Death Scene Cleanup Service: What It Really Entails

Cleaning up a death scene is a job many would shy away from. This job takes a pedestal level of professionalism, detail, the heart and most importantly, the stomach for it. Not many would have the ability to sanitize the vicinity which hosted the last moments of a person they know nothing about, with blood and bodily fluids clearly visible, this is why there are professionals for it. People in this line of business are often underappreciated or socially isolated; nevertheless, this piece is about shedding light on what a death scene cleanup service really entails, the job description, criteria for hiring, possible job hazards, annual salary, and lots more. Let’s get into it.

Job description

For individuals who may want to go into this line of business or for general knowledge, a Death Scene Cleanup Service is tasked with the responsibility of cleaning, containing, disinfecting, sanitizing and deodorizing the vicinity where an individual or individuals passed on. Bear in mind that a death scene cleanup service can be called to work anywhere, ranging from a laboratory to hospitals, or more public places like fast foods, churches, parks, etc. Basically, they can be called to report to anywhere a death occurred, provided it’s within their proximity.

Hiring criteria

Well, let’s just say you do not need any form of national certification when applying for a job at a Death Scene Cleanup Service. Companies within this industry are charged with conducting training and certification programs as a form of induction into the company. In terms of education, having a college degree isn’t necessary, however, a high-school diploma or in most cases a GED is the only form of academic certification that is required for this line of business. For experience, applicants don’t need to have experience with this line of business as there will still be training programs and orientations. However, applicants with knowledge of emergency medicine, public health, forensics, and machinery will have an edge. Drug tests will also be conducted and criminal histories, if any, will be analyzed.

Job hazards

Disinfecting the scene of the crime and other materials is part of the job description because there could be bio-hazardous materials. Medical and infectious waste is also an area that could lead to hazards. This is why there are training, safety procedures and related orientations available throughout the course of this work. Materials that are biologically hazardous could affect everyone involved, from the service team to their families and even the entire corporation if not handled.

Annual salary

Individuals in this line of business are entitled to an average of $35,000 a year, while those who do more of bio-hazardous death cleanups may likely earn up to $80,000 per annum. Like most jobs, these individuals are paid hourly.

At a glance, this is what working for a death scene cleanup service entails. There may be other related specifics to this line of work, but for some, it’s a reliable source of income.

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