How to Clean Up Blood From A Crime Scene
If you have found yourself left with the task of cleaning up blood from a crime scene, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Do not worry – we are here to help.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of safely and effectively cleaning up the blood. Follow these steps, and you will be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Need help now? Get a risk free estimate from one of our biohazard cleanup specialists near you.
What is a Crime Scene?
A crime scene is any location where a crime has taken place. This can be indoors or outdoors, and it can be large or small.
There are three main types of crime scenes: violent, property, and digital.
- Violent crime scenes - such as homicides, assaults, and suicides - often have large amounts of blood.
- Property crime scenes - such as burglaries and vandalism - may also have small amounts of blood.
- Digital crime scenes - such as those involving computer hacking or identity theft - do not usually have any physical evidence, but they may have digital evidence that needs to be collected.
How to Clean Up Blood From a Crime Scene: A 13-Step Procedure
Blood cleanup from a crime scene is not as difficult as it may seem. Follow these 13 steps, and you will be able to do it quickly and effectively.
Before we start the cleanup procedure, there are a few things you will need:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): This includes gloves, goggles, and a face mask.
- Disposable paper towels
- A trash bag
- A bucket of warm water
- Bleach
- A sponge
Now that you have gathered all of the necessary supplies, you are ready to begin.
Step 1 - Put on personal protective equipment
The first step is to put on the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, a gown, a mask, and goggles.
It’s important to wear gloves to protect your hands from coming into direct contact with the blood. The gown will protect your clothes, and the mask and goggles will protect your face.
Step 2 - Ventilate the area
Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors. This will help protect you from airborne particles. It’s also a good idea to turn on a fan to help circulate the air.
Step 3 - Remove any sharp objects and other foreign material
The next step is to remove any sharp objects or other foreign material from the scene. This includes glass, nails, needles, and anything else that could cause injury.
Shards of broken glass can cause cuts, and needles can transmit diseases. These materials can also rupture your protective gear, exposing you to any biohazardous material that may be present in the scene. You may need a biohazard cleanup company.
Step 4 - Cover the blood spill with a thick cloth towel
Once all of the sharp objects have been removed, the next step is to cover the blood spill with a thick cloth towel.
This will help absorb some of the blood, and prevent it from spreading. Do not attempt to wipe up the blood, as this will only spread it further.
Step 5 - Disinfect the area
Disinfect the area around the blood spill with a bleach solution. This will help kill any bacteria that may be present.
To do this, mix one-part bleach with nine parts water. Use a disposable paper towel to apply the solution to the area.
Step 6 - Soak up the blood with paper towels
After you have disinfected the area, it’s time to soak up the blood. Do this by placing several layers of paper towels over the spill and then pressing down firmly.
Be sure to use disposable paper towels, so that you can throw them away after soaking up the blood.
Step 7 - Dispose of the waste material
After you have soaked up the blood, dispose of the waste material in a trash bag. Be sure to tie the bag closed before removing it from the scene. Use a biohazard warning label to mark the bag.
For proper disposal, you will need to contact your local law enforcement agency or the Department of Health.
Step 8 - Clean the area with soap and water
Once all of the blood has been removed, clean the area with soap and water. This will help remove any remaining bacteria or residue. Use a clean sponge or cloth to scrub the area.
Step 9 - Disinfect the area again
After you have cleaned the area, it’s important to disinfect it again. This will help prevent the spread of disease.
Use the same bleach solution from before, and apply it to the area with a disposable paper towel.
Step 10 - Sanitize any reusable equipment
If you have any reusable equipment, such as gloves or a face mask, it’s important to sanitize them before using them again.
To do this, soak the equipment in a bleach solution for at least five minutes. Rinse the equipment off with clean water, and then allow it to air dry.
Step 11 - Inspect your body for any contamination
After you have finished cleaning the scene, it’s important to inspect your body for any contamination. Remove your gloves and mask, and carefully check your skin for any cuts or abrasions.
If you find anything, wash the area with soap and water. Be sure to also remove any clothing that may be contaminated.
Step 12 - Wash your hands
After you have inspected your body, it’s important to wash your hands. This will thoroughly remove any bacteria that may be present.
Use soap and water, and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse the soap off with clean water, and then dry your hands with a clean towel.
Step 13 - Report the incident
If you have been exposed to blood, it’s important to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency or the Department of Health.
Be sure to include any information about the exposure, such as how it happened and what steps you have taken to clean up the scene.
The Dangers of Cleaning A Crime Scene Yourself
Cleaning up a crime scene is dangerous work. If you come into contact with blood and body fluids, there is a risk of contracting diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis. There is also a risk of being cut by glass or other sharp objects. It’s important to wear gloves, a face mask, and protective clothing when cleaning up a crime scene.
If you have any cuts or abrasions, be sure to wash them with soap and water. If you have been exposed to blood, it’s important to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency or the Department of Health.
Does Insurance Cover Crime Scene Cleanup?
Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover the cost of crime scene cleanup. This type of work is typically considered to be an “extraordinary cleaning expense.”
If you have a business insurance policy, it may cover the cost of crime scene cleanup. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if this coverage is included in your policy.
How is a Crime Scene Cleanup Company Different from a Standard Cleaning Company?
A crime scene cleanup company is specially trained to clean up scenes that may contain blood and other biohazardous materials. A standard cleaning company is not trained in this type of work, and should not be used to clean up a crime scene.
When choosing a crime scene cleanup company, be sure to ask about their experience and training. You should also ask about their insurance coverage. Finally, if you are looking for recommendations on which crime scene cleanup company to use, you can contact your local law enforcement agency. They will be able to give you a reference list of reputable companies, or companies that they work with.
Wondering Who Cleans Up the Blood At a Crime Scene?
If you’ve ever watched a crime drama on TV, you’ve probably seen the characters cleaning up blood stains at a crime scene. But have you ever wondered who actually cleans up the blood at a crime scene?
The answer is crime scene cleaners. Crime scene cleaners are specially trained to clean up scenes that may contain blood and other biohazardous materials. Here you can see the average cost of biohazard cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Do blood stains always mean there was a crime?
No, sometimes blood can be present even if no crime has been committed. For example, if someone has a nosebleed or cuts themselves, there may be blood present. However, if there is a large amount of blood present, it’s important to contact law enforcement.
2
Do blood spills and bodily fluids need to be cleaned up immediately?
Yes, it is important to clean up blood and other bodily fluids as soon as possible. If these fluids are not cleaned up, they can lead to health hazards such as the spread of disease. Blood and other bodily fluids can also attract pests such as insects and rodents, and if allowed to degrade or rot, it can leave a very unpleasant and persistent odor in the area.
3
What classifies as a violent crime?
Violent crimes are typically defined as crimes that involve the use of force, or threat of force. Examples of violent crimes include murder, robbery, and assault.
4
Is unattended death cleanup considered to be a crime scene cleanup?
Yes, unattended death cleanup is typically considered to be a type of crime scene cleanup. This is because unattended deaths can often involve blood and other bodily fluids.
Cleaning up a crime scene is dangerous work. If you come into contact with blood, there is a risk of contracting diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis.
There is also a risk of being cut by glass or other sharp objects. It’s important to wear gloves, a face mask, and protective clothing when cleaning up a crime scene.
Need help now? Get a risk free estimate from one of our biohazard cleanup specialists near you.