Whether you are a professional trauma scene cleaner, a homeowner or a family member who is attempting a trauma scene cleanup for the first time, you would agree that personal safety should be taken seriously. In fact, professional companies do take safety seriously which is why they never start a trauma scene cleanup without donning their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
While the type of PPE required to clean a trauma scene is largely dependent on the type of scene to be worked on or the extent of the trauma, there are a few items that must always be worn. These items are pivotal in ensuring the cleaner’s safety even in basic cleanups. They are as follow
- Rubber Gloves And Protective Shoes
Even in the most basic cleanup, your hands would definitely be at the forefront of the cleanup. It is thus only wise to have them protected from contaminants by wearing rubber gloves that may be taped at the wrist. Same goes for your feet too. Put on boots, advisably rubber ones, as they can be easily cleaned and disinfected thereafter.
- Face Mask
While a face mask with filters or one equipped with a particle filtration system are no-brainers in really traumatic scenes, it is still advised to wear simple ones that protect the nose and mouth during a basic cleanup. Why? Because, our mouth and nose are gateways which microorganisms can use to gain access into our body.
- Goggles
In extreme situation, goggles are meant to protect your eyes from small debris and dirt that could come free in the process of a trauma scene cleanup. In basic situations, they have a job of keeping harmful liquid like blood and bodily fluids, sprays of cleaning agents and disinfectants away from the eyes when necessary.
- Protective Suit
The protective suit is designed to keep all contaminants away from your bare skin as it provides covering from the head to the feet. In basic situations, you might opt to wear a protective clothing instead of the standard PPE suit, as long as it covers you up. You might have to throw the cloth away after the cleanup so make sure that they are disposable.
Dealing With A Trauma Scene Cleanup
Even though you have the above PPE and more at your disposal, trauma scene cleanups can still prove to be an ordeal. The process of cleaning up a trauma scene is one that requires skill and experience – two qualities you most probably lack being a novice.
Using the right tools, products and equipment during a cleanup is also very essential. Some of these equipment are costly and might not readily be at your disposal. A professional company however would have these and the right manpower to work them.
Lastly, it is not even advisable for you to clean out a trauma scene yourself, especially if you are in some way related to the person who suffered the trauma. It might cause untold emotional problems for you down the line.
