Bio-One Of Pittsburgh decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

The Basics of a Crime Scene and What You Can Do To Stay Safe

The Basics of a Crime Scene and What You Can Do To Stay Safe

Let's learn about the basics of crime scene cleaning and the importance of having professionals restore and disinfect a house or property following a tragedy or traumatic event. Bio-One is always ready to help our community during these difficult transitions.

When you are first confronted with a crime or trauma scene, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. Do not touch anything or disturb any evidence. Try to get a sense of what happened, but do not interfere with a potential crime scene investigation.

The Basics - What is a Crime Scene?

A crime scene is an area where a crime has taken place. This can include the location of a murder, an assault, or a burglary. Crime scenes are often chaotic and dangerous, so it is important to stay safe and allow law enforcement to do their job in investigating and solving these situations.

As difficult as it might seem, a crime and trauma scene can take place in both commercial and residential properties. Any person could be exposed to these scenes, so it's essential to understand the basics of what it entails being in the presence of potentially hazardous materials and environments and know that crime scene cleaning companies are dedicated to restoring houses and businesses following the aftermath of these traumatic events.

Crime Scene Investigation - The Role of Law Enforcement

Crime scene investigation (CSI) is the process of investigating and analyzing evidence from crime scenes to identify, apprehend, and prosecute criminals. The goal of CSI is to provide a comprehensive report that can be used in court to help secure convictions. Investigators work to secure the scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses. Then, these investigators analyze the evidence in order to identify the criminals.

The CSI team comprises specialists, including forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, and lab technicians. Each team member has a specific role to play in the investigation. The CSI process can be slow and tedious, but it is essential to secure convictions. The work of the CSI team can make the difference between a criminal getting away with a crime and being brought to justice.

What to Do If You Encounter a Crime Scene

If you encounter a crime or trauma scene, it is crucial to stay calm and let law enforcement do their job:

  • Do not touch anything or disturb any evidence.
  • You may want to try and get a sense of what happened, but do not interfere with the investigation.
  • If you are in danger, leave the area and call 911.

The Dangers Associated with Blood-borne Pathogens

Trauma scenes can be perilous, not just for the people involved in the crime but also for those who have to clean up the scene afterward. Several potential dangers can occur at these locations, including:

  • Blood spill or other bodily fluids
  • Toxic fumes like tear gas or cleaning chemicals like alkalies, acids, detergents, abrasives, disinfectrs, and other spirit solvents.
  • Disease from contact with contaminated personal belongings.
  • Injury from broken glass or other sharp objects.

If you are not trained in crime scene cleaning, it is best to leave the job to the professionals. These environments can be dangerous and should only be attempted by those who are properly trained and equipped to do so. Trusting professional biohazard cleanup companies to care for the mess is the safest and smartest option for everyone involved.

What You Can Do If You're Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens

Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially biohazardous materials may spread disease and severe health complications that go beyond one person. Some of the most common blood-borne infections are:

  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
  • HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) is a virus that causes liver inflammation and can lead to liver cancer or death.
  • HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) is a virus that attacks the liver and can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis of the liver, or death.

If you are ever exposed to any of these pathogens

Take the following steps as soon as possible:

  1. Immediately stop the exposure. If you are at a scene of a traumatic event, leave the area and do not return until it has been properly cleaned and disinfectd by crime scene cleanup professionals.
  2. Rinse any exposed skin or eyes with clean water for at least five minutes.
  3. Wash any exposed clothing in hot water and detergent.
  4. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not wait to see if you feel sick, as many blood-borne diseases do not have symptoms in the early stages.

If the exposure happened in a work environment, report the incident to your supervisor to have the location or area properly addressed by professionals. Typically, public health workers and law enforcement participate in these events for assistance and prevention of disease spreading.

The Aftermath - Who is in charge of crime scene cleaning?

Cleaning up blood, tissue, and other fluids, as well as cleaning up any potential evidence, is a dirty, dangerous job. Still, specialists are trained to handle these types of situations safely and effectively.

Professional crime scene cleaning is critical in restoring a scene to its original condition. By removing all traces of the tragedy, crime scene cleanup specialists help ensure that family members and victims of these events can move on to the healing process. 

The best companies provide counseling and resources for the affected families s they understand that these are traumatic situations that may be challenging to cope with in the aftermath.

Crime Scene Cleaning - A Job for Professionals

After a crime has been committed, it is essential to have professional crime scene cleaners restore and disinfect the area. This process is not something that can be done by amateurs. Crime scene cleanup is a delicate and dangerous process, so it is essential to leave it to the professionals.

Bio-One is always here to help our community during these difficult times. We have extensive experience in crime scene cleanup and biohazard remediation. We are trained and equipped to handle any situation, no matter how gruesome or hazardous.

Bio-One follows OSHA procedures and the latest equipment to restore areas from crime and trauma scenes..
Bio-One follows OSHA procedures and the latest equipment to restore areas from crime and trauma scenes..

Compassion. Experience. Respect.

Bio-One of Pittsburgh is always ready to assist you with any issues arising from unanticipated events, such as death and major injury. Our expert specialists are always ready to assist you in dealing with highly pressurized situations that may be emotionally and physically draining, allowing you to focus on other vital activities while healing in a sanitary environment. Locally owned and operated, we provide the following:

Biohazard remediation and decontamination services

Hoarding cleanup services

Help First, Business Second!

Bio-One works closely with victim support centers nationwide and local authorities, communities, emergency services personnel, hoarding task forces, apartment communities, insurance companies, and other organizations to accomplish each customer's most efficient and superior service possible. 

Many crime scene cleanup companies may face unexpected, unfortunate life events. Still, Bio-One is the right choice because of our expertise and profoundly caring and discreet specialists.

We are proud members of the NAPO Pittsburgh - National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals!

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh / Western Pennsylvania Area! 

Bio-One of Pittsburgh serves the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny County, Washington County, Beaver County, Butler County, Armstrong County, Westmoreland County, Lawrence County, Greene County, Fayette County, and Mercer County.

We also serve the following cities and surrounding communities: Allison Park, Aspinwall, Avalon, Bairdford, Bakerstown, Baldwin, Bellevue, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Bethel Park, Blawnox, Boston, Brackenridge, Braddock, Braddock Hills, Bradford Woods, Brentwood, Buena Vista, Bunola, Carnegie, Castle Shannon, Cheswick, Churchill, Clairton, Coulter, Crafton, Creighton, Crescent, Cuddy Curtisville, Dormont, Dravosburg, Duquesne, East Mc Keesport, East Mckeesport, East Pittsburgh, Elizabeth, Emsworth, Etna, Forest Hills, Fox Chapel, Glassport, Glenshawock, Harwick, Heidelberg, Homestead, Homewood, Indianola, Ingomar, Ingram, Jefferson Hills, Leetsdale, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Monroeville, Morgan, Mount Oliver, Munhall, Natrona Heights, Noblestown, Oakdale, Oakland, Oakland (borough), Oakmont, Pitcairn, Pleasant Hills, Plum, Port Vue, Presto, Rankin, Rennerdale, Rural Ridge, Russellton, Sharpsburg, South Park, Springdale, Sturgeon, Swissvale, Tarentum, Turtle Creek, Verona, Wall, Warrendale, West Elizabeth, Wes Homestead, West Mifflin, West View, Wexford, Whitaker, Wildwood, Wilkinsburg, and Wilmerding!

Our technicians are available 24/7/365! Contact us at 412-414-3101.