Safety First!
Litter Hurts Everyone!
Includes information on Meth Labs & Ohio Litter Laws
Do Not Touch
Leave the area and call the proper authorities
These bombs contain caustic chemicals such as Drano or other acid based chemicals. They usually contain a portion of chemical liquid, aluminum foil, and possibly water. When complete, they are capped and await movement to activate the bomb. These bombs should be considered extremely explosive and unstable with a reach up to 15 feet or more. Drano or Bottle bombs may not detonate until disturbed causing the plastic bottle pieces to become like shrapnel.
WARNING
Causes chemical burns and may include serious physical injuries including loss of limb or life.
Cleanup Workers – Beware of Meth Lab Waste
The drug, Methamphetamine (Meth), can be made using legal, over-the-counter products such as the ones listed below. If you find these types of materials or similar items, do not touch, smell, or examine them! Meth dumps may contain or be surrounded by potentially hazardous chemicals. If you suspect you have found materials used to make meth, contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol or your local law enforcement agency.
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How to Identify Meth Lab Waste |
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| Flammable solvent containers in large quantities or with other waste | Crystal Drano, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol | Large quantities of glass and plastic containers, buckets, plastic hose | Common cold pills or diet pills containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine | |
| Any containers with plastic tubing or hoses | Quantities of coffee filters or paper towels with unusual stains. | Drain openers, muriatic acid, red devil lye | Discarded Coolers – | |
Do not touch unopened coolers! Propane tanks with painted or corroded brass fittings.
Suspect propane tanks often have a bluish-green coloringTrash bags with an ether, solvent, or ammonia odor.
Box Labs
Do not touch unopened boxes!Homemade pipe fittings on tanks or thermoses
Clothing Recommendations:
– All participants should wear brightly colored clothing.
– Wear hard-soled shoes with no open toes.
– Wear longs pants.
– Use gloves when handling litter, rubber gloves when handling contaminated items.
– Traffic vests should be worn if working along highways.
Team Make-up and Use Considerations
– Young persons should be 16 or older to work along expressways, exit or entrance ramps and railroad right of ways.
– Children under 16 should have the supervision of at least one adult for every five children.
– Youths 16 or older should always work in groups of at least two, especially near waterways.
– Consider physical limitations when assigning work areas, those with limited mobility should be utilized on level, smooth surfaces.
– Account for all volunteers before closing up shop in an area–no one left behind.
Safe Working Tips
– All normal safe working precautions should apply.
– Never pick up weapons or drugs. Contact the Police Department.
– If a situation looks suspicious or threatening, leave the area and contact the Police.
– Do not use electrical equipment around water.
– Wear eye protection when operating machinery or equipment.
– Don’t over-extend when lifting or reaching.
– Turn over things, including tires, before lifting.
– Hazardous materials, including IV needles or syringes, require and adult with rubber gloves and a shovel or a qualified person to handle and dispose of the object. It’s best to place them in a glass container or a bucket–NOT in trash bags.
– Chemicals other than household items should be reported to the proper authorities.
– Use rubber gloves when handling any chemicals.
– An adult should be in charge of transportation and pedestrian traffic at the works site.
– If lightning is in the area, seek safety inside a building or vehicle.
Finally, we thank you and ask you to please work safely!