Methamphetamines and Worker Safety

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Sharon Gordon
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1 Methamphetamines and Worker Safety May 09, 2006 Afton Wagner, Programs Field Representative Calvin Kelley, Programs Field Representative OKDHS Children and Family Services Division PO Box Oklahoma City, OK (405) Worker Safety and Meth When engaging clients involved in the manufacturing of Methamphetamine there are risks CW staff must be must be aware of in order to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of their clients. 1

2 Risks to CW Staff Exposure to Toxic Chemicals Toxic fumes Risk of fire and explosion Weapons Bh Behaviors can be unpredictable ditbl due to Cognitive Impairment Psychosis Risk to Children All physical risks previously discussed. Parental behavior under the influence: poor judgment, confusion, irritability, paranoia, violence Inadequate supervision Inconsistent parenting Chaotic home life 2

3 Risk to Children (contd.) Second-hand smoke exposure Accidental Ingestion of drug or ingredients used to make the drug Possibility of abuse HIV exposure from needle use by parent Chronic Neglect Household may lack food, water, utilities Children may lack medical care, dental care, immunizations Greater risk of sexual abuse if parent has multiple partners Methamphetamine What is it? A drug with immense abuse potential Commonly known as speed, meth, crank, crystal meth, glass, ice, the poor man s cocaine A CNS stimulant of the amphetamine family A powerful upper that produces alertness & elation lti Effects are much longer lasting than cocaine 3

4 Meth vs. Cocaine Meth is cheaper than cocaine The body metabolizes it more slowly making the effects last much longer Meth effects can last 10x longer than cocaine Meth binges can last up to 7 days while cocaine rarely last more than 72 hours Meth Labs Illicit meth on the streets is derived from two sources; clandestine laboratories and imports from super labs Clandestine Labs are typically small, utilizing common household appliances, glassware, and chemicals to produce meth. Super Labs are found both in the United States and in Mexico. 4

However, all production have in common: Many chemicals used are caustic or corrosive, some create noxious

5 Meth Production There are many variations in production procedures for meth. Each method has its own dangers. However, all production have in common: Many chemicals used are caustic or corrosive, some create noxious & harmful fumes Many chemicals found in household items such as lantern fuel, cleaners, acetone, muriatic acid, and diet pills How great is the risk? Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs 5

Enhanced/expanded training to inform staff of risks involved with the manufacturing of

6 Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs OKDHS Response to Methamphetamine Epidemic Developed Policies and Procedures designed to insure staff and client safety. Enhanced/expanded training to inform staff of risks involved with the manufacturing of Methamphetamines. Enhancement of ftraining i to assist staff ffin understanding the disease process and dynamics. 6

7 Safety Precautions for Cases where Meth Production or use is Suspected Investigations in which there are allegations of Methamphetamine use or production are not initiated without the assistance of Law Enforcement. If new allegations of Methamphetamine use or productions are received in an ongoing case the same precautions are taken as in an investigation. Collaboration CW staff maintain regular contact with law enforcement to stay informed about the most current indicators of Methamphetamine production. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control information flyers are kept in supply in each county office. 7

8 Indicators of Meth Production Some of the indicators of Meth use and production identified by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control are: Strong odors re: unusual chemicals such as ether, ammonia, or acetone Little or no traffic around the home during the day, but significant activity during very late hours Extra efforts made to cover windows or to reinforce doors; Trash not put out for collection; Indicators of Meth Production (contd.) Significant accumulation of items such as cooking dishes, coffee filters, or bottles that do not appear to be for regular household use; Presence of unusual quantities of chemicals; Outbuildings, hotel and motel rooms, apartments, storage sheds, garages, and vacant buildings are all common places where methamphetamine is produced; and Vehicles loaded with laboratory materials or chemicals. 8

9 Initiation of Investigation The CW worker, in initiating an investigation alleging use or production of Methamphetamine: Requests law enforcement to accompany him or her; Remains in the car until law enforcement has determined that the residence is safe to enter; and Does not enter circumstances when there is evidence of a Methamphetamine the residence under any laboratory. Presence of Meth Lab When evidence of a Methamphetamine laboratory either outside or inside the residence is encountered, the CW worker: Does not enter any residence where there is any evidence of Methamphetamine laboratory materials or chemicals on the property; Discreetly but immediately leaves the residence if he or she unknowingly enters a home in which there is evidence of a Methamphetamine laboratory, and drives to a safe location to contact law enforcement; and Follows decontamination procedures as discussed in next section 9

10 Decontamination If there is any exposure to a Meth lab decontamination procedures are followed. Cover car seats and floorboards with plastic covering and wash hands with soap and water before touching the steering wheel; Go to a safe location to change clothes and place the dirty clothes in a plastic trash sack. All exposed skin surfaces should be washed with soap and water. Wash any items carried idinto the home with ihsoap and water; and Make every effort not to touch any surface until the skin has been wiped with disinfectant wipes or items washed with soap and water. Basic Safety Equipment Items a cellular phone, whenever possible; one change of clothing; clean towels surgical gloves for handling children that may be injured or exposed to Meth disinfectant hand wipes; plastic trash bags for covering car seats and floorboards, and for carrying clothes that may need decontamination; and dust masks to limit breathing of chemical or other fumes. 10

11 Safety Precautions for Children who most likely been exposed Prearrange an agreement with law enforcement to handle decontamination for children Law enforcement will transport children Whenever possible, children are taken immediately for medical exams. If not the same day, then arrangements will be made as soon as possible CW Worker Education in Safety Protocol CW staff are trained in Safety Protocol by OKDHS programs staff and Law Enforcement Personnel in safety procedures Basic Worker Safety in CORE Substance Abuse Level I Substance Abuse Level II Substance Abuse Level III 11

12 CW Staff Training Training materials should provide staff the opportunity to; Develop skills in recognizing i the signs and stages of drug use on a continuum Understand of the dynamics of substance abusing families Signs, stages and levels of abuse; pharmacological effects Short and long term effects of substance abuse CW Staff Training (contd.) Understand how assessment tools aid in formulating an effective treatment plan (SASSI) Improve their communication skills and utilization of assessment tools Dual diagnosis of abusers, Assess whether or not there is a concern of use If Meth use has been an issue what are the client s needs for intervention What are the risks of relapse 12

13 CW Staff Training (contd.) What are the available intervention resources and how does the client access What are the ongoing community supports and how does the client access Treatment modalities, Appropriate goal setting and How to avoid burnout when dealing with abusers Staff should be given instruction regarding communication with service providers Implications for Practice Prepare staff for working with clients engaged in the use and/or manufacturing of Methamphetamine through; Development of standardized protocol Training Collaboration with community partners and Law Enforcement 13

Methamphetamine and Clandestine Drug Labs. Firefighter Safety

Methamphetamine and Clandestine Drug Labs Firefighter Safety 1 Introduction Once thought of as a west coast problem, methamphetamine use and clandestine drug labs are becoming more popular on the east