Guidelines on the Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories and Storage Facilities, etc.

April 20, 2005

DANGEROUS DRUGS BOARD GUIDELINES

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 81(b), Article IX of RA 9165, the following policies and guidelines in the conduct of investigation of clandestine laboratories and storage facilities, custody and disposal of seized substances, and health and safety protection of persons concerned are hereby promulgated:

SECTION 1. Definition of Terms.— As used hereunder, unless the context otherwise requires —

A. "Acute exposure" means a single exposure to hazards occurring in a short period of time causing an immediate noticeable symptom or effect.

B. "APR" means Air Purifying Respirator is a device designed to protect the wearer from the inhalation of harmful substances by removing the contaminants through a filtering medium without providing oxygen for the wearer's use.

C. "Case Officer" is the law enforcement personnel who initiates and pursues the investigation of the case, heads the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Group, and is responsible for the filing of the corresponding cases.

D. "Chronic exposure" means repetitive or continuous exposure to hazards with health effects occurring immediately and after some time.

E. "Clandestine Laboratory" is any facility used for the illegal manufacture of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor or essential chemical. CScTED

F. "Clandestine laboratory investigation" involves the search for the laboratory, the dismantling of the same, and the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the persons responsible for the manufacture of illegal drugs, taking into consideration the health and safety of investigates, observers, and the immediate community.

G. "Combustible" is a chemical property of a substance characterized by having a flash point greater than 100ºF and below 200ºF.

H. "Confined Space" means a space that is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter but has limited access or egress, is not designed for human occupancy, has limited ventilation, and with the risk of producing an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

I. "Contamination" means the process of transferring a hazardous material from its source to people, animals, equipment, or the environment.

J. "Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals" include those listed in Tables I and II of the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances as enumerated in the annexes which are an integral part of RA 9165 and those classified by the Board pursuant to Section 93 of RA 9165.

K. "Control Zones" means the areas associated with a clandestine laboratory which divide the site based on safety and degree of hazard.

L. "Conversion" is a process involving the chemical transformation of a particular substance to a new substance retaining almost all of the properties of the original substance.

M. "Decontamination" is the process of removing or neutralizing contaminants from individuals and equipment.

N. "Emergency" means a sudden and unexpected event calling for immediate action.

O. "Extraction" is a process where a drug is removed from the raw material with the use of solvents.

P. "Hazard" means a substance or combination of substances which may cause injury or death due to the material's concentration, physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics.

Q. "Exposure and Incidents Record (EIR)" — see Section 4B(5)

R. "Hazardous" means capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health and safety.

S. "Investigation" is the collection of facts to determine whether an offense was committed, identify and locate the persons responsible for the commission of the offense and the place where it was committed, and gather evidence for the successful prosecution of the case filed against the suspects.

T. "MSDS" means Material Safety Data Sheet. It is a form provided by manufacturers of chemicals, containing maximum information about chemical composition, physical and chemical properties, health and safety hazards, emergency response procedures, and waste disposal.

U. "Observers" refers to the persons required to be present during the inventory and destruction of seized substances as provided for under Section 21 of RA 9165.

V. "Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)" is an equipment used as a barrier between the hazard and the person.

W. "Processing of clandestine laboratory or storage facility" includes the inventory and taking of photographs of substances and equipment, gathering of samples and pieces of evidence, dismantling of the clandestine laboratory equipment, and removal or transfer of the substances and equipment from the site to another location such as forensic laboratory, evidence room, or authorized disposal or destruction area.

X. "Raiding Team" refers to a group of law enforcement officers who enter the suspected clandestine drug laboratory or storage facility to secure the area and arrest the suspects inside the facility.

Y. "Reagent" refers to any substance which reacts with a precursor but does not become part of the finished product.

Z. "Route of Exposure" means the manner in which a chemical contaminant enters the body (e.g. ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption).

