the vbied cheap and dangerous - global incident map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and...

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Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected] The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous According to Robert Baer, a former US Central Intelligence Agency officer assigned to Middle East, building a vehicle borne explosive device (VBIED) is not rocket science, just about anyone can make a car bomb. Points to consider: Mr. Baer wrote in a recent article that designs are available on the Internet. He noted that Karl Armstrong, the man who blew up a University of Wisconsin building in 1970, found the formula for his fertilizer car bomb in the Encyclopedia Britannica. While a car bomb can be made with sophisticated explosives, it can also be crafted with simple everyday ingredients. To build a car bomb, all you need a vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle bombs indiscriminately against many targets including first responders, has become a weapon of choice for terrorists worldwide, becoming the daily fare of the nightly news changing the whole notion of conventional war. This is because they are a low cost, low technology, low risk weapon that is readily available, requiring little training, leaves no trace behind, striking fear into the general population. Their success depends upon an element of surprise, as well as accessibility to targeted areas or populations. Consider that emergency personnel should always maintain a “situational awareness” of their surroundings, and should remember that secondary devices are a favorite terrorist tactic, often planned to detonate shortly after emergency personnel arrive on scene, targeting the responders. October 20, 2010 Dubbed the “Trojan Horse” of terror the vehicle borne explosive device (VBIED) has been used indiscriminately against many targets including first responders. Due to the availability of the large numbers of easily hijacked vehicles they have become a weapon of choice for many terrorists worldwide, because they can conceal a large amount of explosives, using cars, trucks or even bicycles.

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Page 1: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

 

The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous

According to Robert Baer, a former US Central Intelligence Agency officer assigned to Middle East, building a vehicle borne explosive device (VBIED) is not rocket science, just about anyone can make a car bomb. Points to consider: Mr. Baer wrote in a recent article that designs are available on the Internet. He noted that Karl Armstrong, the man who blew up a University of Wisconsin building in 1970, found the formula for his fertilizer car bomb in the Encyclopedia Britannica. While a car bomb can be made with sophisticated explosives, it can also be crafted with simple everyday ingredients. To build a car bomb, all you need a vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle bombs indiscriminately against many targets including first responders, has become a weapon of choice for terrorists worldwide, becoming the daily fare of the nightly news changing the whole notion of conventional war. This is because they are a low cost, low technology, low risk weapon that is readily available, requiring little training, leaves no trace behind, striking fear into the general population. Their success depends upon an element of surprise, as well as accessibility to targeted areas or populations. Consider that emergency personnel should always maintain a “situational awareness” of their surroundings, and should remember that secondary devices are a favorite terrorist tactic, often planned to detonate shortly after emergency personnel arrive on scene, targeting the responders.

October 20, 2010

 

Dubbed the “Trojan Horse” of terror the vehicle borne explosive device (VBIED) has been used indiscriminately against many targets including first responders. Due to the availability of the large numbers of easily hijacked vehicles they have become a weapon of choice for many terrorists worldwide, because they can conceal a large amount of explosives, using cars, trucks or even bicycles.

Page 2: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

Chemical Plants Make Tempting Targets For Terror China’s public safety officials recently said that ninety people were hospitalized recently after industrial gas leaked out of the Qianwei Chemical Co., Ltd plant, in Xinyu City’s hi-tech park. Points to consider: Hazardous materials are in wide use today their dangers lurk in every nook and cranny from transportation to storage and use of these materials. According to congressional researchers chemical facilities are at the top of the terrorists’ target list. Many of these potentially deadly facilities are located close to the nation’s largest population centers, and experts fear these facilities could be attractive targets for terrorists. If released, these toxic chemicals could cause poison gas clouds. Consider that the dangers from chemical plant mishaps are clear; terrorists could cause thousands, even millions, of deaths by sabotaging or attacking one of the 15,000 industrial chemical plants across the US.

