Clan Labs Flashcards
Clan lab indicators on the outside of the building are?
- chemical odours
- exhaust fans running at odd hours.
- Windows blacked out.
- people coming outside to smoke.
- occupants unfriendly, shifty.
- expensive security/ surveillance gear.
- access denied to landlords
- rubbish containing a large amount of cold medication packaging.
Clan lab indicators on the inside of the property are?
- laboratory glassware and equipment
- containers with clear liquid with a chalky coloured solid on the bottom.
- containers with two layered liquids.
- used coffee filters.
- baking dishes containing white crystal substance.
- the presence of hot plates near chemicals.
Exposure to clan labs may result in what symptoms?
- headaches
- burning eyes
- nausea
- burning skin
- coughing or choking
- feeling of coldness or weakness
- shortness of breath
- decrease in cognitive function.
What is a clan lab?
A clandestine laboratory is an illicit operation that uses a combination of apparatus and chemicals to manufacture or synthesis drugs and controlled substances.
What are the three main types of clan labs?
- extraction
- conversion
- synthesis.
An extraction clan lab is?
Finished drug or precursor is removed from raw materials by using chemical solvents. Includes cannabis oil from cannabis leaf or morphine from opium.
A conversion clan lab is?
One form of drug is changed into a more desirable form. Such as crack cocaine from cocaine hydrochloride.
A synthesis clan lab is?
Raw materials are combined through chemical process to produce the desired drug. Such as heroin from morphine.
What are the risks of a clan lab?
- chemical hazards, including acids, solvents, poisons, radioactive substances, corrosives, contaminated materials.
- physical hazards including armed suspects, explosives, booby traps, unsafe building structures. Slips, trips and falls.
Actions to take when coming in contact with a clan lab?
- leave the area immediately
- never touch, taste or smell any chemicals.
- do not attempt to stop any chemical reaction.
- do not shut off the water supply
- do not smoke near or in the clan lab.
- do not use tools that cause sparks, such as phones and radios.
- do not re-enter the premises.
The stages of a clan lab investigation are?
- intel gathering
- termination planning
- entry
- initial assessment & safety assessments
- evidence processing
- exiting
- disposal of hazardous substances
- follow up action
In an unplanned entry into a clan lab involves?
- immediately remove persons of interest from the premises.
- isolate the site and maintain a safety perimeter.
- preserve the crime scene.
- notify the duty inspector or duty NCO.
- contact fire and ambulance.
- seek advice from NCLRT.
- persons in the address and staff who enter to remain separated untill decontamination.
- seek medical advice if suffering adverse effects.
A planned entry into a clan lab involves?
- consult with the national clan lab response team before executing a SW.
- manner of entry based on intel factors.
- planning an entry will reduce the risks.
- IET initial entry team, officers ‘clan lab’ qualified when not AOS/STG.
- offender should be apprehended outside the premises where possible.
When will AOS/STG be mandatory upon planned entry if a clan lab?
- the clan lab is believed to be active/ occupied.
- when armed offenders (any weapon) are suspected to be present.
- firearms are likely to be present.
Minimum levels of PPE for IET for clan labs is?
- flame retardant overalls
- boots
- fire resistant gloves
- balaclava
- SRBA
- APRs (air purifier respirators) with air filters.
Children in clan labs?
Are considered to be imminent danger. Immediate action must be taken to remove them to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Where are the emergency powers for dealing with clan labs contained?
The hazardous substances and new organism act 1996.
What is the definition of emergency in section 135 of the Hazardous Substances and new organisms Act 1996?
- actual or imminent danger to human health or safety; or
- a danger to the environment or chattels so significant that immediate action is required to remove the danger arising from a hazardous substance or new organisms.
Name six symptoms that may result from exposure to a clan lab?
-Headaches
- burning eyes
- nausea
- burning skin
- coughing
- pain in diaphragm
- feeling of coldness or weakness
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- decrease in cognitive function
