NCJ Number
200799
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 86,88,92
Editor(s)
Ronnie Garrett
Date Published
June 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article briefly describes some of the hazards modern forensic investigators come in contact with and various ways to prevent and control these potential hazards.
Abstract
It is necessary to guard and protect law enforcement and forensic investigators from potential hazards at a crime scene investigation. Hazards come partly from emergent threats, such as terrorism and clandestine drug operations. However, they can also come from forensic examiners own tools. These hazards include, but are not limited to, bloodborne pathogens, insect-borne diseases, fingerprint powder, biological and chemical waste such as “sharps,” body fluid spills, fingerprint processing chemicals and clan lab products, physical or mechanical hazards such as light sources, inadequate lighting, improper firearm handling and improper or inadequate ventilation, and natural or man-made disasters. Specific safety measures are necessary, regardless of the situation, that include designated safety officers, training, written policies, established protocols, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Other prevention measures reviewed include: (1) material safety data sheets (MSDSs) to document chemicals, their health effects, and their appropriate storage and usage environments; (2) medical monitoring to establish baseline and regularly updated physical information; and (3) decontamination.