- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
- Safety
- Worksheets and Reports
- Selected Bibliography
- Ethics
- Assessments
Physical Plant
Home > Safety > Management and Supervisory Responsibilities > Physical Plant
Forensic laboratories as well as the firearm examination areas within the laboratory and/or firing facility require special safety considerations, including
- evidence decontamination,
- lead abatement,
- ventilation,
- sound abatement.
Evidence Decontamination
Decontamination supplies, per laboratory protocol, include the following:
- Disinfectant solution for elimination of biohazards
- Cotton swabs, detergent, and a sonic cleaner for removal of blood and other tissue
Lead Abatement
Tacky mat outside of firing range
Firing and bullet recovery facilities where lead can be accumulated require specialized prevention measures per laboratory protocol and may include the following:
- Frequent removal of lead buildup by qualified contractors
- Decontamination of lead on walls, ceilings, and floors of firing areas
- Removal of accumulated unburned and partially burned gunpowder from the floor of firing areas
- Provision for containment of the migration of lead and other heavy metals (e.g., tacky mats)
- Hand-washing equipment and supplies
Ventilation
Due to the health issues associated with lead, other heavy metals, and chemicals, provisions should be made to monitor and prevent ventilation hazards, per laboratory protocol, and may include
- exhaust ventilation of all firing spaces per standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),
- annual airflow testing,
- appropriate air flow rates for all laboratory hoods.
Sound Abatement
Sound abatement system on a
firing range ceiling
The interiors of firing spaces, such as ranges and bullet recovery spaces, should be soundproofed to minimize noise levels and vibration. This is a particular concern in physical plants in which firing spaces are in close proximity to other examination spaces and/or delicate instrumentation (e.g., scanning electron microscopes, instrumental chemistry laboratory spaces).
