The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification says a new S540 Consensus Body has begun work to revise the 2023 edition of the ANSI/IICRC S540 Standard for Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup. The IICRC lists David Oakes as chair of the consensus body and Ann Bedwell as vice-chair.
S540 was first published in 2017 and revised in 2023. It is the industry’s main reference for how trauma and crime scene cleanup should be performed, from the first inspection to the disposal of regulated waste and the confirmation that cleaning worked. Read our explainer on what S540 covers.
How a revision works
ANSI-accredited standards are written by consensus bodies that balance different interests, such as contractors, manufacturers, insurers and others with a stake in the work. A draft is typically released for public review and comment before it is finalized, which gives practitioners outside the committee a chance to weigh in.
Why it matters
For cleanup companies, a new edition can mean updated training, procedures and documentation. For police departments, funeral homes and insurers, it shapes what “professional” cleanup should look like when they refer a family. We will report on the draft and the public comment period when the IICRC announces them.
Follow the process
The IICRC posts updates on its S540 standard page. Professionals who want to comment on a future draft should watch for the public review announcement there.
