4. Clandestine Laboratories (Clan Labs) Flashcards
Name the three processes or stages of Clan Labs.
- Extraction
- Conversion
- Synthesis
Clan Lab Indicators
Outside
- Frequent visitors at odd hours
- People coming outside only to smoke
- Occupants unfriendly, appear secretive about their activities, paranoid or odd behaviours
- Access denied to landlords, neighbours, other visitors
- Windows blackened out or curtains drawn
- Expensive security and surveillance gear
- Rubbish containing a large amount of cold medication containers or packaging
- Bottles, plastic containers and boxes with labels removed
- Chemical odours coming from property, can be sweet, bitter, ammonia or solvent smells
- Exhaust fans running at odd times
Clan Lab Indicators
Inside
- Containers with clear liquids and chalky coloured solid on the bottom
- Used coffee filters containing either white pasty or reddish brown substance
- Baking dishes or similar containing white crystalline substance
- Presence of hot plates near chemicals
What four key steps do you take when you make an unplanned entry to a clan lab?
- Immediately remove persons of interest
- Isolate the site and maintain a safety perimeter
- Preserve the crime scene
- Seek medical advice if you experience any adverse effects
What are the Safety Considerations you should take when dealing with clan labs?
- Leave the area immediately, your safety is paramount
- Do not re-enter the premises
- Never touch, taste or smell any chemicals or equipment
- Do not attempt to stop the chemical reaction, or turn any electrical devices off. This may cause an explosion.
- Do not shut off the water supply
- Do not smoke in or near clan lab
- Do not use tools, radios, cellphones or anything that produces sparks or friction
Name 5 symptoms that may result from exposure to a Clan Lab.
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Watery or burning eyes
- Burning skin
- Coughing or choking
What are the two types of clan lab investigations?
- unplanned entry and
- planned entry.
A planned entry Clan Lab investigation is the preferred method for dealing with a Clan Lab.
However in the event of an unplanned entry Clan Lab the aim is to rapidly convert the unplanned entry into a planned response with appropriate structure and procedures.
What is the minimum safety equipment required for
Flame retardant overalls
Boots
Fire resistant gloves
Balaclava
Police SRBA vests
APR’s with air filters
Explain the ‘90 Second Rule’ regarding clan labs
This rule assumes that if offenders are present and moving inside the laboratory then the atmosphere will sustain life.
It assumes that the IET (wearing the minimum level of PPE for the IET) may safely enter and extract suspects for a period of up to 90 seconds
Immediate action at the scene (CYF)
- Removal of CYP from immediate scene
- Place CYP in Tyvek suit or in blanket, must occur before handover
- Most appropriate decontamination of CYP
- Use age appropriate explanations about what will happen, e.g. need to wear special clothing
- Assessment of CYP by Ambulance - medical attention takes priority over decontamination - OC must ensure medical facility is aware of contamination prior to admission
- Assigning officer to look after and monitor CYP and liaise with social worker
- Request for CYF attendance at scene
- Distribute PPE to CYF staff as well as CYP decontamination kit for each CYP
- Photographing CYP at scene
- Recording physical condition of CYP
- Consider securing clothing worn by CYP as an exhibit
Preliminary interview with CYP
- Basic health questions such as headache, nausea, breathing difficulties
- Name of CYPs doctor
- Occupants details
- Details of other siblings or CYPs at address
- Sleeping arrangements
- Playing and eating areas
- School or pre-school details
- Knowledge of drugs, manufacturing, dealing activities
What is the definition of ‘emergency’ in s135 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996?
S135 Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
Emergency means—
(a) actual or imminent danger to human health or safety; or
(b) a danger to the environment or chattels so significant that immediate action is required to remove the danger