AA. "SCBA" means "Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus".It is a respirator designed to protect the wearer from the inhalation of harmful substances by providing a clean source of air carried by the wearer.

BB. "Site Safety Plan" is a document containing site-specific, criteria or requirements for protecting the health and safety of responders during all activities at a discovered clandestine laboratory or storage facility.

CC. "Solvent" is a substance used to dissolve solid precursor or reagent, to dilute reaction mixtures, and to separate and purify chemicals. A solvent does not react chemically and does not become part of the finished product.

DD. "Synthesis" is the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds, or by the degradation of a complex compound.

SECTION 2. Characteristics of Clandestine Laboratories.—

A. The vast majority of clandestine laboratory chemicals are purchased commercially or imported from other source countries.

B. Chemicals are categorized, as follows:

1. Precursor

2. Reagent TDaAHS

3. Solvent

C. General classification of clandestine laboratories:

1. Extraction

2. Conversion

3. Synthesis

D. Possible location of clandestine laboratories:

1. Industrial Areas

a. Factories

b. Warehouses

2. Urban Areas

a. Residential houses

b. Business establishments

c. Hotels and other lodging facilities

3. Rural Areas

a. Farms

b. Houses and other buildings TEAICc

c. Outdoors concealed/under cover

E. Some indicators or signs of the possible existence of clandestine laboratories

1. Inside or outside residence

a. High fences around the residence

b. Windows covered with newspapers, plywood, black plastic, or any other extraordinary materials

c. Exhaust fans in windows

d. Temporary power lines to structures outside of residence

e. Visible electric cords in unusual places

f. Thick electrical wires going into houses or premises which normally should have ordinary-sized wires

g. Accumulated chemical cans and other containers

h. Unusually large amount of trash

i. Using attack dogs or watch dogs

j. Video surveillance or security cameras

k. Bars on windows and doors

l. Delivery vans parked in front yards

m. Lights on all night

n. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic in and out of the residence, particularly at late hours

o. People taking frequent breaks outside the house to smoke or get away from the chemical environment

p. Unusual odor or color of waste water from the clandestine laboratory draining outside the residence

q. Exhaust fans running continuously AcTHCE

r. Modification to the house (room additions to accommodate a clan lab site)

s. Loud pumping or vacuuming noises coming from the house, especially at odd hours

t. Large water tanks outside the establishment or on the roof

u. Dead or dying trees, plants, and grass in the area exposed to waste liquids or fumes coming out from the premises

v. Excessive or irregular water waste coming out from the premises

w. Waste chemicals dumped on the ground or in nearby streams and rivers

x. Residents never bringing out their trash or burning their own trash inside the compound

y. Visitors with expensive cars

2. Motels — The occupants frequently spend inordinate amounts of time in the rooms and decline maid services. They can be seen smoking outside the room at all hours of the night.

3. Apartments — Renters often use rental apartments to conceal a clandestine laboratory. Neighbors may complain of loud noises, continuous foot traffic at all hours of the day, foul chemical odors, and various noises created by exhaust fans, electric motors, and pumping devices.

4. Clandestine laboratory hazards

a. Operator hazard is a dangerous element in law enforcement. Many clan lab operators use the drugs they manufacture and may be extremely paranoid. Handguns, sawed-off shotguns, and assault rifles are weapons of choice for them.

b. A variety of booby traps are common to clan lab sites. The raiding team should approach all clan lab situations with the assumption that there are booby traps in the sites. There area a number of different types of these devices.

c. Chemical hazard is the most prevalent hazard common to all clan labs. The presence of chemicals in a clan lab operation is an immediate threat to law enforcement officers wherever the lab or storage facility is found. ScAaHE

d. Fire/Explosion hazard may happen with the presence of incompatible flammable chemicals at the clan lab site. Sometimes fire and explosion are the reason for the discovery of clan labs or storage facilities.

SECTION 3. General Guidelines on Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories and Storage Facilities.—

A. All operations involving clandestine laboratories and storage facilities shall be coordinated with and controlled by the PDEA.

