TB 180 Drug Labs : Commercial Application/ Safety

Question 1

A recent trend is “commercial production” of extracts in medicinal and recreational drug manufacturing. If performed correctly this method is much safer. It utilizes a ____ that recycles the solvent, not leaving it exposed to ____.

Answer 1

closed loop system / ignition sources

Question 2

These systems use ___, ____, propane, pentane, ethanol, hexane, heptane, CO2, or a mixture of the gasses.

Answer 2

butane / isobutane

Question 3

Within a closed loop system, a machine ___ and ___ the gas, and it is not released into an area in which it may be inadvertently ignited.

Answer 3

recovers / recycles

Question 4

They push the gas past the product at a relatively high pressure (_____).

Answer 4

sometimes over 200 psi

Question 5

The three main hazards to responders from Cannabis Grow Ops include:

Answer 5

Atmospheric conditions:
The use of CO2 can displace O2 (oxygen) creating an oxygen deficient atmosphere – which presents an asphyxiation hazard to responders.

Question 6

The three main hazards to responders from Cannabis Grow Ops include:

Answer 6

Physical harm: “Booby traps” (such as IED’s) pose a huge danger to Department members. Members shall also be aware of people who might desire to protect their crops by any means necessary. For that reason, a request for law enforcement (LAPD) should be made as soon as reasonably possible.

Question 7

The number one priority in dealing with drug labs is ____.

Answer 7

SAFETY

Question 8

The illegal production and processing of drugs often mimics the look of ____ and _____.

Answer 8

illicit explosive / bomb producing laboratories

Question 9

Crude BHO operations with tubes and liquids are often confused with ___.

Answer 9

pipe bombs

Question 10

Due to the explosive potential of the materials used to manufacture a Pipe Bomb or BHO any device of suspicious nature shall ____ be touched, moved, or handled in any manner by untrained Fire Department personnel.

Answer 10

not

Question 11

LAFD members shall also remember drug lab incidents have ____.

Answer 11

legal ramifications

Question 12

Any fire department contact with evidence has the potential to ____ and break the chain of custody for booked evidence.

Answer 12

weaken prosecution efforts

Question 13

A specific division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) known as “___” will aid the HIDTA’s “LA Impact” teams.

Answer 13

Lab Squad

Question 14

The immediate role of the LAFD is to work within our tactical priorities ______.

Answer 14

(Rescue, Hazard Control, Loss Limiting, Victim/Occupant Stabilization, and SAFETY).

Question 15

The LAFD Cannabis Unit, from the Fire Prevention and Public Safety Bureau has a database of these businesses within the industry that have secured legal licensure, which is controlled by the _____

Answer 15

Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation, (DCR).

Question 16

The three main hazards to responders from Cannabis Grow Ops include:

Answer 16

Electrical hazards: Cannabis cultivation requires lighting, fans, and pumps, all which require power. Illegal operators typically bypass electrical meters, tapping directly into electrical vaults and transformers. Responders must pay particular attention that flipping circuit breakers or physically cutting service will not always disconnect power to the building.

Question 17

The immediate role of the LAFD is to work within our tactical priorities (_____).

Answer 17

Rescue, Hazard Control, Loss Limiting, Victim/Occupant Stabilization, and SAFETY