What are the most difficult trauma or crime scenes to clean effectively? (Part 1 of 2)
Although trauma and crime scenes can be challenging for many reasons, putrefaction sites are some of the most difficult for contractors to remediate. Two of the greatest challenges are the large amounts of insect activity, flies and maggots, plus the severe odors caused by decomposition. As a deceased body goes through decomposition, the body fills up with gasses and fluids and the skin tissue expands until the body ruptures, spewing out blood, body fluids and OPIM (other potentially infectious materials) as well as internal organs, etc. Some of those fluids, which are treated as potentially infectious, may penetrate below floor coverings to sub-surfaces.
Before contractors can begin, they must obtain a signed work authorization or contract. This is essentially a “hazard assessment” of the building that explains what hazards may exist and the protocol to eliminate, mitigate or control these hazards. Initially, if eliminating hazards is not possible, the contractor must determine the PPE (personal protective equipment) necessary to protect workers from any remaining hazards. Once engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE are addressed, remediation can begin.
Insect activity needs to be addressed and the severe odor needs to be controlled through preliminary odor control procedures before bagging and documenting residues and surfaces that are unrestorable per state or provincial guidelines. These materials should be removed and properly disposed of prior to cleaning and decontamination.