, the insurance could deny coverage for damages or liability claims the medical bills, lawsuits, and the repairs of property by the owner.
Possible Criminal Charges
Sometimes the failure to clean up crime scenes correctly will lead to criminal charges against someone. If someone gets hurt because the area remains unsafe, the party at peril could be sued for negligence or endangerment.
In rare situations, the failure to clean a crime scene could amount to obstruction of justice, further complicating the situation.
Why Crime Cleanup is Better Done Professionally
The best part about hiring professionals to clean crime scenes is that they ensure the process is conducted safely, completely, and legally. Here are the reasons.
Right Equipment and Training
Crime cleanup professionals follow through with specialized respect to equipment. A biohazard suit, industrial-strength disinfectants, and HEPA filtration systems are often used.
They also use special equipment for cleaning and dealing with chemicals that would put them at risk of being infected with pathogens.
Conformance to Regulations
Professional cleaners follow strict OSHA and EPA guidelines in cleaning a crime scene to fit legal standards. This protects a property owner from facing fines and legal suits. They also ensure the collection and correct disposal of hazardous waste to prevent environmental degradation.
Protection to the Property Owner
It minimizes liability risks for the property owner. Through its assurance of proper decontamination of all areas, property owners can be protected from being victimized by health-related lawsuits and denial of their insurance coverage. Professional cleaners also provide documentation of the entire process of sanitization while being safety compliant.
Emotional Relief for Families
It’s emotionally hazardous to deal with the crime aftermath. The professional helps the family and the property owner isolate their focus on healing rather than getting involved in the complicated and dangerous job of cleaning up.
Many professional crime scene cleaning services offer compassionate support and discretion, recognizing the emotional side of their work.
Preventing Long-Term Damage
Getting rid of the fluid properly eliminates the possibility of long-term damage to the residence. Blood and body fluids cause structural threats that only get worse or cannot be undone by staining surfaces if left unattended.
By taking care of things at the first signs, professionals are also able to best preserve the integrity of the home or place of business.
