Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Forensic Cleaner- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Working Life
Crime scene clean-ups involve painstaking work to detect, disinfect and completely remove all traces of bio-hasardous materials, including blood, bodily fluids, tissue and bone matter, contaminated clothing and household goods, hypodermic needles, rasor blades and other items that pose a risk of injury or infection.
Forensic Cleaners will methodically inspect for hasard, sanitise areas and surfaces, with disposal of harmful and waste chemicals during their cleaning processes.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Qualities - Forensic Cleaner
- Compassion and sensitivity when working with crime survivors and family members affected by the tragic situation.
- An ability to rationally detatch from the work, which is hazardous, grueling and a strong disposition is also required.
- Good overall health and physical condition.
- Attention to detail.
- A keen sense of methodical dedication to rendering surfaces and areas safe.
- keen sense of awareness of hazards.
Interests - Forensic Cleaner
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Forensic Cleaner
To work as a crime scene cleaner in Ireland, you need different qualifications or accreditation depending on the company you join. Many of the leading companies in this field have done a three-day training course from the National Academy of Crime Scene Cleaners in Bristol, UK.
key Skills Certs:
Health & Safety Awareness Including Hazchem/ Hazmat
FireSafety Awareness
Manual Handling
Clean/ SafePass
Working at Height
GDPR Awareness
Companies in Ireland also have crime scene cleaning units and training for delivery of forensic cleaning services. Irish Contract Cleaning Association
Pay & Salary - Forensic Cleaner
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €43k
Salaries vary by employer, location, service, role, duties, and experience.
Company charge rate can vary based on Hazard nature of site, materials to be cleaned.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor.ie/ NRL/ Excel
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Forensic Cleaner
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Glass and ceramics process operatives; Textile process operatives; Rubber process operatives; Plastics process operatives; Metal making and treating process operatives; Electroplaters Process operatives n.e.c.; Industrial cleaning process occupations; Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers; Elementary process plant occupations n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Although employment numbers grew between 2021 and 2022, they remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. A higher-than-average share (39%) employed in these roles were non-Irish citizens.
Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for general and production operatives, while vacancies for general and packaging operatives were identified as difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey. The perceived attractiveness of the job (e.g. shift work) may be a contributing factor in terms of recruitment issues for this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Forensic Cleaner
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The National Academy of Crime Scene Cleaners (NACSC)
