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Clandestine Labs Take it Seriously

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... Rescue Service. 10/4/09. 2. Clandestine Drug Labs Can Be Found Anywhere! ... Indicators of a Clandestine Lab. Unusual chemical odors (ammonia, ether, acetone. ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Clandestine Labs Take it Seriously


1
Clandestine Labs Take it Seriously
  • WARNING

Mistakes at the scene of a clan lab can lead to
serious injury, long lasting medical problems, or
death!
Division Chief Mike Love Montgomery Co. Fire and
Rescue Service
2
Clandestine Drug Labs Can Be Found Anywhere!
3
Indicators of a Clandestine Lab
  • Unusual chemical odors (ammonia, ether, acetone.
  • Excessive trash chemical containers, coffee
    filters, etc.
  • Windows blocked to conceal interior.
  • Evidence of dumping and chemical waste.

4
Dangers of Meth Labs
  • Cooking Process
  • Corrosive, flammable, and toxic chemicals.
  • Highly unstable and can be extremely sensitive to
    temperature changes.
  • By-product
  • Hydrogen gas which is flammable and can be
    explosive in a confined area.
  • Booby traps

5
Dangers of Meth Labs (cont.)
  • Meth labs are frequently discovered due to
    explosions.
  • Over half of all injuries incurred at meth labs
    are to first responders.
  • Respiratory irritation is the most common injury.
  • Eye irritation is second.

6
Reducing Risk to First Responders
  • Increase awareness of the risks.
  • Train responders to Haz Mat Operations Level.
  • Make every effort to identify nature before
    entering contaminated areas.
  • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Conduct proper decon after exposure.

7
Your Personal Safety Checklist
  • Clan labs are an immediate danger to your
    personal safety.
  • All clan labs are dangerous.
  • All clan labs involve dangerous chemicals which
    pose short and long term health risks.

8
Simple procedures to minimize risks and reduce
exposure
  • DO NOT eat or drink in or about a clan lab.
  • DO NOT smoke.
  • DO NOT touch your face, eyes, nose, nor other
    body openings near a clan lab.
  • DO NOT open chemical containers.
  • DO NOT put your face directly over an open
    chemical container.

9
Minimize risks and reduce exposure
  • DO NOT touch liquids, powders or other
    substances.
  • DO NOT taste samples to try and determine their
    identity.
  • ALWAYS wear gloves when handling any items
    associated with a clan lab.
  • DO NOT turn any switches or controls ON or OFF
    inside a clan lab site.

10
Partnerships and collaboration
  • Coordination such as COGs forum go a long way to
    improve safety
  • The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of
    2005 has passed the House and is awaiting action
    in the Senate
  • Look at it as a community or regional problem and
    get everyone involved
  • Educate the public on the warning signs

11
Caution is the Key
  • Responders must have focus and situational
    awareness to their environment
  • Expect to find dangers and health hazards in all
    parts of the job
  • Dont assume a building or any situation to be
    safe until proven to be so
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