B. The investigation shall commence with an intelligence data gathering process to verify the existence of the clandestine laboratory or storage facility and to identify the persons involved in its operations. The intelligence operations shall be appropriately documented by reports supported by sketches, maps, photographs and other relevant pieces of evidence.

C. The Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Group shall be composed of the following:

1. Group Commander/Case Officer

2. Raiding Team — serves as entering and arresting party

3. Security Team — provides perimeter security, manages traffic and crowd control, and controls entry and exit points aEDCSI

4. Assessment Team — performs tasks enumerated in Section 4(3) hereof

5. Processing Team — performs tasks enumerated in Section 4(4) hereof

6. General Support Team — provides administrative support

7. Emergency and Evacuation Team — responsible for emergency situations, immediate medical assistance, and evacuation of injured persons.

D. The assessment and processing of a clandestine laboratory or storage facility shall only be undertaken by PDEA-certified clandestine laboratory personnel. Each assessment or processing team shall be composed of members with the following qualifications:

1. Certified as Clandestine Laboratory Officer (CLO) for having undergone the basic clandestine laboratory training course or its equivalent; or

2. Certified as Site Safety Officer (SSO) for having undergone the site safety seminar or its equivalent.

E. The PDEA shall train enough personnel to ensure that there will at least be one (1) clandestine laboratory team for every region. This team shall be available on an "on-call basis" whenever a clandestine laboratory or storage facility is discovered.

F. Training of Clandestine Laboratory Officers shall be undertaken by the PDEA.

G. Training of Site Safety Officers shall be undertaken by the PDEA through a training program jointly developed by the PDEA and the DOLE.

H. No site containing hazardous chemicals shall be processed unless a Site Safety Officer is present

I. Under no circumstance shall any person deliberately use his or her sense of smell, taste, or touch to identify suspected dangerous drugs, chemicals or hazardous materials or substances.

J. Entry into a clandestine drug laboratory shall only be made using a PPE until air monitoring has shown that the same is no longer necessary. The Site Safety Officer shall make this decision.

K. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the clandestine laboratory site.

L. Observers shall be informed of the hazards in the clandestine laboratory and shall be required to wear appropriate PPE.

SECTION 4. Health and Safety Precautions when Raiding and Processing Clandestine Laboratories and Chemical Storage Facilities.—

A. In the conduct of raids in clandestine laboratories and chemical storage facilities, the following shall be observed:

1. Pre-raid. — The Case Officer shall conduct a pre-raid briefing for all members of the raiding team prior to entry. During the briefing, health and safety issues shall be discussed and the necessary, protective equipment shall be decided upon. No member of the team shall be allowed to enter the scene without being provided a health and safety briefing.

2. Entry. — Precautionary measures shall be taken during entry to ensure the safety of all members of the team. Once the building has been cleared of suspects, the Case Officer shall direct the pre-assessment or assessment phase to begin utilizing proper safety equipment as determined by the Site Safety Officer. All members of the raiding team shall proceed to the decontamination site for decontamination after the operation. HAISEa

3. Assessment. — This phase shall include the following:

a. Determining the level of personal protective equipment required;

b. Identifying and/or verifying site hazards for known or suspected hazardous conditions;

c. Deactivating laboratory equipment and ventilating, as needed;

d. Informing the Case Officer of all observed chemicals and perceived hazards;

e. Reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),if necessary; and

f. Using the above information to establish site control zones and determine the level of PPE needed for the next phase. PPE required for certain conditions shall be determined by the Site Safety Officer. Air monitoring instruments shall be used to determine whether respiratory protection is no longer necessary. DAEICc

The members of the assessment team shall proceed to the decontamination site for decontamination after the assessment.

4. Processing. — This phase shall include the following:

a. Taking of videos and still photographs of the site prior to dismantling.

