Crime Scene Cleaning: The Essential Guide to Professional Biohazard Remediation
When tragedy strikes, the aftermath often leaves more than emotional trauma. Blood, bodily fluids, and other biological materials require specialised handling and disposal that goes far beyond standard cleaning practices. Crime scene cleaning—also known as biohazard remediation or trauma scene cleanup—is a critical service that restores affected properties to safe, habitable conditions while maintaining strict health and safety standards.
Unlike television portrayals, law enforcement and first responders do not clean crime scenes. This responsibility falls to property owners or professional crime scene cleaners. For those considering entering this industry, understanding the hazards, equipment requirements, and professional standards in Australia is essential for safe and effective operation.
This guide focuses on the equipment, techniques, and professional standards you need to know to start and operate a crime scene cleaning business successfully.
Understanding the Scope of Crime Scene Cleaning
Crime scene cleaning involves much more than removing visible blood stains. It includes:
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Biological hazards (bloodborne pathogens, infectious fluids)
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Chemical contaminants (drug labs, household chemicals)
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Structural remediation (damaged walls, carpets, and furniture)
Types of Crime Scenes
Professional cleaners in Australia encounter a wide range of situations:
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Unattended deaths: Decomposition creates extensive contamination in porous materials such as carpet, wood, and plasterboard.
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Trauma scenes: Blood, tissue, and bodily fluids can carry pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
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Accidents and industrial incidents: May involve hazardous chemicals or biohazardous material.
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Clandestine drug laboratories: Require specialised chemical handling and decontamination.
Each scenario requires different equipment, cleaning techniques, and safety measures.
Health and Safety Risks
Crime scene cleaning involves serious health hazards, including:
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Bloodborne pathogens: Hepatitis B can survive outside the body for up to seven days.
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Airborne contaminants: Bacteria, fungi, and spores can cause respiratory infections.
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Chemical hazards: Toxic residues from drug labs or mixed household chemicals can produce dangerous fumes.
Proper equipment, PPE, and training are essential for safety and regulatory compliance.
Essential Equipment for Crime Scene Cleaning
Entering the industry requires investing in specialised equipment to ensure thorough decontamination, worker safety, and regulatory compliance.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE forms the first line of defence:
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Full-body coveralls: Tyvek suits or disposable suits with hoods for severe contamination.
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Respiratory protection: AS/NZS 1716-compliant respirators, half or full-face, or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).
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Gloves: Nitrile gloves, often double-layered for additional protection.
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Eye and face protection: Full-face shields and safety goggles to prevent splashes and airborne particle exposure.
See our PPE and respiratory equipment here.
Cleaning and Decontamination Tools
Key tools include:
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Hospital-grade disinfectants: TGA-listed for bloodborne pathogens.
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Enzymatic cleaners: Break down organic materials at the molecular level.
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Foggers and electrostatic sprayers: Ensure full coverage of disinfectants and deodorisers.
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Extraction equipment: Industrial wet vacuums, pumps, and scrapers for fluid removal.
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Detection equipment: UV lights, ATP metres, and moisture metres to locate hidden contamination.
Have a look at our crime scene cleaning equipment here.
Biohazard Waste Management
Proper containment and disposal are legally mandated:
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Yellow biohazard bags: For gloves, cloths, carpets, and contaminated items.
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Sharps containers: Puncture-resistant containers for needles and broken glass.
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Bulk waste containers: For furniture, mattresses, and construction materials.
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Documentation: Consignment notes and waste tracking ensure regulatory compliance.
Odour Control and Air Quality Management
Decomposition and trauma scenes often leave persistent odours:
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Thermal foggers: Deodorise at a molecular level, penetrating porous surfaces.
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Hydroxyl and ozone generators: Break down odour molecules throughout the space.
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Air scrubbers: HEPA filtration units remove airborne particles during and after cleaning.
See our air scrubbers and purifiers here.
Reconstruction and Restoration Tools
Crime scene cleaning often involves removing and restoring contaminated materials:
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Demolition tools: Oscillating tools, reciprocating saws, pry bars.
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Moisture control: Dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture barriers prevent secondary damage.
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Antimicrobial coatings: Sealants encapsulate residual contamination on porous surfaces.
View our restoration equipment here.
Industry Standards and Certifications in Australia
Professional crime scene cleaning requires compliance with workplace safety, environmental, and industry standards.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Compliance
Safe Work Australia provides the framework for safe practices:
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WHS regulations cover bloodborne pathogen exposure and biohazard handling.
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Training includes PPE use, decontamination procedures, and emergency exposure response.
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Safe work method statements (SWMS) document risk control measures for each cleaning job.
Biohazard and Hazardous Waste Training
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Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and TAFEs provide courses in biohazard handling, infection control, and chemical safety.
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Specific training is required for handling clandestine drug laboratories and chemical contamination.
Licensing and Environmental Compliance
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State-based Environmental Protection Authorities regulate biohazard waste disposal.
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Crime scene cleaners must follow EPA guidelines, including packaging, labelling, transport, and treatment of clinical waste.
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Vehicles transporting hazardous waste require driver training and proper signage.
Industry Associations and Optional Certifications
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Membership in organisations like the Australian Restorers & Cleaners Association (ARCA) signals professionalism and access to best practices.
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International certifications like IICRC are optional but demonstrate advanced competency.
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Continuing education ensures cleaners stay current with new products, equipment, and regulations.
The Crime Scene Cleaning Process: Step by Step
Assessment and Planning
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Inspect the property and identify affected areas.
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Use UV lights, ATP meters, and moisture meters to detect hidden contamination.
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Develop a plan for salvageable vs. disposable materials, and determine equipment needs.
Containment and Isolation
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Establish physical barriers and negative air pressure systems.
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Protect clean areas and maintain decontamination stations at entry/exit points.
Removal of Contaminated Materials
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Methodically remove carpets, furniture, and structural materials as biohazard waste.
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Salvage personal belongings only after thorough cleaning and client consultation.
Cleaning and Disinfection
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Apply enzymatic cleaners and TGA-listed disinfectants in multi-step processes.
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Hard surfaces receive multiple rounds of cleaning, with verification using detection equipment.
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Porous surfaces receive penetrating disinfectants and antimicrobial sealants.
Odour Control and Air Quality Restoration
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Use thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, ozone treatment, and air scrubbers.
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Conduct objective air quality and moisture testing to ensure safe reoccupation.
Final Verification
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Inspect with UV light, ATP meters, and moisture meters.
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Document the entire process for compliance, insurance, and client records.
Getting Started in the Crime Scene Cleaning Industry
Equipment Investment
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Initial investment includes PPE, cleaning chemicals, detection devices, extraction tools, and odour control equipment.
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Consider starting with a modular kit that can scale as your business grows.
Training and Certification
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Complete WHS, infection control, and biohazard training through recognised Australian providers.
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Optional international certifications and association memberships increase credibility.
Business Setup Considerations
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Ensure appropriate insurance (public liability, professional indemnity, and workers’ compensation).
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Maintain regulatory compliance for waste transport and disposal.
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Develop a professional, compassionate approach for client interactions.
Starting a career in crime scene cleaning requires a combination of specialised equipment, rigorous safety protocols, and professional training. Understanding the hazards, investing in the right tools, and following Australian regulatory standards ensures safe and effective biohazard remediation.
For aspiring professionals, this industry offers a challenging but essential service, combining technical expertise with compassionate support for clients during some of life’s most difficult moments.
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