Hazardous Materials Incidents by Chris Hawley

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

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Labs Moving Eastward

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

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

10. Chemical Agent Labs • Chemical agent labs • Chemistry setup • Two types • Manufacturing • Condensing

11. Biological Agents Labs • Biology lab equipment • Petri dishes • Incubator

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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

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