Which of the following steps must be completed before cleanup work can commence?

Obtaining customer permission is essential before any cleanup work can begin in a trauma and crime scene situation. This step is critical for several reasons, including legal, ethical, and practical considerations. First, the property owner or responsible party must give their consent for the cleanup team to enter the scene and perform work, as they have rights over the property. This is particularly important in sensitive situations like crime scenes, where unauthorized tampering can affect evidence integrity and the ongoing investigation.

Furthermore, gaining customer permission helps establish trust and clarity between the service provider and the client, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the scope of work, safety measures, and potential costs involved. It also ensures compliance with any insurance requirements that may be in place for cleanup services following a traumatic event. Prior to this permission, a cleanup crew should not proceed, as doing so could result in legal ramifications and potential disputes.

While the other options involve important factors for overall operations and preparation, they do not hold the same critical precedence as obtaining permission from the customer before starting the cleanup process.