If you thought that cleaning up blood is a DIY job, maybe you should think again. Crime scene cleanup services require special certifications focused on sanitizing messes and discarding hazardous materials properly. Exposure to potentially fatal diseases is extremely hazardous and requires specialized training.
The training consists of properly suiting up in hazmat suits, disinfecting rooms with contagions and antigens, as well as backgrounds on how to deal with different situations present at the actual site.
Do I need to major in “crime scene cleaning” at my college?
There is no crime scene cleaning major at most schools, and technically you do not need a college degree for the job. Despite that, you should want a college education as a backup plan. If you have an interest in forensics, this is where a criminal justice or forensics program would be beneficial.
Be aware that in the past, small schools tried to push criminal justice degrees to students with an interest in hazmat cleanup services. Don’t be fooled, you will still need to be properly certified and trained. Although the term “crime scene cleanup” pertains to crimes, it does not necessarily mean that it involves solving and dealing with criminal activities per se.
Criminal justice may have something to do with crime scenes but getting the proper education to handle and dispose of hazards is missing from most curriculums. Thus, this means that it is much better to hire somebody who is certified to handle bloodborne pathogens than hire somebody whose focus was on forensics and DNA testing.
Where do I get certified to be a crime scene technician?
There are a couple of institutes who offer crime scene cleanup courses, depending on the country you live in. For example, American employers certify through OSHA. OSHA will enroll you in courses that provide you with a stronger foundation on how to stay safe cleaning jobs than a college degree in forensics. For other countries, like Australia, there are organizations such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Some schools also provide a certification for bloodborne pathogens, but since not all institutions give this out, some areas may certify you through classes at local hospitals.
What classes do I need to take?
Although a good background in forensics and criminal justice might increase your chances of being hired, it is also important to know that there is still various coursework that you will have to go through, all depending on where the agency that hires you is located.
In the United States, the education requirements for crime scene cleaning are:
- OSHA – 30 Hour Card
- HAZWOPER
- Confined Space Certification
- “Right to Know”
- BBP (Bloodborne Pathogen training)
You should never have to look up or even pay to get certified. Your prospective or current employer should take care of all this for you, including pay for all training, certifications, supplies, and tools.
We offer paid training to all our employees and you do not need prior experience. If you would like to apply, please click the button below to visit our careers page.
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