International Campaign Targets Counterfeit Pills Recently in an operation that was part of an international campaign called Pangea 3 resulted in at least 14,000 suspected counterfeit pills to be seized in Israel. Points to consider: The operation conducted by Israel’s Health Ministry’s pharmaceutical fraud unit, Customs Authority and the Israeli Police was part of a forty-five country joint effort to prevent drug smuggling of counterfeit and illegal drugs. According to experts the counterfeiting and theft of prescription drugs is an illegal business that is growing fast and potentially funding terrorism. The most common route for these stolen or counterfeit drugs is down to Latin America, or sometimes Asia, often for sale on the black market. Consider that experts point to a larger trend of high-stakes heists across the country involving millions of dollars worth of pharmaceutical shipments. The theft of prescription drugs, from blood thinners to insulin, “has exploded in the last five years,” a professor at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy and an expert in prescription drug theft and diversion, recently said.

AQAP’s E-Magazine Calls For Attacks The second edition of "Inspire", al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s (AQAP) English-language publication urged Muslims in western countries to carry out random terrorist attacks.

Points to consider: The 74-page English-language publication, is produced by the Yemen-based wing of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), is said to be an extension of an already popular online Arabic magazine Sada al-Malahim (Echo of the Battle). It is aimed at western readers urged attacks in "Israel, the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Denmark, Holland and other countries where the government and public sentiment is in support of the occupation of Palestine. (For more information on “Inspire”, refer to TVR 7.7.10). Furthermore, be aware the Yemen-based terrorist group has made many statements this year indicating a continuing intent to attack western targets resulting in Saudi Arabia’s intelligence services to warn of this new terror threat, and Australia to raise its travel warning for Yemen to its highest possible level, saying there was a "very high threat of terrorist attack," which came just days after President Obama warning that al-Qaeda continues to use the Arabian peninsula's poorest nation (Yemen), along with other places, as a platform from which to pursue its "murderous agenda".

      Certificate in Terrorism Studies: While security risks are at their highest, education into this important subject is rarely available to the majority. This renowned on-line course from the University of St Andrews fills the knowledge gap, enabling participants to prepare to meet the challenges and risks of evolving terrorist techniques; all that is needed is an Internet connection. For full details visit: www.terrorismstudies.com/LR0055NE1L1

Page 3: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

The New Terror Front FBI Director Robert Mueller told a Senate Homeland Security Committee that groups and individuals inspired by al-Qaeda are switching to smaller scale attacks. Points to consider:

According to Director Mueller, these attacks are easier to plan and carry out, involve fewer people, can be put together more quickly, and are more difficult to detect and disrupt. "Groups affiliated with al-Qaeda are now actively targeting the United States and looking to use Americans or Westerners who are able to remain undetected by heightened security measures," FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Consider that in his book “Leaderless Jihad”, Dr. Marc Sageman, a former CIA officer, argues that, "the present threat has evolved from a structured group of al-Qaeda masterminds controlling vast resources and issuing commands to a multitude of informal groups trying to emulate their predecessors by conceiving and executing operations from the bottom up. These “homegrown wannabes” form a scattered global network, a “leaderless jihad." Once they have been recruited, indoctrinated and prepared, their lust for "martyrdom" which permeates the middle and lower levels of al-Qaeda make those terrorists difficult to deter.

Bomb Squad Called To Storage Unit The bomb squad was called to an abandoned unit at Simply Storage in Norwood, OH recently after police found items that could be used to make bombs present in the unit. Points to consider: Police continue to look for suspects after finding various wires, chemicals, timing devices and a book on how to make explosives. Consider that experts point out that these facilities can afford flexibility and cover to terrorists engaged in preoperational activities with limited risk of arousing suspicion. Records from multiple investigations, foiled plots, and past terrorist attacks show that in the past terrorists have used commercial storage facilities, including self-storage units, to store explosives or other supplies prior to attacks

Authorities Investigate Explosion Police investigators are seeking the person responsible for planting and igniting an explosive device under a car parked at the Cross Creek Apartments in Central, SC recently. Points to consider: Police do not have any suspects in the case yet, he said, but have been interviewing people at the apartment complex. They say that when they arrived the bumper of the car was blown off and the car was on fire, and fortunately no one was injured in the intentional explosion, which occurred when some form of improvised explosive device (IED) was placed under the rear axel of the car.

Officials Investigate Stolen Plane The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating a recent theft of a privately owned single-engine airplane from Hornell Municipal Airport, near Rochester, New York.

