Crime Scene Clean Up Job Qualifications
- Crime scene clean up is not for the faint hearted.crime examination (investigation) image by stassad from Fotolia.com
Crime scene clean up technician work isn't for the faint of heart. Technicians are often called to murder scenes, suicides or a death where the person wasn't discovered for some period of time. Crime scene technicians also work with an element of danger. They have to work with strong, sometimes hazardous chemicals to perform their duties. Bodies aren't the only things that technicians must remove. Cleaning up a drug lab or house after the investigation is completed is also a large part of their work. Although there are no degree requirements to become a crime scene clean up technician, there are qualifications needed before a technician can begin work. - A crime scene clean up technician is going to come into contact with blood and bodily fluids. To protect the technician from the infectious diseases that can arise from contact with these bodily fluids, training and certification in Blood Borne Pathogens is required. The length of the course depends on the company the technician works for. Most courses will consist of definitions of blood borne pathogens and training on protection from pathogens and emergency response.
- Working as a crime scene clean up technician means wearing heavy equipment to protect the respiratory system. Often crime scene technicians are called to clean up drug labs or scene where hazardous chemicals were used. Training in the safe and effective use if this equipment is essential before the technician can begin working. The required length of the course will vary from company to company; however, most will want training in exposure control and respirator training.
- Crime scene technicians often work with dangerous chemicals and materials. For this reason, training in hazardous materials is required before a technician can begin work. Hazardous materials courses vary in length. Most will teach candidates how to protect themselves in the event of a chemical incident and how to work safely with hazardous chemicals.
- Working as a crime scene technician involves using sophisticated safety and removal equipment. Hazmat suits, respirators and chemical spill protective boots are just the beginning. Equipment training can be given by the employer, but many look to outside agencies. The National Institute of Decontamination Specialists offers several courses in crime scene clean up processes. Some courses are especially designed for business owners while others are tailored for anyone wanting to work as a crime scene clean up technician.
