Bio-One of Fremont decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

What to Ask Before Hiring a Crime Scene Cleaner in Alameda County and Santa Clara County

The origins of crime- and trauma-scene cleaning services can be traced back to the 1990s when only a handful of companies operated in this industry. At that time, the field lacked regulation, and awareness of contamination risks was minimal.

Professional crime scene and biohazard decontamination cleaning company

"I was young and inexperienced and found myself in a situation straight out of a movie. I quickly took action to assist a woman in her time of dire need, and that's how I entered the crime scene and cleaning business," shared Nick-Anthony Zamucen, Founder of Bio-One Inc. Read more about Nick's journey in Franchise Times.

Today, the landscape has changed dramatically, with hundreds of companies advertising crime and trauma scene cleaning services. However, navigating through this multitude of options during one of life's most traumatic moments can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of questions to ask before selecting a crime and trauma scene company.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaner

When evaluating crime and trauma scene cleaning technicians or business owners, asking the right questions is crucial to finding the best fit for your needs and circumstances.

  1. Are you local? Response time is critical in dealing with blood spills to prevent biohazards from spreading and to ensure swift remediation. Avoid companies with technicians located hours away, and steer clear of toll-free numbers that may lead to call centers. Bio-One Fremont typically responds within 30 to 60 minutes.
  2. Is your business certified and insured? Ensure that the cleaning company holds certifications in handling bloodborne pathogens and follows OSHA guidelines for personal protective equipment (PPE) and remediation processes. Additionally, verify that they are adequately insured to protect both your property and their employees. Bio-One Fremont's technicians are certified in Mental Heath First Aid and trained by by the San Francisco County Department of Mental Health to better communicate with their clients.
  3. What is your process for disposing of biohazardous waste? Proper disposal of biohazardous waste is essential for public health and safety. Verify that the company is familiar with local regulations regarding waste disposal and has a robust plan in place to adhere to these guidelines. Bio-One Fremont is a licensed Trauma Scene Waste (TSW) Management Practitioner with the state of California. (License #806)
  4. What happens to valuable or personal items impacted by the cleanup? A professional cleaning service should be respectful of your possessions, especially items of sentimental or monetary value. Ask how they handle such items and whether they will keep you informed throughout the process. Bio-One Fremont provides clients with a "Property Retention Form". This form helps the highly trained technicians search for valuable items during their cleaning process. The current 2024 list of recovered items includes: Cash ($6,300 and counting), Jewelry (Valued at over $21,000), Pension Documents, Family Trust Plans, Vehicle Titles, Military Pensions, Investment and Banking Accounts and more...
  5. How will you charge for your services? Understand the billing process upfront, particularly if you plan to file a claim with your home insurance. Reputable companies like Bio-One Fremont can assist with insurance claims, alleviating the burden on you. If you're uninsured, request a free line-item estimate to compare costs with other local providers.
  6. Will you prioritize discretion during and after the job? Confidentiality is paramount in sensitive situations. Choose a company that values discretion, such as Bio-One Fremont, whose unmarked vehicles and discreet work practices ensure privacy for you and your neighbors.
  7. Do you provide post-cleanup resources? Beyond cleaning, you may need flooring replaced or fresh drywall installed, which will also be covered under your home insurance claim, and a recommendation could help speed up the reconstruction process. Bio-One Fremont connections with local counselors and victim's advocates. A reputable company should be able to recommend trusted resources to support you through the aftermath.

Above all, ensure that the company you choose demonstrates care and compassion for your situation. Their primary focus should be on providing support and assistance to you and your loved ones during this challenging time.

If you're in need of a compassionate and professional crime and trauma scene cleaner, Bio-One Fremont is here for you. All our offices operate by the motto "Help First, Business Second" and are available 24/7. Reach out to us or click here to locate a Bio-One team near you.

Fremont, CA - Family-owned and operated, Bio-One of Fremont is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties.

Whether you need help remediating a crime scene, suicide, or other trauma event in the San Francisco Bay Area, they are ready to answer the call.

Since joining the Bio-One family, Bio-One of Fremont has continually grown and provided a very valuable service to families around the Bay area.

The scenes they remediate are often overwhelming and dangerous, but the crew are trained and experienced and here for you. It is a wonderful service they provide.

Kevin Jameson, owner, states - "We hope you never need our service, but in the case of an unattended death, suicide, or a violent crime, Bio-one of Fremont is here to help families and loved ones so that they do not have to go through additional trauma of cleaning up. Our goal is to allow families to start the grieving and healing process while we restore the property for them".

As a former crime scene technician, Kevin describes that when there is a death, only the body is removed and the family is left with the aftermath. That's where Bio-One helps. Using proper equipment to remove biohazards and medical waste safely in addition to proper PPE and hazmat suits, Bio-One allows the family to safely return to their home.