1) Photographs of all samples shall be taken together with the original containers;

2) Photographs shall be taken of items to be removed from the scene as evidence; and

3) Photographs shall be taken of any item from which latent prints were taken.

b. Preparing a diagram of the site;

c. Collecting evidence;

d. Follow all the guidelines outlined on evidence sampling, transporting and storage; and

e. Seal all latent print cards or other appropriate containers at the scene in polyethylene evidence pouches prior to submission to the fingerprint laboratory.

The members of the processing team shall proceed to the decontamination site for decontamination after the assessment.

5. Decontamination — A decontamination plan needs to be developed and put into use prior to starting an investigation of a clandestine laboratory scene. All personnel working in the area shall follow the decontamination plan. This may be a full decontamination sequence, or a modified version, depending on the resources available at the site and the amount of contamination encountered. Decontamination shall take place as soon as personnel are leaving the lab scene. (See Annex "A" Decontamination Procedures")

B. Other Requirements

1. Emergency Action Plan — An Emergency Action Plan shall be followed by law enforcers involved in securing and/or dismantling clandestine laboratories should emergency situations arise. If a person is insured or has suffered from a chemical or physical exposure, he shall receive immediate medical attention. The injured person shall be decontaminated to the greatest extent possible and emergency personnel must be notified. If the clandestine site contains potential hazards where specialized emergency rescuee is required (i.e. confined space rescue),an emergency response team trained in this type of emergency will be notified and be on site before work at the clandestine laboratory investigation starts. SCHIcT

2. Emergency Equipment. — It is imperative that equipment essential to containing, extinguishing, or abating a hazard at a clandestine lab is made available. If emergency equipment is not available at the clandestine lab site, personnel may not enter the contaminated area. Equipment and materials used for emergencies shall include:

a. Emergency eyewash

b. Emergency sower

c. First aid kit

d. Fire extinguisher (Rated for type A, B, and C fires)

e. Material safety data sheets (MSDS)

f. Absorbent materials

3. Evacuation. — In the event that evacuation of the clandestine laboratory site is necessary a rendezvous point must be pre-selected. All evacuation routes shall be determined before anybody is allowed to enter the contaminated area. Evacuation routes shall be clearly marked indicating safe routes out of the area. For confined space entries, additional precautions may be necessary.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).— A Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be provided by the organization and used by all personnel involved in securing and dismantling clandestine drug laboratories, and chemical storage facilities. PPE selection shall be based on:

a. Chemicals found at the scene;

b. Route(s) of entry into the body;

c. Concentration(s) of contaminants in the air;

d. Location of the hazardous area;

e. Period of time for which respiratory protection may be provided;

f. Physical characteristics, functional capabilities and limitations of various types of respirators; and

g. Respirator protection factor and respirator fit. — This can range from Air Purifying Respirators (APRs) to Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).Decisions regarding the selection of PPE shall be made by the Site Safety Officer (SSO).It shall be the responsibility of the SSO to determine when it is appropriate to upgrade or downgrade required PPE. TDAcCa

The following guidelines for using PPE shall be observed:

a. Law enforcers shall' wear tight-fit respirators with organic vapor cartridges;

b. Respirators are to be regularly cleaned and disinfected;

c. Respirators must be stored in a clean, dry area, wrapped in a plastic bag; and

d. Respirators must be replaced when there is difficulty of breathing due to resistance from filter overload or from defective respirators or when external odor or taste is experienced.

5. Exposure and Incident Records (EIR) — The EIR is a site-specific document which provides a chronological compilation of hazards and chemical information as it is developed through the course of the investigation. An EIR form shall be accomplished for each clandestine laboratory investigation. The EIR form is used to document:

a. Field activities of the personnel;

b. Duty assignments;

c. Level of protection worn by the personnel;

d. Information used for future medical evaluation and/or epidemiological research; and

e. Air monitoring results

6. Personnel Exposures/Incidents — If any enforcement officer or any other personnel involved in dismantling a clandestine drug lab site is exposed to hazardous chemicals that affected the health of the person, an incident form shall be completed and the personnel shall be transported to the nearest hospital capable of treating the exposure. (See Annex "B" — Medical Surveillance Program)

a. A list of chemicals known or suspected. to be present in the drug lab shall be brought along with the injured personnel to the hospital so that proper treatment can be rendered.

b. The investigation plan shall include details of specific procedures for prompt medical attention in the field. However, by the nature of some chemical exposures, delayed effects may be felt or observed several days after the initial exposure. The personnel's supervisor is responsible for ensuring prompt medical treatment.

