A gathering of around 100 delegates from emergency services in the Central Goldfields region and beyond, heard that clandestine drug laboratories were a particular risk for emergency personnel.
Delegates from various emergency services attended the recent evening information session on clandestine drug laboratories including CFA District 2 Operations Manager, Trent McKinnon, Rachel Mitchell, SES, Senior Constable Jacquie Hooper, CFA Goldfields Group Group Officer Robert Ipsen, Senior Constable Tracey Harrison and SES united Controller Maryborough SES Jesse Wright.
It was a multi-agency presentation with representatives from local and regional CFA, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, SES and local government.
Presenters from Victoria Police said first responders to fires or car accidents that may involve clandestine drug labs, needed to make an increased assessment of the dangers above what was normal.
There was an extreme risk of fire and/or explosions at that type of incident.
First responders needed to quickly identify the risks and take appropriate action - by upscaling personal protective equipment.
Delegates were told that telltale signs included: occupants had fled; presence of pressure glassware; presence of chemicals (especially inside, or in one room of the house or shed); and presence of heating mantles or elements.
Delegates were told that members should notify their communications centre, request uniformed Victoria Police, and request the Clandestine Drug Squad be advised of the incident and its location.
They asked that CFA members preserve the scene as much as possible during fire suppression activities.
The scene was also dangerous after a fire with the presence of chemicals and reactions that may be caused as a result of the fire.
CFA District 2 Operations Manager Trent McKinnon said all members responding to a pager message should consider the probabilities of the presence of hazardous materials.
"The safety of first responders was paramount - number one," he said.
Members should treat these incidents as a hazmat incident and inform Vicfire. “If you see it, say it,” he said.
Mr McKinnon said these incidents required dynamic risk assessment and until materials were identified, and full hazards were known to adhere to the CFA’s procedures:
Don't enter smoke, gases or vapour clouds;
Approach carefully;
No closer than 70m;
Gather information (use binoculars if necessary).
Examine further, only if necessary, with protective clothing; and
Retreat if necessary.
“Look after ourselves, make the scene safe. Ask for what you need,” he said.
Request a hazmat appliance if necessary.
Goldfields Group Group Officer Robert Ipsen said the presentation was excellent and thanked the presenters. He said it was important to look after the crews on scene.