Laboratory & Crime Scene Safety Forensic Science MCPS Thomas S. Wootton High School Rockville, MD

We have to make do! Small sized room Lots of people Lots of furniture Backpacks & other personal possessions

Rules in the classroom 1.Keep book bags under chair or desk. 2.Work together as a team. 3.Respect other people’s possessions. 4.Respect the classroom environment 5.Keep common areas clean and organized 6.Do NOT do any unauthorized testing

What is unauthorized?

MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE! STUDENTS NOT CLEANING UP COMMON AREAS NOT CLEANED

Keeping Common Areas Neat & Clean

Safety Items in the lab

Crime Scene Safety Guidelines to protect investigators at crime scenes and in the laboratory of infectious agents or dangerous materials is set forth by the International Association for Identification Safety (IAIS).

All investigators should… When arriving at the scene, agents should clear with authorities that there is no danger of potential suspects, explosives, building collapse, etc. Also any injured people have received medical attention. Wear latex or non latex surgical gloves Have shoe covers on Use goggles/mask/respirators/ face shield when appropriate

All investigators should… Be alert when handling sharp objects such as knives, syringes, razor blades, etc. Have a red biohazard bag for disposal of contaminated gloves, masks, pencils, etc. One agent should be designated as note-taker. This individual does not wear gloves or handles any evidence Wash hands thoroughly Eating, drinking, applying makeup are strictly prohibited

At the famous LA crime scene involving OJ Simpson, police investigators failed to wear shoe covers. All these footprints were mostly made from police officers. This means they tracked biological hazards on their shoes, to their cars, into their homes.

Are these investigators following the safety procedures?

Anything wrong here?