Clan Labs Flashcards
Clan Lab indicators
Outside
Chemical ordours.
Exhaust fans at odd times.
Frequent visitors at odd hours.
Windows blackened out or curtains always drawn.
People coming outside only to smoke.
Occupants unfriendly, secretive, paranoid.
Expensive security gear.
Access denied to landlords or neighbour’s.
Bottles, containers and boxes without labels.
Inside
Lab glassware, equipment.
Containers with clear liquids and chalky coloured solid on the bottom.
Containers with two layered liquid, one dark, one clear or pale yellow.
Used coffee filters containing either white pasty or reddish brown substance.
Baking dishes or similar containing white crystalline substance.
The presence of hot plates near chemicals.
Risks of Clan Labs
Chemical Hazards
Inhaled, absorbed or ingested chemicals including acids, solvents, poison gasses, contaminated waste.
Physical hazards
Armed and/or drug-effected suspects, explosives, potential booby traps, electric shock, unsafe building structures, slip/trip/fall hazards, hot/cold stress.
Unplanned entry
To maximize safety, officers must not touch, handle, move, disconnect, deactivate or operate anything.
Alert all attending personnel of clan lab related discovery.
Remove POI.
Isolate the site, maintain safety perimeter.
Preserve scene.
Notify local bosses, Ambo, Fire.
Seek medical advice if effects are experienced.
Safety considerations of a Clan Lab
Leave the area immediately - safety is paramount.
Never touch, taste, or smell any chemicals or equipment.
Do not attempt to stop the chemical reaction or turn anything on or off.
Do not shut off the water supply.
Do not smoke in or nearby.
Do not use tools, radios, cell phones, torches or devices that produce sparks or friction.
Do not re-enter the premises.
Exposure to clan lab could result in what symptoms?
Headache
Nausea
Watery or burning eyes
Burning skin
Pain in diaphragm
Feeling of coldness or weakness
Shortness of breath/dizziness
Decrease in cognitive function, vertigo or convulsions.
What is an unplanned and planned entry into a clan lab?
Planned
When you have knowledge of a suspected clan lab ahead of time.
Unplanned
When a clan lab is discovered during the course of your normal day to day duties.
Minimum safety equipment when dealing with Clan labs.
Flame retardant overalls.
Chemical & Flame resistant coveralls.
Boots.
Fire resistant gloves.
Balaclava.
Police BAS.
APRs with filters (Air purifying resporator).
Initial action for kids within clan labs.
O/C investigation to coordinate:
- Remove child from scene.
- Assign an officer to look after and monitor the child.
- Explain in age appropriate what’s going to happen to them. Clothing, etc.
- Assess for injuries, illness by Ambo (May take priority over decontamination)
- Request OT attendance.
- PPE for OT staff and decontamination kit for each child.
- Wrap in Tyvek suit or blanket.
- Most appropriate decontamination of child.
- Record mental, physical state of child.
- Secure clothing from child as exhibit.
- Prelim interview. Including own health, occupant details, siblings, sleeping arrangements, playing and eating areas, school details, doctor, knowledge of drug Dealing activities etc.
- Inform OT the power/authority used to remove and detain child.
- Brief OT staff on info gained and Health and Safety concerns from medical.
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Clan lab emergency powers, which act?
Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996
Emergency powers of The Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996
Section 103 Powers of entry for inspection relating to new organisms.
Section 135-137
135 - ‘Emergency’ interpretation
136 - Declaration of Hazardous Substance or New Organisms emergency
137 - Emergency Powers.
Three processes or stages of a clan lab.
Extraction
Conversion
Synthesis
Define, ‘Emergency’ in section 135 Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996
‘Emergency’ in this part of the act means:
a) Actual or imminent danger to human health and safety; or
b) A danger to the environment or chattels so significant that immediate action is required to remove the danger.
Define: Clan Lab
A clandestine laboratory is an Illicit operation that uses a combination of apparatus and chemicals that have been or could be used in the manufacturing or synthesis of drugs, and/or controlled substances.
Planned Entry into Clan Lab
Safety considerations outweigh evidential considerations.
Will reduce the risk.
Manner of Intel will determine entry, eg, active/inactive, number of offenders, location, type/size, firearms/weapons/booby traps.
90 second rule
This rule assumes that if the offenders are present and moving inside the laboratory then the atmosphere will sustain life.
It assumes that the IET (Wearing minimum PPE) may safely enter and extract suspects for a period for up to 90 seconds.