Points to consider: According to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office the missing plane is a 1964 single engine Cessna 150-D. The aircraft had been for sale since June, and wasn’t reported missing until recently, after its owner was notified by airport employees that the aircraft was gone. Consider that according to the Aviation Crime Prevention Institute, the theft of aircraft has shown significant decline from the epidemic levels of the 1990’s, and although the motive or person(s) responsible for this crime is not yet known, its mysterious disappearance raises the question of a potential terrorism nexus. This incident exposes a severe vulnerability by the virtually unregulated use in this country of small aircraft, which are readily adaptable into missiles capable of destroying large buildings.

Page 4: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

Super Storm Pounds Philippines The Philippines declared a state of calamity after the category 5 so-called "Super Typhoon" Megi packing 155-mph winds recently hit northeast Luzon. Points to consider: Be aware that depending on its location and strength, a cyclone may be referred to by names such as hurricane, typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression, or simply cyclone. Consider that these storms are one of the most damaging, and deadly events that can occur. When they move ashore, they bring with them a storm surge of ocean water along the coastline, high winds, tornadoes, and both torrential rains and flooding. Buildings, trees, power lines, roads and bridges may be damaged or destroyed by hurricane-force winds (74 mph or more).

Firefighters Injured In Explosion Three Charlotte, NC firefighters suffered minor injuries while assisting police in an investigation when a substance they were field-testing exploded. Points to consider: Police arrested a 16-year old student accusing him of building an exploding pen, which injured a 15-year-old Turning Point Academy student when the pen exploded. The investigators said they found "multiple suspicious items and chemicals in the suspects home where the firefighters were injured. Consider that one theory as to the suspects motive is that it was a prank inspired by YouTube video, depicting how a small amount of explosive material can be inserted into a pen, causing it to explode when the cap is removed.

Pilot Killed In Copter Crash The pilot of a Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter was killed when his aircraft crashed in the Clarkson Valley residential area, shortly after take-off from Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Mo. Points to consider: Aviation accidents can be traumatic and stressful for first responders, according to experts helicopters crash ninety times more frequently than airplanes and have a much higher fatality rate. However, because airplane travel is much more common than helicopter travel, there are typically fewer helicopter fatalities each year than airplane fatalities.

Two People Killed In Small Plane Crash Two National Park Service law enforcement officers on a scouting trip for an upcoming elk hunt were killed recently when their small plane crashed in southern Utah’s Dixie National Forest. Points to consider: Consider that in the wake of this tragic incident, it is important to understand that although transportation accidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, accidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. Furthermore, consider that emergencies involving aircraft require specialized procedures, which necessitates responders to undergo specific training and certification to prepare for all types of aviation-related incidents.

Oklahoma Earthquake The U.S. Geological Survey said a 4.3-magnitude quake rattled parts of five states recently.

Points to consider: The quake struck about six miles northeast of Norman, Oklahoma, sharply shaking portions of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Consider most first responders do not respond to large scale emergencies every day, it is important to stress that responding to emergencies is far more than knowing how to identify the signs and symptoms of traumatic injury or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Effective response requires a disciplined team in which each participating individual follows clear lines of communication and performs according to clearly assigned roles and directions.

Page 5: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

Workers Sickened By Fumes Dozens of people at Cranston Rhode Island’s Eleanor Slater Hospital’s Regan Building showed symptoms of hydrogen sulfide exposure recently, including nausea and vomiting, after roof work disturbed foam insulation releasing the hydrogen sulfide Points to consider: Hydrogen sulfide, commonly known as sewer gas, is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rotten egg” smell. Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and may travel along the ground. It collects in low-lying and enclosed, poorly ventilated areas, and can be toxic in high concentrations. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 117.

Acid Fumes Sicken Worker Firefighters responded to a hazardous materials incident in Vallejo, CA recently after a sanitation worker was sickened by acid fumes emanating from the trash truck’s container after he dumped the contents of a plastic trash can into his truck. Points to consider: Consider that acid is corrosive and can cause severe irritation or corrosive damage if inhaled. Experts say that the degree and severity of respiratory effects are influenced by factors such as the physical state and particle size of the aerosol, deposition site, concentration and humidity.

