A career in biohazard cleanup requires a unique blend of skills, compassion, and a strong stomach. Biohazard cleanup professionals play a crucial role in safely removing and decontaminating hazardous materials, including blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious substances. If you’re considering entering this field, this blog will guide you through the steps to build a successful and fulfilling career in biohazard cleanup.
Step 1: Research and Understanding
Before diving into the field, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what biohazard cleanup entails. Research the industry thoroughly to grasp the challenges, responsibilities, and potential risks associated with the job. Biohazard cleanup often involves handling emotionally charged situations, so being prepared for these aspects is crucial. You will encounter very tragic scenes where people have died in ways that are hard to imagine. Although some locations that are cleaned by trauma cleanup technicians are simple, some are very extreme. The more extreme jobs done can involve gunshot suicide, or a homicide, which can cause a large amount of blood splatter and human debris that needs to be cleared from the home. Whereas if any scene is not released by the Police or was an unattended death, you may encounter odors that can make breathing difficult even with the proper equipment.
Step 2: Education and Training
While formal education is not always a requirement for a career in biohazard cleanup, completing relevant training courses can enhance your credibility and job prospects. Look for training programs offered by reputable organizations, community colleges, or vocational schools. These courses typically cover topics such as hazardous waste handling, infection control, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and decontamination techniques. It should be noted that many people who have past experience dealing with these types of traumatic scenes do very well in this field.
Step 3: Certifications
Certifications are essential in establishing your expertise and competence in the field. Organizations like the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offer certifications specific to biohazard cleanup. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to adhering to industry standards and best practices. However, they are not the only way to go about getting started in a career in crime scene cleanup. The best way is to start part-time with an established biohazard cleaning company or restoration service.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Building practical experience is crucial in the biohazard cleanup industry. Many professionals start by working as technicians for an established crime scene cleanup company. This hands-on experience provides an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, develop skills, and understand the challenges of the job. Many people who work in the field of crime scene and death cleanup are former Police officers, coroners, and medical professionals like EMTs. These professionals have experience in dealing with blood, and highly traumatic situations, and have knowledge of working in stressful situations.
Step 5: Develop Essential Skills
A successful career in biohazard cleanup requires a range of technical and interpersonal skills. Some key skills include:
- Attention to Detail: Precise cleaning and decontamination are essential to ensure safety and prevent the spread of infectious materials.
- Compassion and Empathy: Biohazard cleanup often involves working in emotionally charged environments, such as crime scenes or trauma sites. Compassion and empathy are crucial when dealing with grieving families and sensitive situations.
- Problem-Solving: Every cleanup situation is unique, and professionals must be adept at finding solutions to unexpected challenges.
- Strong Physical Stamina: Cleanup work can be physically demanding, requiring lifting, moving heavy objects, and working in uncomfortable positions.
Step 6: Network and Build Relationships
Networking is important in any industry, and biohazard cleanup is no exception. Connect with professionals in the field, attend industry conferences, and join online forums or social media groups related to biohazard cleanup. Building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and potential employers can provide valuable insights and job opportunities. You can also reach out to local law enforcement who often work with multiple biohazard cleaning companies and may be able to provide an introduction. Another good resource is to network with Coroners or Medical Examiners in your community and let them know you would appreciate their help in finding a company you could shadow work with.
Step 7: Resume and Job Search
Craft a compelling resume that highlights your relevant training, certifications, experience, and skills. Look for job opportunities with established biohazard cleanup companies or consider starting your own business once you have sufficient experience. Be sure to point out on your resume if you have past experience dealing with blood or traumatic situations. These include careers in law enforcement, medical fields, or the funeral industry. If you have past experience dealing with hazardous restoration where you wear PPE gear is also important to point out. Examples of these would be jobs working with asbestos, mold restoration, or chemical cleanup.
Step 8: Adhere to Safety Regulations
Biohazard cleanup is a hazardous field that requires strict adherence to safety regulations and guidelines. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others by using appropriate PPE, following decontamination protocols, and understanding the potential risks associated with each cleanup situation.
Conclusion
A career in biohazard cleanup can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires a blend of technical expertise, compassion, and resilience. By taking the time to educate yourself, complete relevant training, gain hands-on experience, and build a network of professionals in the field, you can pave the way for a successful and meaningful career in biohazard cleanup. Remember, your work will contribute to the safety and well-being of communities, making your efforts invaluable to society. We hope you find this information helpful in getting you started in your next career in crime scene cleanup or any biohazard restoration. Keep us posted with your comments on how well you do in your job search!
