F.Y.I. The most common way for crime-scene personnel to become exposed to infectious blood borne pathogens, is through injuries involving sharps (needles, knives, etc.). Forensic investigators should never enter an unsecured crime scene. Forensic investigators must always stay alert to impending dangers (guns, knives, needles, people, chemicals, stairs, unlit areas, animals, vehicles, etc.). Personal safety is top priority!

The International Association for Identification Safety Committee has proposed the following guidelines to protect crime-scene personnel at crime scenes containing potentially infectious material:

1. At all crime scenes, it is recommended that personnel wear a minimum of –Gloves (double gloving recommended) –Protective shoe covers (Tyvek-type) –Liquid repellent coveralls (Tyvek or Kleengard)

2. When potentially infectious dust or mist may be encountered due to collection via scraping, folding, preservation of garments, or application of aerosol chemicals: –Particle mask/respirator –Goggles or face shield

3. When processing and collecting evidence, personnel should be alert to: –Sharp objects –Knives –Hypodermic syringes –Razor blades –Biohazard labels should be utilized when placing specimens in their appropriate evidence container

4. When recovering sharp objects as evidence –Place items in appropriate container and label properly

5. When latent print powder techniques are used in or around areas contaminated with blood, a specific brush should be designated so that it can be decontaminated or disposed of after processing is complete.

6. If latents (fingerprints, impressions, etc.) are developed in or around blood contaminated areas, they preferably should be photographed, or lifted and placed in a sealed plastic bag. The sealed bag should be affixed with the appropriate biohazard label.

7. Evidence collected for transport should be packaged to maintain its integrity and to prevent contamination of personnel or personal items. Evidence contaminated with wet blood should be placed first in a paper bag and then temporarily stored in a red biohazard bag for immediate transport to an appropriate drying facility.

8. When potentially infectious materials are present at a crime scene, personnel should maintain a red biohazard plastic bag for disposal of: –Contaminated gloves –Clothing –Masks –Pencils –Wrapping paper –On departure from the scene, the biohazard bag must be taped shut and transported to an approved biohazardous waste pick-up site.

9. Note taking should be done while wearing uncontaminated gloves to avoid contamination of pens, pencils, notebook, paper, etc. Whenever pens or markers are used while marking and packaging contaminated evidence, they should be designated for proper disposal in a red biohazard bag prior to vacating the crime scene.

10. In the event the PPE becomes soiled or torn, it must be removed immediately. Personnel must then disinfect or decontaminate the potentially contaminated body area using a recommended solution, such as 10% bleach solution, or an antimicrobial soap or towelette. Once cleansing is completed, the area must be covered with clean, replacement protective equipment. On departure from the scene, this procedure should be repeated on any body area where contamination could have occurred

11. Eating, drinking, smoking, and the application of makeup are prohibited at the immediate crime scene.

12. All non-disposable items, such as lab coats, towels, and personal clothing, that may be contaminated with potentially infectious material should be placed in a yellow plastic bag, labeled “Infectious Linen,” and laundered, at the expense of the employer, by a qualified laundry service. Personal clothing that may have been contaminated should never be taken home for cleaning.