Road Closed After Batteries Spill Recently officials were forced to close a busy Rockingham, Market Harborough LE, UK road after a truck overturned and shed its load of forklift batteries, in resulting in acid spilling from the batteries. Points to consider: When talking about lead-acid batteries, people usually call "battery acid" contains sulfuric acid. Consider that sulfuric acid (UN 1830) is a thick oily odorless liquid, but has a choking odor when hot. Considered highly corrosive, it will react with water to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook guide # 137.

Pepper Spray Results In Hazmat Response Emergency crews recently responded to a building on Chicago’s South Clark Street, after pepper spray was discharged on the 16th floor.

Points to consider: The fire department Incident Commander immediately initiated a hazardous materials response, and an EMS Plan 1 response, which automatically sends five ambulances to the scene, as firefighters ventilating the building. Consider that pepper spray contains capsaicin, a chemical derived from cayenne, paprika, or chilies. There have been a few studies of the health effects of pepper spray. Some studies have found that there are no significant effects. The most common symptoms are redness of the eyes and exposed skin. Known side effects may include coughing and hyperventilation. Consider that general police guidelines warn not to use pepper spray against individuals who appear in bad health, young children or persons with respiratory conditions.

Page 6: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

Theft Results In Hazmat Situation Cheshire Police, together with the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service were called to the UK’s Crewe Gates Industrial Estate to evacuate staff from local businesses after a botched burglary resulted in a formic acid spill at nearby house. Points to consider: Formic acid, AKA: Methanoic Acid; Hydrogen Carboxylic Acid; Aminic Acid. (UN1779) is a clear, colorless pesticide with an irritating pungent odor. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153.

Hazmat Tackles Chemical Spill The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) called experts from Nairobi to the port of Mombasa to manage nitric acid spill after at least 102 of the 339 cans containing the acid imported from China, were found leaking after being offloaded from a ship. Points to consider: Nitric acid (UN 2031) is a colorless, yellow, or red, fuming corrosive liquid with an acrid, suffocating odor. It will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic, corrosive and flammable vapors. Fuming nitric acid (UN 2032) is concentrated nitric acid that contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 157.

Semi’s Load Shifts And Causes Spill The Pennsylvania State Police closed Interstate 81 in Franklin County, Pa., after a tractor-trailer’s load of 20,000 pounds of sulfuric acid shifted causing the hazardous material to leak on the roadway. Points to consider: Sulfuric acid (UN 1830) is a thick oily odorless liquid, but has a choking odor when hot. Considered highly corrosive, it will react with water to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook guide # 137.

Teacher And Students Sickened By Spill Three Tri-Rivers Career Center students and a teacher were hospitalized recently after the instructor dropped a can of pesticide, causing the chemical to leak in the Marion, Ohio school.

Points to consider: Consider that these chemicals are unique among toxic substances. They are not a byproduct of another process, but are instead industrial chemicals produced specifically for their toxicity to a target pest. Pesticides can pose serious health risks to workers, first responders, and the public if there is an accidental spill or release. Pesticides are highly toxic and their containers should be identified by the signal words “DANGER" or "POISON” found on the product label. Additionally, be aware that the active ingredients of most pesticides are not flammable, but the formulation solvents of liquid emulsifiable concentrates or oil solutions (xylene, kerosene, or other organic solvents) are, and present a substantial fire hazard. For general operating procedures, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 151.  

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Page 7: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

Hazardous Materials Train Derails A Hazmat team was called to the scene of a Canadian National Railway (CN) freight train derailment near Cornwall, ON, Canada recently when 18 of the train’s cars went off the tracks, 6 carrying hazardous materials, and 1 spilling its cargo of sodium cyanide. Points to consider: Consider that sodium cyanide has long been used as a murder weapon, and because of its characteristics it has been called the ideal terrorists weapon. For general operating procedures for incidents involving sodium cyanide (UN 1689), refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 157.

Hazardous Material Spill At Towing Service Hazmat crews recently responded to a Blachard's Auto Transport in Portsmouth, VA recently after Dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) leaked from a tractor-trailer at the towing service. Points to consider: Dicyclohexylamine (UN2565) is a clear, colorless corrosive liquid with a fishy/amine odor, used for insecticides, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, and detergents. Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage, burning may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. It is incompatible with acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, oxidizing agents, and chloroformates. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153.

