Clan Labs Flashcards
What are the three types of clan labs and describe them?
- Extraction: Finished drug or precursor is removed from raw material by use of chemical solvents
- Conversion: One form of a drug is changed into a more desirable form
- Synthesis: Raw materials are combined through chemical processes to produce a desired drugs
What are some exterior indicators of a clan lab?
- Odours
- Exhaust fans going at odd hours
- Frequent visitors at odd hours
- Windows blackened and/or curtains drawn
- People coming outside only to smoke
- Unfriendly or suspicious occupants
- Expensive security or surveillance equipment
- Access denied to landlords or visitors
- Rubbish with precursor packaging, bottles, plastic containers and boxes with labels removed
What a interior indicators of a clan lab?
- Lab glassware, equipment and documents
- Containers with clear liquid, and a solid on the bottom
- Containers with two-layered liquids
- Coffee filters with white or reddish substance in them
- Baking dishes or similar with white crystalline substance
- Hotplates near chemicals
Name and describe the two types of risks in clan labs?
Chemical hazards - these may be inhaled, absorbed or ingested. Can include acids, bases, poison gas, solvents etc and any contaminated materials.
Physical hazards - can include armed and/or drug affected suspects, explosives, booby traps, unsafe buildings, slip/trip/fall hazards and stress.
What is a unplanned entry to a clan lab?
When a clan lab is discovered during the course of normal day to day activities
What is the aim when you make an unplanned entry to a clan lab?
To rapidly convert an unplanned entry to a panned response and investigation
What is the main technical rule when you make a unplanned entry to a clan lab?
Do no touch, handle, move, disconnect, deactivate or operate anything.
What steps should be taken if you make an unplanned entry to a clan plan?
1 - Remove persons from the address
2 - Isolate the site and maintain a safety perimeter
3 - Preserve the crime scene
4 - Notify the duty inspector or NCO and contact the NCLRT and emergency services as required.
5- Seek advice from NCLRT and Fire Service about decontamination
6 - Keep staff that entered the site and occupants separate from others until decontaminated
7 - Seek medical advice if you experience adverse effects
What are the general safety considerations for clan labs?
- Leave the area immediately. Safety is paramount
- Never touch, taste or smell chemicals or equipment
- Do no attempt to stop or turn off things
- Do not shut off water
- Do not smoke near a clan lab
- Do not use tools, radios or devices that produce sparks or friction
- Do not re-enter a premise
List chemical exposure symptoms
- Headaches
- Watery or burning eyes
- Nausea
- Burning skin
- Coughing or choking
- Pain in diaphragm
- Feeling cold or weak
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
- Decreased cognitive function
During planned entries to clan labs what is the overriding principal
Safety consideration outweigh evidence ones
What is the advantage of a planned entry into a clan lab over a unplanned one?
You can reduce risk
What are factors that will impact the risk and planning of a planned entry to a clan lab?
- Is it active or inactive
- Number and nature of offenders and location
- Proximity to other persons or property
- Type and size
- Known weapons and traps
When should you use a initial entry team for a clan lab?
Only when absolutely necessary . Where possible offenders should be dealt with outside or once the lab is inactive.
Discuss AOS/STG role in clan labs
They must be briefed whenever there is a risk of a clan lab