7. Confined Space Entry Procedures — There are times clandestine drug labs are found buried underground, or enclosed in such a way that entering them requires utilizing a small crawl space. Entering these types of labs requires information on Confined Space Entry Procedure (Annex "C' ). aAHSEC

Any confined space found at a clandestine drug lab shall always be considered as hazardous since the manufacture of methamphetamine or other illicit drugs use hazardous chemicals. A danger sign or danger tape shall be placed around the entrance of the confined space, alerting personnel of its existence and location.

8. Air Monitoring Equipment — A direct reading air monitoring instrument provides information necessary to make decisions regarding a personnel's potential exposure level and can aid in determining what PPE to use.

The following instruments shall be used to provide on-going air monitoring information concerning hazards at the scene.

a. Combustible gas indicators/oxygen deficiency and carbon monoxide meters; and

b. Calorimetric indicator tubes for the following acids: sulfuric, hydrochloric and nitric.

SECTION 5. Preservation of Clandestine Laboratory Evidence.—

In order to ensure that the clandestine laboratory evidence are properly preserved, the following measures, in addition to those found in Annex "D",shall be strictly observed:

1. All pieces of evidence shall be handled and processed having in mind the possibility of lifting latent prints.

2. Any evidence on hand shall not be moved unless first photographed or videotaped. The photograph or videotape shall contain the date/time, sequence, and a narration including a complete description of the vehicle, location, etc. The film shall be retained as evidence.

3. Once the pieces of evidence have been processed, the bulk chemicals and any contaminated laboratory hardware, including glasswares, shall be preserved in the clandestine laboratory until after the ocular inspection by the court.

4. All documents found in the laboratory shall be preserved in their totality. They shall also be examined for fingerprints.

5. The Case Officer shall determine what items need to be collected at the scene and he shall also be responsible to ensure that all pieces of evidence are properly marked for identification and transported after analysis from the laboratory to the storage facility. He shall also ensure that all pieces of evidence are stored safely and disposed of according to law. aDHCEA

6. In case of possible actual environmental leakage of chemicals in the laboratory or any incident that would endanger public health and safety, guidelines developed by the DOH and DENR as per Republic Act 6969 shall be followed.

SECTION 6. Custodial Handling of Suspects or Arrested Persons:

A. The occupants shall be removed from the clandestine laboratory and transferred to a more secured area, away from the laboratory.

B. If the occupants have been or are to be arrested, the arresting officer shall consider including their stained or contaminated clothing as evidence of manufacturing drugs.

C. During the search, all documents, bags of suspected drugs or anything else that may have evidentiary value shall be taken and turned over to the evidence custodian. All documents shall be handled properly for fingerprint evidence. Beware of contamination.

D. Admissions, comments, or unsolicited remarks by the defendants shall be noted.

E. If the suspects express interest in cooperating with the law enforcers, the Case Officer or his designated representative shall interview them as quickly as possible.

F. The suspects shall be kept separated from each other during tactical interrogation, prior to detention.

G. Physical abnormalities on the suspects that may have been caused by chemical burns, broken glassware, etc. shall be observed. Photograph them and label accordingly.

H. Their physical condition shall be checked. Have suspects undergo physical examination by medical authorities.

SECTION 7. Health and Safety Precautions During Disposal and Destruction of Seized Substances and Chemicals.—

A. A designated Site Safety Officer shall give briefings to all concerned parties, witnesses and observers prior to the actual disposal and destruction of seized substances and chemicals.

