Name Outside Clan Lab Indicators (10)
- chemical ours
- exhaust fans funning at odd times
- frequent visitors at odd hours
- windows blackened out or curtains always drawn
- people coming outside only to smoke
- occupants unfriendly, appear secretive about their actives, exhibit paranoid or odd behaviour
- expensive security and surveillance gear
- access denied to landlords, neighbours, other visitors
- rubbish containing a large amount of cold medication containers/packaging
- bottles, plastic containers and boxes with labels removed
Name Inside Clan Lab Indicators (6)
- laboratory glassware, equipment and documents
- containers with clear liquids in them with a chalky coloured solid on the bottom or similar
- containers with two layered liquids in them, one dark and one clear or pale yellow
- used coffee filters containing either a white pasty or reddish brown substance
- baking dishes or similar containing white crystal substance
- presence of hot plates near chemicals
What are the three types of clan labs
- extraction
- conversion
- synthesis
These could all be onsite
Symptoms of exposure to a clan lab (9)
- headaches
- watery or burning eyes
- nausea
- choking or coughing
- pain in diaphragm
- feeling of coldness or weakness
- shortness of breath and/or dizziness
- decrees in cognitive function, vertigo and convulsions
Safety consideration in a clan lab
- leave the area immediately, your safety is paramount
- never touch, taste or smell any chemicals or equipment
- do not attempt to stop chemical reactions, turn any electrical devices such as fans and lights on/off as this may cause an explosion
- do not shut off the water supply to the house or the chemical reaction
- do not smoke in or near a clan lab
- do not use tools, radios, cell phones, torches or devices that produce sparks or friction
- do not re-enter the premises
What is the 90 second rule
This rule assumes that if offender(s) are present and moving inside the lab then the atmosphere will sustain life. it assumes that the initial entry team (wearing the minimum level of personal protective equipment) may safely enter and extract suspect for a period of up to 90 seconds
What is the minimum safety equipment required for initial entry team in a clan lab
- flame retardant overalls
- chemical and flame resistant coveralls
- boots
- fire resistant gloves
- balaclava
- SRBA
- APRs with air filters (air purifying respirator)
Initial action on unplanned entry to clan lab
- immediately remove persons of interest
- isolate site - safe perimeter
- preserve the crime scene
- notify duty inspector/NCO, contact NCLRT, where appropriate contact fire and ambos
- seek advice re decontamination
- seperate occupants and staff who have entered from those who haven’t until decontaminated
- seek medical advise if you show adverse symptoms
Initial action for children located in clan lab
Immediate action
• remove CYP from scene
• assign officer to look after an monitor CYP
• request CYFS attendance at the scene
• distribute PPE to CYFS staff and decor kit for CYP
• photograph CYP at scene
• record physical condition of CYP including injuries and mental state
• consider swabbing CYP for chemical residue (search warrant permitting)
• secure clothing worn by CYP as an exhibit
Prelim interview with CYP found in clan lab
- basic health questions, headaches, nausea, breathing problems, dizziness, tiredness etc
- occupant details
- sleeping arrangements
- playing and eating areas
- school details
- doctors name
- knowledge of drugs, manufacturing, dealing activities
Follow up action relating to CYP found in clan lab
- give priority to locating any CYP absent from the address at the time of police intervention
- ensure that any CYP exposed to a clan lab is checked by a doctor ASAP and within 72hrs
- ensure medical exam has been done and evidential hair blood or urine samples taken
- ensure completed toxicology kit is collected from doctor and forwarded to ESR with POL143
- ensure clothing worn by CYP and removed by CYFS for decontamination is secured as an exhibit together with the record made by CYFS
- forward clothes to ESR for analysis
- liaise with CYFS as to whether evidential interview with CYP is required
What is the definition of “emergency” in s135 Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996
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
arising from a hazardous substance or new organism
What do the emergency powers in section 137 allow you to do
- enter any premises or dwelling at any time without complying with the provisions of s103 or 119
- exercise any of the powers set out in s103
- exercise any of the powers set out in s119(5)
- direct any person to stop any activity which may contribute to the emergency
- request any person (verbally/writing) to take any action to prevent or limit the extent of the emergency
- direct any person to leave any place in the vicinity of the emergency
- direct any person to refrain from entering the vicinity of the emergency
- requisition any property for use in the emergency
- destroy any property or any other ting in order to prevent or limit the extent of the emergency
- secure the site for up to 24hrs following the decision of the enforcement officer that the immediate danger is past