Sanitation Workers Sickened Two West Harrison, NY town sanitation workers were overcome during recent routine residential garbage run, when acid thrown out with trash created toxic fumes. Points to consider: Officials believe the fumes were the result of acid that was improperly disposed of, creating the fumes when it reacted with another substance in the trash. Consider the variety of products commonly used in households: paints, solvents, oils, cleaners, wood preservatives, batteries, adhesives, and pesticides. Many of these products have hazardous characteristics such as poisonous, combustible, flammable or corrosive requiring proper disposal, and improper disposal can endanger the health of others especially if they mix; which can lead to explosions or poisonous gas being released.

Hazmat Called To Acid Spill Hazardous materials crews were called Exit 24 on I-81 in Shippensburg, PA recently after highly corrosive sulfuric acid was seen flowing out of the rear of a tractor-trailer. Points to consider: Sulfuric acid (UN 1830) is a thick oily odorless liquid, but has a choking odor when hot. Considered highly corrosive, it will react with water to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook guide # 137.

Chemical Plant Fire Firefighters recently operated at a two-alarm fire at Cerac, Inc in Downtown Milwaukee, WI, which fortunately they were able to confine to a dust collector.

Points to consider: Be aware of the various chemicals that may be present at this type of occupancy, which can be quite difficult to extinguish. They contain many flammable materials; therefore high temperatures and dense smoke will be present. Additionally, explosions are a possibility at such fires due to the presence of flammable liquids and gasses. Consider that Hazardous materials incidents encompass a wide variety of situations including fires, spills, transportation accidents, chemical reactions, and explosions. Every incident presents the potential for exposure to hazardous materials. Even the products of combustion at an ordinary fire may present severe hazards to personnel safety, making comprehensive situation evaluation critical. Finally the incident commander should consider taking steps to contain run off water due to the potential of hazardous materials.

Page 8: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

Chemical Spill Fire crews from several Departments responded recently to what was described as a mixed load of organic peroxide to spill at Insituform Technologies in Olyphant, PA. Points to consider: The spill prompted a lockdown of the Elementary and Secondary Centers in the Mid Valley School District, and many other nearby buildings were evacuated for reports of chemical odors in their buildings. Consider that organic peroxides are available as solids (usually fine powders), liquids or pastes. Diluted mixtures are less likely to explode when exposed to heat or physical shock than the undiluted organic peroxide. The main hazard of organic peroxides is their fire and explosion hazards. Organic peroxides may also be toxic or corrosive. Depending on the material, route of exposure (inhalation, eye or skin contact, or swallowing) and dose or amount of exposure.

Chemical Leak At Science Plant Both plant workers and emergency personnel dealt with a potentially hazardous situation recently, after a clogged scrubber caused an emergency relief valve to pop sending hydrochloric acid and sulfur dioxide into the air at Bayer Crop-science plant in Institute, WV. Points to consider: Consider that hydrochloric acid (UN 1789) is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a harsh pungent irritating odor. Depending upon concentration it may fume upon release. Its vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. It reacts with common metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #157. Additionally, be aware sulfur dioxide (UN 1079) reacts with chlorates to form chlorine, which may become explosive at elevated temperatures. It forms sulfuric acid solutions with water, and is corrosive and irritating to the skin causing acid-like burns. For general operating procedures refer o the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 125.

School Evacuated After Ammonia leak Fire crews were called Colchester, the UK’s Philip Morant School, after anhydrous ammonia was found leaking from a refrigerator in a staff room. Points to consider: Emergency services evacuated students and staff from the science block and set up a decontamination zone. Consider that anhydrous ammonia (1005) is a colorless cryogenic liquid or gas that is very corrosive to body tissues, reacting with body moisture on contact. It has a strong, pungent odor and may be shipped or stored as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. It produces a toxic, visible or invisible gas cloud that is lighter than air but may hug the ground when cool. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 125.

Chemical Spill Contaminates Stream Firefighters from Ashton, Hyde, Cheadle and Bury were called to Route A34 (Handforth Bypass) after a light freight truck lost two bulk containers containing an "alkaline solution", onto the road causing the chemical to spill into Micker Brook, a minor river that runs through Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Points to consider: An alkaline solution is a mixture of base-solid dissolved in water. It can be created in laboratories by vigorous stirring or through naturally occurring processes, such as erosion. Alkaline solutions are used in products such as hand soap, detergents, and medication’s, drain cleaners and biodiesel fuel. They are also used during industrial processes, such as oil drilling, paper production, iron smelting, and food preparation. As an example sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lye, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide are all types of alkaline solutions.