B. Appropriate PPE shall be provided to all concerned parties including the witnesses and observers. CTacSE

C. The concerned officials shall also implement applicable provisions of DDB Regulations or issuances pertaining to the proper disposition and destruction of such items pursuant to Section 21(4) of RA 9165.

SECTION 8. Effectivity.— These guidelines shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Done in Quezon City this 20th day of April 2005.

Published in The Manila Times on July 1, 2005.

ANNEX A

DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES

Decontamination is a means of removing and/or neutralizing contaminants on personnel and equipment when exiting the hot zone. Since contamination is not always seen, these procedures are utilized to protect the personnel to ensure that contamination is kept at the site. A decontamination plan shall be developed and put into use prior to the beginning of an investigation at a clandestine laboratory scene. All personnel working in the hot zone shall be decontaminated. This shall be a full decontamination sequence, or a modified version, depending on the resources available at the site and the amount of contamination encountered. Decontamination shall take place as soon as personnel are exiting the lab scene. All personnel working in the decontamination zone shall review the decontamination procedures before starting to work at the clandestine lab site begins so that they can quickly and safely exit the hot zone. EaScHT

Decontamination items include:

1. Fresh water;

2. Showers;

3. Soap and mild detergent;

4. Scrub brushes;

5. Wading pools;

6. Water sprayers for rinsing;

7. Eye wash; and

8. Paper towels.

An emergency vehicle containing a minimum of the above equipment shall be present at all clandestine lab sites where personnel has to touch any item that contains more than one ounce of liquid, or powder chemicals that could spill onto him and cause damage to his skin.

When responding to a clandestine lab where the emergency response vehicle is not present, a local source of water shall be used. Since many clandestine drug labs may be found in remote locations, it shall be the responsibility of the Site Safety Officer to ensure that the water is safe for use in decontamination.

Decontamination sequences, whether full or modified, shall be performed in a manner that does not allow the exposed skin of concerned personnel to possibly come in contact with contaminated clothing.

Decontamination sequences shall include:

1. Washing and scrubbing outer garments to remove noticeable contamination or removal and discard of disposable garments, such as gloves and boots;

2. Rinsing outer garments with clean water;

3. Removal of SCBA (Level B);

4. Washing and rinsing of the personnel's air purifying respirator and self contained breathing apparatus;

5. Wiping down air monitoring instrumentation;

6. Removal of all duct tape;

7. Removal of outer boon and gloves;

8. Rolling down and removing suit, without touching outside of garment;

9. Removal of APR or face-piece from SCBA;

10. Removal of inner gloves without touching outside of gloves; and

11. Washing hands and face.

All personnel shall familiarize themselves with the decontamination and removal of PPE to avoid accidental exposure. Anyone working in the decontamination area shall decontaminate himself or herself once all other personnel who have been working in the hot zone are through. All used decontamination solutions shall be disposed of by the hazardous waste hauler. A decontamination line, shall be established to allow personnel leaving the exclusion zone to move from a greater too lesser a contaminated area. They shall remove the most contaminated items first and the less contaminated items last.

To prevent contamination to a receiving law enforcement officer or personnel, all suspects and persons found at the scene shall be decontaminated to the fullest extent possible. Contaminated clothing shall be removed. Transporting officers shall also be notified of any prisoner who may be contaminated.

ANNEX B

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

Monitoring the health status of personnel may detect the early stages of a possible work-related illness. Personnel shall not be allowed to participate in illegal drug laboratory investigation unless medically certified by a physician.

The objectives of this program shall be to provide:

1. Recognition of medical problems at the earliest opportunity in order for corrective action to be implemented;

2. Identify illnesses that may be aggravated by exposure to hazardous substances, physical agents, or other job-related factors;

3. Immediate attention from injuries due to overexposure from an emergency incident involving hazardous substances; and

4. Identify personnel who may be at risk from the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators and protective clothing.

