Initial Action - Explosive

Question 1

Initial Action - Explosive

Answer 1

INITIAL ACTION - EXPLOSIVE

• Consider secondary device at scene/nearby building/vehicle. Don’t handle/interfere with anything unfamiliar.
• Do not use cell phones, portable radios or other transmitting devices.
• Evacuate scene to at least 100m. Ensure that people leaving take personal possessions with them, less items to be cleared.
• If IED located, immediately obtain assistance of IED operator from the Department of Labour/Defence Force expert.
• Regular SITREPS

Question 2

IED Officer

Answer 2

IED OFFICER
Encourage them to use non-destructive method to make device safe/least possible destruction to avoid destroying evidence (tool marks, fingerprints). However safety is most important. Consider having the operator record their initial assessment on video.

Question 3

Examining Scenes of Explosive

Answer 3

• Once safe conduct exam, use video and photographs, continually reconstruct, request assistance from suitable ESR analyst

Question 4

Identifying Explosive

Answer 4

ID THE EXPLOSIVE

• Give priority to identifying the explosive used
• Low powered explosive will explode in a general manner, causing damage and spreading debris over roughly the same distance in all directions.
• Explosives that explode at a rate of 1200-5000mps characterised by damage occurring in a ‘least line of resistance’ pattern - windows, doors and light walls blow out.
• Explosives that explode at a rate greater than 5000mps do so in directional manner.
• Modern explosive residue are often slight and dissipate rapidly, ESR may need to enter asap
• Maybe necessary to remove body parts / record odours detected

Question 5

Characteristic Damage Caused by Explosive

Answer 5

Cratering, spread of debris, shrapnel marks, shredding of materials, an overlay of dust, smell peculiar to the exploded material

Question 6

Gas Explosion V Someone Setting Explosives

Answer 6

GAS V SETTING

• Gas explosions generally cover wider area than those cause by explosives. Do not leave a crater because gas is lighter.
• Lighter-than-air gases create outward blow at top of a wall/heavier-than-air gases blow at bottom of a wall.
• May also be medical evidence that people have inhaled gas prior to the explosion.

Question 7

Report on Bombs

Answer 7

REPORT ON BOMBS FOR

• Accidental or deliberate explosions
• Attempted bombings (in place but fails to function)
• Molotov cocktail attacks (fire-bombings)
• Hoax devices (those made to look like a bomb)
• Bomb threats - telephoned, written, otherwise
• Suspicious packages (items that have been left in unexpected places)
• Explosives stolen or recovered
• Unlawful possession of explosives