NCJ Number
220893
Journal
Forensic Magazine Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: October/November 2007 Pages: 46,48,49
Date Published
October 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the final step in dealing with clandestine laboratories (or clan labs), the clean up, described as the assessment of residual contamination, and proper remediation.
Abstract
After completing the visual inspection, one will more than likely modify the preliminary site assessment (PSA) work plan and the health and safety plans. With the information gathered during review of available reports and careful visual inspection one can accurately delineate areas that will need definite cleaning or remediation, those that need additional assessment or sampling, and those not likely to have been affected. After completing the walk-through, surveys for air and surface contamination, the most appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE), can be determined for future work. This article outlines the first step in cleaning up and remediating a clandestine drug lab property, conducting a preliminary assessment and initial visual inspection and surveys. The next article will continue the remediation process by looking at the next steps of conducting residual remediation and final clearance assessments. A brief summary is provided of the three phase approach for taking the site from discovery to final clean up. The initial phase follows the discovery of the clan lab. The second phase inventories chemicals and wastes and removes gross contamination from the site. The final stage, discussed here, involves testing for contamination left behind and cleaning up the site for reuse or re-occupancy. List of resources included