The medical examination shall include as a minimum:

1. Occupational/medical history;

2. Physical examination;

3. Blood chemistry screening;

4. Pulmonary function and spirometry testing;

5. Exercise/stress testing as deemed necessary by a physician; and

6. Baseline chest x-ray (prior to assignment).

Medical examinations and consultations shall be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician, preferably an occupational physician. Examinations shall be provided:

1. Prior to assignment;

2. Every 12 months;

3. At termination of employment or reassignment outside of the clandestine laboratory enforcement group;

4. Post-episodic or emergency medical care; and

5. At more frequent times, if the physician deems it necessary.

At the completion of the examination, the physician shall provide the immediate supervisor of the concerned personnel with confidential written opinion. In turn, the immediate supervisor shall provide this opinion to the personnel concerned.

ANNEX C

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES

Monitoring for Hazards at a Confined Space

Before entering a confined space, the atmosphere of the space shall be monitored for oxygen content, flammability, and levels of toxic contaminants. Conditions are deemed hazardous and entry shall not be allowed when;

1. Oxygen content is less than 19.5% or greater than 23.5%;

2. Flammable gas, vapor, or mist is in excess of 10 percent of its Lower Explosive Limit (LEL);and

3. Airborne toxic contaminants are at levels considered to be immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH).

If any of the above conditions exist, ventilation of the space shall be required before entry. Continuous monitoring for flammable gas and oxygen content shall be performed at all times while the team is in the space. If any of the above conditions arise after entry has been made, personnel shall exit the space immediately and ventilate the space until air monitoring verifies conditions which are acceptable for re-entry.

General Requirements for Entry

Once conditions of the confined space have been monitored and is acceptable for entry, an entry team consisting of at least two lab-certified individuals shall enter the space. All entry teams shall enter on a "buddy system".An attendant shall stay outside the confined space entrance in constant communication with the entrants, and shall be equipped with an SCBA to aid in rescue of the entrants in case of an emergency. Downgrading to level C personal protective equipment shall only be allowed once it is verified that the potential for a hazardous atmosphere no longer exists.

An entry supervisor shall also be available during entry of a confined space. In situations where an attendant and an entry supervisor are not both available, the attendant shall also act as the entry supervisor.

Training Requirements

Personnel shall be lab-certified and have an understanding of the recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards associated with a confined space. Training topics for all personnel working with a confined space shall include:

1. Atmosphere monitoring and ventilation;

2. Confined space communication;

3. Emergency, self rescue, and rescue operations;

4. Hazard communication-MSDS;

5. Hazard recognition and control;

6. Injury and illness.

Personnel Duties

Personnel performing the following duties shall be free from other duties or tasks which could interfere with their ability to function properly in a confined space.

Authorized entrants shall:

1. Be familiar with confined space hazards at a clandestine lab;

2. Be able to properly use personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment; CDAHaE

3. Communicate with attendant as necessary;

4. Alert attendant of dangerous/prohibited conditions; and

5. Exit as quickly as possible when necessary.

Attendants shall:

1. Know hazards that may exist in the confined space;

2. Be aware of behavioral effect of hazard exposure on entrants.

3. Maintain accurate count of entrants;

4. Remain outside space until relieved by another attendant;

5. Stay inconstant communication with entrants;

6. Monitor inside and outside activities for safety, evacuate if necessary;

7. Summon emergency/rescued service if necessary;

8. Prohibit unauthorized entry;

9. Perform non-entry rescue.

Entry Supervisor shall:

1. Verify that all aspects of permit are in place before allowing entry;

2. Sign entry permit to authorize entry; STIcEA

3. Determine that acceptable entry conditions are maintained;

4. Terminate entry and cancel permit as necessary;

5. Verify available rescue services;

6. Remove unauthorized personnel;

7. Complete and sign entry permit, and post where visible to entrants.

Rescue/Emergency

Confined space rescue and emergency services shall be required to be on-site for a confined space rescue. Personnel who provide theme services shall be trained specifically in confined space rescue, and be CPR and First Aid certified.

