Hazardous Materials Incidents by Chris Hawley CHAPTER 8: HAZMAT and Law Enforcement

Chapter 8: Overview Introduction Common HAZMAT incidents for law enforcement Clandestine labs Explosives incidents SWAT operations Evidence collection Summary

Author Note Even though this section is labeled law enforcement, it applies to all emergency responders. This unit should be taught to all responders as the situations discussed here are crimes, but usually involve the other response agencies.

Common Situations for Chemical Exposure Blood-borne pathogen situations Shootings, stabbings Blood, saliva, and urine Disease exposure Drugs Exposure to drugs (evidence) Huffing situations

Clandestine Labs Common types of labs Drug labs Explosives labs Chemical weapon labs Biological weapon labs All labs have inherent dangers, not to mention the two-legged threat.

Drug Labs Drug labs can be found anywhere. Homes, hotels, storage units Rental trucks, barns, buildings Methamphetamine is the most common. In 2002, more than 12,175 labs were raided. Meth labs and other drug labs are very dangerous operations.

Labs Moving Eastward

Explosives Labs Not common Usually a hobbyist Fireworks Bomb squad should always investigate Retreat and wait for bomb technician

Terrorism Agent Labs Least likely to be encountered Most probable would be a biological toxin Ricin lab or manufacturing

Chemical Agent Labs Chemical agent labs Two types Chemistry setup Manufacturing Condensing

Biological Agents Labs Biology lab equipment Petri dishes Incubator

Explosives Incidents Are much like HAZMAT incidents Require special PPE Require isolation and evacuation Require special training and equipment

SWAT Operations Gathering of intelligence is very important. Chemical information valuable. Greatest threat from gun shots Chemical threat Adds to the planning process May add additional PPE Adds decontamination considerations

Chemicals and SWAT SWAT operators should not get off target thinking about the chemical risk. Focus should be on apprehending the criminal. Training with specialized equipment is very important. Protective equipment should protect against primary hazard.

SWAT Setup Air monitors should be used. Avoid breaching charges or flash bangs in potentially flammable situations. SWAT operator and prisoner decon should be thought out and prepared.

Evidence Collection (1 of 2) Evidence collection is not time-dependent and can often wait. Remove the hazard from the crime scene. Everyone operating in the crime scene must have HAZMAT training.

Evidence Collection (2 of 2) Chain of custody issues with HAZMAT Decontamination Evidence collection a specialized field Rules of evidence apply Special equipment required May need additional personnel

Summary Common HAZMAT incidents for law enforcement Clandestine labs Explosives incidents SWAT operations Evidence collection