This information on this page is intended primarily for Police, Fire, Haz-Mat, and Emergency Services teams that are the first to respond to a Methamphetamine lab. The North Metro Task Force has developed an extensive training course with these groups in mind. The materials displayed on this page are from the course, but are suitable for the general public.

For training information please contact The Colorado Regional Community Policing Institute CRCPI at 303.273.1970 or visit their web site. (Please note, these classes are not open to the general public.)

Personal Protective Equipment
Lab Recognition
Safety, Isolation & Notifications
Links

To be safe it's critical to know what the "Exposure Routes of Entry" are when dealing with a Methamphetamine lab. Knowing the dangers will help determine the type of equipment needed when responding to a call. The routes of entry are:

• Inhalation - Most Common
• Absorption - No Warning
• Ingestion - Poor Hygiene
• Contact - Skin and Eyes
• Puncture - Chemical Injection
  

Depending on the situation, the types of protective equipment and their descriptions are as follows:
Level A
	Description: Best Respiratory and skin equipment. Positive pressure SCBA, fully encapsulated chemical protective suit. For unknown skin absorptive material and high splash hazards.
Level B
	Description: High level respiratory protection but less for skin protection. Positive pressure SCBA, hooded chemical resistive clothing. For areas less than 19.5% Oxygen, unidentified gas and vapor and low skin hazard.
Level C
	Description: Modest skin protection. Full or half hooded APR, hooded chemical resistive clothing. For no skin hazards, no unknowns and sufficient oxygen.
Level D
	Description: Ordinary work uniform with minimal protection. Coveralls, proper boots.

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Lab Recognition

Common Locations

• In suburban areas
• In rural areas
• Along transportation routes
• Inside vehicles and conveyances

Lab Related Equipment

• Hardware - Hot plates, pots, pans, tubes, hoses, kitty litter
• Glassware - Chemistry equipment, pots, pans
• Chemicals - Large quantities of Ephedrine and/or Pseudoephedrine, red phosphorous, iodine, or anhydrous ammonia
• Other Equipment - Heat sources like a blow torch for example
• See our Chemicals page
• See our Equipment page
• See our Toxic Waste page

Look For

• Yellow or red staining on walls and fixtures
• Melted pots and pans.
• Large quantities of trash with empty chemical containers
• Bottles or containers with separated fluids (refrigerator or freezer)

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Safety, Isolation & Notifications

Goals for the First Responder

• Protect Life
• Protect Environment
• Protect Property

Phase I:  Entry or Discovery - Police Response

• Secure the Scene
• Notify Fire/Rescue
• Notify NMTF
• REMAIN at the Scene
• Transport Prisoners
• Provide Scene Security
• Suspects - Secure but Do Not place in Police vehicle. Wait for DECON.
• "Cooking" Reactions - Don't touch anything. Evacuate Property. If fire starts, let it burn.

Phase I:  Entry or Discovery - Fire Response

• Contain Fire
• Consider Evacuation
• Notify Haz-Mat Team
• Implement I.C.
• Establish Control Zones
• Setup DECON

Phase II:  Assessment - NMTF & Haz-Mat Team

• Incident Command
• Level "B" PPE
• DECON
• Determine PPE Level
• Brief Processing Team
• Establish Zones - Control Zones are the best method to minimize exposure at a drug lab.

Phase III:  Processing - NMTF & Haz-Mat Team

• Process the scene

Phase IV:  Clean Up and Follow Up

• DEA Contractor Responds for Waste
• Local Building Department Posts Property
• NMTF Case Filing with D.A.'s Office
• NMTF Coordinates with other Govt. Agencies for Assistance (Health, Social Services, etc.)

Incident Documentation

• Date, Time and Location
• Response Personnel & Exposure Times
• Incident Conditions
• Observations and Statements
• Chemical Names
• Weather Conditions, Release Factors
• Actions Taken, Resources Used, Costs
• Casualties, Sample Data, Extraordinary Circumstances
• Statements/Observations of Witnesses
• Diagrams, Photos, Video, Samples

Exposure Records

• 29 CFR 1910.1020(d)(1)(i)(C)(ii)
  • Date, Time, Location & Incident Number
  • Responder's Name
  • Chemical Name
  • Type, Concentration/Duration of Exposure
  • Decon and Medical Aid Given

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Links

• Check List for First Response to a Meth Lab
• "Tweaking" and Safety

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