ANNEX D

PRESERVATION OF CLANDESTINE LABORATORY EVIDENCE

1. Only investigators who are clandestine laboratory certified and equipped with clandestine laboratory gears shall handle the inventory of evidence. There shall be no exemption.

2. Before any evidence is moved, it shall first be photographed or videotaped. The photograph or videotape shall contain the date/time, sequence, and a narration including a complete description of the vehicle, location, etc. The film shall be retained as evidence.

3. Once the pieces of evidence have been removed from the vehicle and/or from its original containers, it shall be photographed again.

4. Individual pieces of evidence shall then be processed. A written inventory, as well as a photograph/video inventory, shall be conducted.

5. Extra care shall be taken with chemical evidence. Identification of the contents of a given container should not be dependent on the labels. Any container found in the scene shall not be opened. Only the experts are allowed to handle it.

6. Evidence collection is vital to the successful prosecution of a person charged with manufacturing an illicit drug. Therefore, it is essential that selected items of evidence are properly collected and packaged. To ensure that this task is accomplished, the Case Officer shall determine what items needs to be collected at the scene. Specific collection requirements include the following:

a. Chemical evidence shall be sub-sampled and if possible, samples shall be placed in new screw-cap sample bottles,

b. Sampling shall be done with pipettes. A new pipette shall be used with each different sample. The pipettes shall be discarded properly.

c. Each sub-sample shall be photographed next to its parent container with proper labeling as to exhibit number, case number and date. IaAScD

d. No more than one ounce of a hazardous liquid or solid shall be placed into an inner sample container (which shall be transported from one location to another).

e. Sealing each of the inner sample containers in a chemical resistant evidence pouch is a must.

f. The samples shall be transported from the scene to the forensic laboratory as soon as possible.

g. The Case Officer shall be responsible to ensure that all pieces of evidence is properly marked for identification.

h. The Case Officer shall be responsible in ensuring that all pieces of non-drug evidence are stored safely based on existing regulations.

7. Once the piece of evidence have been processed, the bulk chemicals and any contaminated laboratory hardware including glassware, shall be preserved in the clandestine laboratory until after the ocular inspection by the court.

8. Fingerprint dusting and lifting shall be undertaken because they are usually very productive on laboratory hardware, especially on glassware.

9. A sample of oil from any vacuum pump shall be removed from the oil reservoir and preserved.

10. In case of vehicle search, the following shall be undertaken:

a. The vehicle shall be kept in its original location, if possible.

b. If condition warrants, and the vehicle must be moved, its contents shall not be disturbed. Moving the contents should be left to the experts because chemicals are dangerous.

c. A photograph of the laboratory inside the vehicle shall be taken before removing the laboratory equipment/apparatus and chemicals from the vehicle.

d. Once the laboratory equipment/apparatus and chemicals have been removed, and the vehicle environment rendered safe, continue searching the vehicle.

e. Any document that may be of evidentiary value should be collected. Wearing of gloves is a must since they may be chemically contaminated.

f. All pieces of evidence shall be considered for fingerprinting examination and shall be preserved separately.

g. To check for the presence of hidden or false compartments, the following should be checked:

1) Wires or hidden switches to open secret compartments.

2) Freshly worn screw head along possible concealment areas. DaAISH

3) New screws or other types of fasteners on older vehicles.

4) Fresh paints, undercoating or other material that could be used to seal or disguise a hidden compartment.

f. The vehicle shall be measured/studied for modification or hidden compartments, such as the thickness of the pick-up bed; the space between the inside of the cab, and the bottom of the truck. AaDSTH

g. The vehicle seats shall be removed, especially rear seats. Seat backs, quarter panel, tire well, fenders, and air conditioner housing shall be examined for hidden compartments.

Published in The Manila Times on July 1, 2005.