Section 5 - SOG - 3.14 Marijuana Grow Ops/Clandestine Laboratories

Question 1

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

Upon descovery of a marijuana grow op and/or clandestine lab, the IC should do this

Answer 1

Undertake a hazard risk analysis to ensure the safety of personnel is maintained

Question 2

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

Upon discovery of such notify fire control using Code

Answer 2

Code green

Question 3

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

Who else should attend?

Answer 3

• Police
• Ambulance
• Hydro
• Fire prevention

Question 4

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

If there are hazardous materials present/suspected and no fire conditions exist, the IC shall

Answer 4

• Immediately remove personnel from the area
• Consider a Hazmat response and subsequent operations handled as per SOG 24-02

Question 5

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What is a key consideration?

Answer 5

The likelihood of hostile civilians (the perpetrators) still inside the premise.

Question 6

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

How must the structure be electricaly de-energized?

Answer 6

At the outside source, i.e. from the street, not at the meter, if a clandestine lab is in operation the ic shall consider that no part of the equipment is shut down including hydro to the structure.

Question 7

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

If it is unlikely that persons are present inside the structure and the situation is deemed as unsafe, the IC should consider withdrawal of personnel from the interior until such time as:

Answer 7

• Hydro has confirmed the de-energizing of the premise
• Adequate ventilation has occurred to ensure visibility for personnel
• An incident reconnaissance takes place with all safety issues identified and/or controlled (personnel to be assigned for this purpose)

Question 8

According to SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

Prior to leaving the scene the IC shall ensure the following;

Answer 8

• Shut-off natural gas feed (Gas Company)
• Police are available to take over the scene
• Debrief with Fire Prevention Officer, if on scene
• Ensure Witness Statements are completed

Question 9

According to SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are some key indicators with respect ot marijuana grow ops? (8)

Answer 9

• Little or no furniture present in the premise, especially evident during primary search
• The exterior of the structure is in a state of disrepair
• Excessive condensation around windows
• Audible “humming” from internally installed transformers
• The obvious presence of plants and lighting
• Suspicious efforts at concealment, i.e., doors and windows obstructed
• Excessive mould and/or mildew on ceiling
• Discovery of silver Flex Vent Piping

Question 10

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are some key indicators with respect to a clandestine lab?

Answer 10

• Common household chemicals in uncommon places
• Common household chemicals in uncommon quantities
• Obvious presence of laboratory equipment, i.e. beakers, etc.
• Unusual plumbing or venting
• Drug paraphernalia
• Containers with multi-layered liquids
• Propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue

Question 11

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

List the special hazards (9)

Answer 11

• Electrical
• Trip and Tangle Hazards
• Lighting
• Compartmentation
• Means of Egress
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Carbon Monoxide
• Ventilation
• Perpetrator On-scene

Question 12

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are the hazards associated with electrical

Answer 12

Wiring found throughout premise, hanging precariously, or not installed to code.

Question 13

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are the hazards associated with trip and tangle

Answer 13

In a smoke filled atmosphere, materials used for cultivation may trip emergency personnel. Also, wires hanging from ceilings or walls may entangle personnel in S.C.B.A.

Question 14

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are is the hazard associated with lighting?

Answer 14

Special lighting required to support grow labs may explode or present other hazards to emergency personnel.

Question 15

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are is the hazard associated with compartmentation?

Answer 15

Structural alterations to the interior to conceal and/or facilitate the growth of elicit products.

Question 16

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are the hazards associated with means of egress

Answer 16

The removal of stairways, and/or the obstruction of doors,

to prevent entry or the discovery of the cultivation area.

Question 17

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are the hazards associated with hazardous chemicals?

Answer 17

Fertilizers, oxidizers etc. may be present in sufficient quantities to present a significant hazard to personnel.

Question 18

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What is the hazard associated with carbon monoxide?

Answer 18

Alteration to heating/ventilation systems may increase the carbon monoxide present to unsafe levels.

Question 19

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What is the hazard associated with ventilation?

Answer 19

Methods used to conceal Grow Labs (boarding up windows, doors etc.), may hamper ventilation and increase the heat retained within the structure, in the event of a fire.

Question 20

SOG 3-14, Marijuana Grow ops/Clandestine Labs,

What are the hazard associated with perpetrator on-scene?

Answer 20

May require that fire fighters make entry into unsafe structures in order to affect search and rescue.

Perpetrator may not be cooperative with arriving emergency personnel.