Clandestine Labs Take it Seriously

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Clandestine Labs Take it Seriously

• WARNING

Mistakes at the scene of a clan lab can lead to
serious injury, long lasting medical problems, or
death!
Division Chief Mike Love Montgomery Co. Fire and
Rescue Service
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Clandestine Drug Labs Can Be Found Anywhere!
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Indicators of a Clandestine Lab

• Unusual chemical odors (ammonia, ether, acetone.
• Excessive trash chemical containers, coffee
  filters, etc.
• Windows blocked to conceal interior.
• Evidence of dumping and chemical waste.

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Dangers of Meth Labs

• Cooking Process
• Corrosive, flammable, and toxic chemicals.
• Highly unstable and can be extremely sensitive to
  temperature changes.
• By-product
• Hydrogen gas which is flammable and can be
  explosive in a confined area.
• Booby traps

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Dangers of Meth Labs (cont.)

• Meth labs are frequently discovered due to
  explosions.
• Over half of all injuries incurred at meth labs
  are to first responders.
• Respiratory irritation is the most common injury.
• Eye irritation is second.

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Reducing Risk to First Responders

• Increase awareness of the risks.
• Train responders to Haz Mat Operations Level.
• Make every effort to identify nature before
  entering contaminated areas.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
• Conduct proper decon after exposure.

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Your Personal Safety Checklist

• Clan labs are an immediate danger to your
  personal safety.
• All clan labs are dangerous.
• All clan labs involve dangerous chemicals which
  pose short and long term health risks.

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Simple procedures to minimize risks and reduce
exposure

• DO NOT eat or drink in or about a clan lab.
• DO NOT smoke.
• DO NOT touch your face, eyes, nose, nor other
  body openings near a clan lab.
• DO NOT open chemical containers.
• DO NOT put your face directly over an open
  chemical container.

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Minimize risks and reduce exposure

• DO NOT touch liquids, powders or other
  substances.
• DO NOT taste samples to try and determine their
  identity.
• ALWAYS wear gloves when handling any items
  associated with a clan lab.
• DO NOT turn any switches or controls ON or OFF
  inside a clan lab site.

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Partnerships and collaboration

• Coordination such as COGs forum go a long way to
  improve safety
• The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of
  2005 has passed the House and is awaiting action
  in the Senate
• Look at it as a community or regional problem and
  get everyone involved
• Educate the public on the warning signs

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Caution is the Key

• Responders must have focus and situational
  awareness to their environment
• Expect to find dangers and health hazards in all
  parts of the job
• Dont assume a building or any situation to be
  safe until proven to be so