Q&A


Search
Enter a single keyword (i.e. "grease" or "smoke") and click Submit.
Keyword:   

or e-mail your question to web@chemspec-europe.com

Answer
Question: What are the first steps in attempting a death scene clean up?
Answer: A death scene clean up is also known as a blood trauma situation. They are considered challenging due to the vapours and the decaying protein fluids that are present. The blood borne pathogens present at a trauma scene are pathogenetic microorganisms that are present in the blood and can cause disease in humans. Examples of these pathogens include, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The first steps when tackling a death scene clean up, or in attempting any restoration activity, involves health and safety procedures and precautions. You must evaluate the personnel hazards both you and your employees are going to be exposed to. The first processing step deals with decontamination for personnel safety. All personnel should be equipped with personnel protection equipment (PPE). This includes a minimum of; respirators, liquid resistant overalls, eye protection, chemical resistant rubber gloves and overshoes.
It is sometimes good practice for the employer to make available immunisation to all employees who deal with such scenes, and should certainly follow up on any employee who has had an exposure incident.
All fabrics saturated by blood or potentially infectious materials should always be disposed of in correctly labelled containers and bags, and should be treated as a biohazard.

The final rule, and one quite often-overlooked procedure is the disinfecting of all equipment used in trauma situations. From the equipment, to the knife used to cut away the contaminated area, should always be disinfected when dealing with blood borne pathogens.



< Back