Most jobs are covered by homeowners insurance, and Bio-One of Fremont realizes that working with an insurance company can be overwhelming during difficult times. Bio-One of Fremont has dedicated staff who work directly with your insurance company from opening a claim to submitting all necessary documentation to close it upon completion.

"Anything trauma scene-related or death-related is typically covered by homeowners insurance so our clients only pay a deductible for our services"

Coordinating with the insurance company allows family members to focus on healing and supports Bio-One of Fremont's motto, "Help First, Business Second"!

A portion of their business is also hoarding. You can find a guide on their website.

They also provide cleaning for people with mental health or mobility issues. Bio-One of Fremont crew members are certified in Mental Health First Aid and have completed additional training with the San Francisco County Department of Mental Health to further assist their clients.

Additionally, Bio-One does cleanouts when residents or tenants leave behind a large mess or odors related to mold, cigarette and cannabis smoke.

Bio-One provides many services and resources which can be found on its website.

They answer the call 24/7 and are here to help you.

Their company vehicles are also unmarked for your privacy.

Bio-One of Fremont has a 5-star rating and have received numerous testimonials which can be found on their website.

Located in Fremont and Livermore, you can reach them by phone at 925-369-3096 or via email at mailto: info@bioonefremont.com

Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bio.one.fremont or visit their website at www.bioonefremont.com.

In the aftermath of a crime, accident, or traumatic event, the cleanup of the scene often falls to specialized professionals trained to handle biohazards and hazardous materials. However, unlike many other industries, crime scene cleanup operates within a regulatory gray area, where oversight and standards vary widely across jurisdictions. This lack of uniform regulation raises concerns regarding safety, service quality, and ethical practices within the industry.

One primary challenge stemming from this lack of regulation is the potential for inconsistencies in training and certification standards among crime scene cleanup companies. While some states may have certification programs or voluntary guidelines, there is no standardized national framework governing the qualifications and training requirements for individuals entering the field. Consequently, there may be disparities in the level of expertise and professionalism among cleanup providers, posing risks to both workers and the public.

Moreover, the absence of regulatory oversight can lead to ethical concerns regarding the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in distressing situations. Without clear guidelines, unscrupulous companies may engage in price gouging, predatory marketing tactics, or substandard practices, taking advantage of clients' emotional vulnerability during times of crisis. This underscores the urgent need for standardized regulations to protect consumers and ensure ethical conduct within the industry.

Furthermore, the lack of regulatory oversight may hinder efforts to enforce health and safety standards in crime scene cleanup operations. Biohazardous materials present significant risks of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, toxins, and infectious diseases, necessitating strict protocols for handling, disposal, and decontamination. Without regulatory mechanisms to monitor compliance with these standards, there is potential for lapses in safety practices, putting both cleanup workers and the public at risk.

In conclusion, the absence of regulation in crime scene cleanup represents a critical gap in oversight that poses risks to safety, service quality, and ethical conduct within the industry. To address these concerns, there is a pressing need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks at the state and national levels, establishing clear standards for training, certification, safety protocols, and ethical practices. By implementing robust regulatory measures, we can ensure that crime scene cleanup operations uphold the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and integrity, providing essential services to communities in times of need.



If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.


Girl Upset - Suicide Prevention Resources

According to the American Psychiatric Association, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34. And according the CDC, published reports from 2020 suggest that the pandemic has had a negative effect on children’s mental health. 

“Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively.”

Researchers have yet to link recent suicides to the pandemic since 2020 suicide data is not yet available. But on the ground, there's growing concern.

The February 2021 NPR article “Child Psychiatrists Warn That The Pandemic May Be Driving Up Kids' Suicide Risk” explores possible correlation. Takeaways include:

  • NPR spoke with providers at hospitals in seven states across the country, and all of them reported a similar trend: More suicidal children are coming to their hospitals — in worse mental states.
  • The number of kids with suicide attempts coming to the emergency room at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, in California, in the fall of 2020 was double the number in the fall of 2019.
  • At Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, the number of children and teens hospitalized after suicide attempts went up from 67 in 2019 to 108 in 2020. And October 2020 saw a 250% increase in these numbers over the previous October.

For ways to help kids at risk, NPR encourages readers to read Part 2 of their story, “Make Space, Listen, Offer Hope: How To Help A Child At Risk Of Suicide”.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Survivors of Suicide – What to Do Next

The loss of a loved one by suicide can be a deeply painful and traumatizing experience; however, it’s important to know that everyone experiences suicide loss in their own way. As you begin the process of healing, consider reading the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s guide for to talk to others about what happened and identify ways to take care of yourself

Additionally, if you have lost someone to suicide, there may be a cleanup required. There is no need for family or friends of the loved one to be further traumatized or overwhelmed with trying to figure out how to clean the impacted area. Bio-One is here for you. Learn more about Bio-One’s suicide remediation services. 


If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.