VT2 Operator training

1
Operator Course
2
Course Overview

• Trace
• Sampling
• Equipment Overview
• Analysis
• Calibration

3
Trace
Traces are microscopic amounts of particles and
vapors. Narcotic substances are organic and
constantly emit traces. The VaporTracer
detects traces down to nanogram levels.
4
Trace
The VT2 is just one more tool to help you improve
your ability to detect narcotic traces. Use it
along with your X-ray, metal detectors, canine
units, physical inspections, and current security
measures.
5
Trace
Substances Detected
P
READY 10 100 1k
10k COC l _ _ HER
l _ _ THC l
_ _ MET l _ _ EDM
l _ _ MDM l
_ _
6
Trace
How Do Traces Get Transferred?

• Traces cling to anything they touch.
• Traces transfer from person to person, person to
  object, object to object and airborne.

7
Trace
Applications

• Cargo, mail, and packages
• Conveyance access - Security access points,
  border crossings, checkpoints
• Baggage
• Facilities protection - government buildings,
  correctional institutions

8
Trace
Which of the following can be detected with the
VT2?

• Gun
• Radio lined with narcotics
• Pepper spray
• Laptop with concealed narcotics
• Stun gun
• Narcotics traces on a persons hands

9
Trace
What are some of the traces the VT2 can
detect? What are some things the VT2 cannot
detect? Are narcotics traces illegal? How are
traces transferred?
10
Sampling
Particle Most reliable method. Uses a
different collection procedure. Vapor
Certain substances give off less vapor than
others. Temperature is a factor for collecting
vapor. Sample vapor release points.
11
Sampling
Materials and Equipment for Particle Sampling

• Sampling Traps
• Sampling Wand
• Gloves
• Sampling Table or Area
• Alcohol (isopropyl 70 or greater)

12
Sampling
Materials and Equipment for Vapor Sampling

• Vapor Plate
• White Spacer
• Locking Ring
• Check Sample

13
Sampling
Particle Sampling Fundamentals

• Person whose item you are sampling should be
  present.
• Sample one item at a time.
• Use firm pressure.
• Sample in one direction, one time.
• Sample most touched areas last.

14
Sampling
Particle Sampling Fundamentals

• People
• Hands
• Belts
• Pockets

15
Sampling
Particle Sampling Fundamentals

• Vehicles
• Door handle
• Gas cap
• Steering wheel
• Knobs
• Seat Belt
• Luggage
• Wherever there may be a fingerprint.
• Avoid sampling engine parts.

16
Sampling
Particle Sampling Fundamentals

• Luggage/Bags/Briefcases
• Handles
• Straps
• Zipper tabs
• Latches
• Interior seams and linings
• Commonly touched areas

17
Sampling
Particle Sampling Fundamentals

• Electronic Devices
• Vents
• Seams
• Battery compartments
• Disk drives
• Edges
• Latches

• AVOID SAMPLING
• Monitors
• Keyboards
• Camera lenses

18
Sampling
Vapor Sampling Fundamentals

• Sample vapor release points.
• Get as close as possible to the vapor release
  point without touching it.
• Temperature affects vapor samples.
• Substances emit different levels of vapor.

19
Sampling
What are some particle sampling fundamentals?
Vapor? What areas could we sample on a vehicle?
Electronic item? Luggage? What areas do we avoid
sampling? Why? When do we discard a sample trap?
20
Equipment Overview

• Desorber
• Start button
• Navigation buttons
• Display screen
• Power switch
• Power receptacle
• Battery

21
Equipment Overview
22
Equipment Overview
MENU 1 1 19 SELECT
SUBSTANCE BEEPER
OFF LIGHT ON METHOD
VAP CAL EXT INT
ON
OFF
PART
23
Equipment Overview
STATUS BAT DETACHED HTR
l 200 FLO
OK PMP OK DATE 07-13-2001 TIME
01 31 PM
24
Equipment Overview

• Unit is ready 30 minutes after a cold start.
• Unit should be powered-on 24/7.
• Default 5 minute warm-up time.
• Default 15 minute warm-up time when changing the
  desorber.
• Power down only as directed by pressing the
  switch to the center position

25
Equipment Overview
Where is the sampling trap placed? Which button
takes you to other screens? How long is a
cold-start warm up? When do you shut the unit
down?
26
Analysis
Procedures

• Place the sample trap into the desorber.
• Press the Start button to begin analysis. When
  in Vapor mode, hold the Start button for as long
  as necessary. Analysis begins when the Start
  button is released.
• Maintain control of the item you are sampling.
• Observe Ready or Alarm on the display.
• Remove the sampling trap.
• If Ready, reuse the trap. If Alarm, discard trap
  and gloves.

27
Analysis
Alarm Response

• Resolve the alarm in accordance with current SOP.
• Examples
• Contact your supervisor.
• Maintain control of item.
• Let the owner know that further samples may be
  necessary.
• Decontaminate the work area.

28
Analysis
Saving Alarms

• Save the alarm by pressing ENTER.
• Clear the unit after saving by pressing START.
• Decontaminate the work area with alcohol only
• The unit must be cleared before additional
  samples can be taken.

29
Analysis
Clearing the Unit

• Make sure the alarm was saved.
• Press the START button when you see Ready on the
  display.
• Insert a new sampling trap and press START. If
  the new trap alarms, inform the supervisor.
• In most cases the unit will clear after an alarm.
  Otherwise, maintenance may be necessary.

30
Analysis
What is the indication of an alarm? No
alarm? What button do you press to save an
alarm? What button do you press to clear the
unit? What do you do with the trap after an
alarm?
31
Calibration
Why Calibrate?

• Calibration introduces a known substance into the
  detector for identification.
• After the VaporTracer2 identifies the calibrant,
  the software will adjust the positions of all
  substances.
• The VaporTracer2 must be calibrated for accurate
  detection.

32
Calibration
When Do You Calibrate?

• After powering up
• After changing modes
• At the beginning of each shift
• When the unit is moved
• At higher elevations
• When atmospheric conditions change (humidity,
  pressure)

33
Calibration
Procedure
P
CAL REQUIRED MENU TO CONTINUE COC
l _ _ HER l
_ _ THC l _
_ MET l _ _ EDM l
_ _ MDM l _
_
34
Calibration
Procedure
35
Calibration
Procedure
Insert the calibration trap into the desorber and
then press .
36
Calibration
Procedure
Press to accept the highlighted peak.
37
Calibration
Procedure

• If the proper peak is not highlighted, use
  to select it.
• The correct peak is the peak closest to the STD
  peak (usually between 6 and 8 ms).

38
Calibration
Procedure
39
Calibration
Why is calibration necessary? Which menu is used
to access calibration? If a calibration peak is
not highlighted, which arrow do you use to select
the proper peak? When do you calibrate?