Page 9: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

  

Hazardous Materials Leak At Rail Yard Hazmat crews were called to Berwyn rail yards in Berwyn, IL recently on reports of a strong chemical odor coming from a parked trailer in the yard. Points to consider: After donning the proper level of protective equipment the Hazmat team made entry into the trailer and found minor amounts of acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and xylene had spilled. Consider that acetone (UN 1090) is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a mint-like odor. Extremely Flammable Liquid and Vapor! Vapor may cause flash fire. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. This material may produce a floating fire hazard, and is sensitive to static discharge. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127. Additionally, methyl ethyl ketone (UN 1193) is a clear colorless flammable liquid with a strong sweet alcohol-like odor. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, amines, ammonia, copper, isocyanates, caustics, chlorosulfonic acid, fuming sulfuric acid, potassium-tert-butoxide, pyridine, chloroform + alkali, hydrogen peroxides + nitric acid, 2-propanol, inorganic acids. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127. Furthermore, xylene (UN 1307) is a clear, colorless sweet-smelling flammable liquid, widely used in many products such as paints, glues, and pesticides. It is insoluble in water, highly flammable in presence of open flames and sparks, or heat. Contact of with strong oxidizers may cause fires and explosions. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 130.

Road Closed After Transformers Leak Emergency crews were called and shut down Tapleys Hill Rd in West Torrens, AU recently after a truck carrying a transformer leaked its dielectric fluid on the road. Points to consider: Consider that from approximately 1930 through 1979 PCB was used as a dielectric fluid and coolant in old electrical transformers and capacitors, and today the use of PCB in existing electrical devices has all but disappeared, but these devices still may have became cross contaminated with PCB from PCB contaminated pumping equipment. Responders should use extreme caution until the properties of the fluids are verified.

Fumes Result In Evacuation Basingstoke fire crews were called to the UK’s Aquadrome after fumes overcame a staff member working with chemicals. Points to consider: A Hazmat team confirmed that the mixture of the chemicals produced chlorine gas, which led to customers and staff to be evacuated from the building. Consider that chlorine gas is heavier than air, with strong irritating bleach like odor. It is a corrosive and irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chlorine is an oxidizer and may explode or accelerate combustion if in contact with reducing agents. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.

Hazmat Called To Pump House Recently the Hyannis Fire Department and a regional hazardous materials response teams were called to mitigate a sodium hydroxide spill inside a water pumping station in West Hyannisport, MA.

Points to consider Sodium hydroxide (Lye) or caustic soda (UN1823) is often used as a drain or pipe cleaner. It is an odorless white solid or a clear to milky solution. It reacts with water or moisture to produce large amounts of heat, and reacts with some metals to produce highly flammable hydrogen gas. It can cause irritation to the skin on contact and is considered an inhalation irritant. For general operating procedures refer the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Page 10: The VBIED Cheap And Dangerous - Global Incident Map2010/10/20  · vehicle, an explosive agent, and a detonator set off the explosion. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle

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POTENTIAL VBIED INDICATORS

Courtesy of Security Solutions International (SSI)                                                                                                                    www.securitysolutionsint.com

1. License plates inconsistent with vehicle registration 2. Obviously carrying a heavy load, heavy rear end 3. Modification of truck or van with heavy duty springs to handle heavier

loads 4. Rentals of vans with false papers for dry runs 5. Rental of self-storage space for the purpose of storing chemicals or

mixing apparatus 6. Delivery of chemicals directly from the manufacturer to a self-storage

facility or unusual deliveries of chemicals to residential or rural addresses 7. Theft of explosives, blasting caps, or fuses, or certain chemicals used in

the manufacture of explosives 8. Chemical fires, toxic odors, brightly colored stains, or rusted metal

fixtures in apartments, hotel/motel rooms, or self-storage units due to chemical activity.

9. Small test explosions in rural wooded areas. 10. Treatment of chemical burns or treatment for missing hands/fingers. 11. Untreated chemical burns or missing hands/fingers.