CLANDESTINE LABORATORY AWARENESS

CLANDESTINE LABORATORY AWARENESS Clandestine Laboratory An illicit operation consisting of a sufficient combination of apparatus and chemicals that either has been or could be used in the manufacture or synthesis of a controlled substances. OSHA Regulations 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous waste operations and emergency response. • Covers clean-up operations required by a governmental body involving hazardous substances that are conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The Most Important Aspect of Working in a Clandestine Laboratory Environment… SAFETY!!! DANGER, DANGER, DANGER FIRST ON -SCENE First On-Scene A Clandestine drug laboratory becomes an emergency response at the time it is discovered. The law enforcement officer who discovers a clandestine drug laboratory is considered the “first on-scene” First On-Scene Protect Personal Safety • • • • Avoid contact Minimize exposure Do not smoke in or near clandestine drug lab Never touch, taste or smell any type of equipment or chemicals in or near a clandestine drug lab First On-Scene Protect Public Safety • • • Warn others Isolate area Call for help, such as, Ambulance, State Police, Fire Department, Haz-Mat, or DEA CLET Team First On-Scene Secondary Actions • • • • • Secure area Clear debris which may impede response Prevent unauthorized scene entry Evacuate immediate area Render first aid First On-Scene Safety Rules • • • • • • Do not enter an unknown environment Observe from a distance Do not unnecessarily expose yourself Always request assistance Stay upwind and up gradient Avoid areas of odor, discoloration, visibility impairment, etc. • Evacuate immediate area In General... Conducting any type of enforcement operation ( arrest, search, etc..) in a clandestine laboratory environment is exponentially more dangerous than that same operation outside of one..