Clan Labs

Question 1

*Clan Lab Indicators - Outside

Answer 1

• chemical odours
• exhaust fans running at odd times
• frequent visitors at odd hours
• windows blackened out
• excessive security and surveillance gear
• access denied to landlords, neighbours
• rubbish containing a large amount of cold medication containers or packaging
• plastic bottles with labels removed

Question 2

Clan Lab Indicators - Inside

Answer 2

• laboratory glassware, equipment and documents
• containers with clear liquids and a chalky coloured solid on the bottom
• containers with two layered liquids in them, one dark and one clear/yellow
• used coffee filters with white or brown paste
• baking dishes or similar containing white crystalline substance
• the presence of hot plates near chemicals

Question 3

Unplanned Entry

Answer 3

When a clan lab is discovered during the course of your normal day to day activities

Question 4

*Safety Considerations

Answer 4

• leave the area immediately
• don’t touch, taste, smell any chemicals or equipment
• don’t stop the chemical reaction or turn off electrical devices
• do not shut off the water supply
• do not smoke in or near the lab
• do not use tools, radios, cell phones, torches or devices
• do not re-enter

Question 5

Exposure to Chemicals Symptoms

Answer 5

• headaches
• watery or burning eyes
• nausea
• burning skin
• coughing or choking
• pain in diaphragm
• feeling of coldness/weakness
• shortness of breath/dizziness
• decrease in cognitive function, vertigo and convulsions

Question 6

Planned Entry

Answer 6

You have knowledge of a suspected Clan Lab ahead of time, which allows time to apply for a search warrant and to plan for the execution of a search warrant

Question 7

*Initial Action for Children in Clan Labs

Answer 7

OC to coordinate:
- removal of children at the scene
- assigning an officer to look after and monitor children
- age appropriate explanation of process
- assessment by ambulance
- OT to attend scene
- distribution of PPE
- place in Tyke suit
- decontamination
- record physical condition
- photographing
- prelim interview (asking: health questions, occupant details, sleeping arrangements, school details, name of doctor, knowledge of drugs)
- informing OT the power/authority to remove child

Question 8

OC Investigation

Answer 8

• with OT, priority to locating any child absent from address
• ensure child is checked by a doctor
• ensure evidential urine and hair samples taken
• refer all cases where consent due to custody is an issue, to legal
• ensure hair samples and toxicology are taken to ESR
• toxicology results sent to OT once available
• liaise with CPT for SCWI