STANDARDS NOT SET FOR P LAB CLEANUPS

Specialist cleaning crews are being called in to deal with the
aftermath of P labs every week but no national standards have been
laid down to ensure the process is consistent throughout the country.

While testing and cleaning companies say they abide by their own best
practice standards, there is no common approach.

That means there is no guarantee a 'cleaned up' lab in one part of the
country will meet the same standards as one in another part of the
country and that raised concerns about the well-being of any new tenants.

It also leaves landlords wondering if their home has been cleaned
correctly or if they are being charged for services they don't need.

Forensic and Industrial Science scientist Dr Nick Powell said his
staff are usually the first into a home after a P lab has been found
and processed by police and ESR.

His company's job is to test the home for the presence of various
chemicals and then prepare a report for cleaning companies on how best
to remove them from the property and building materials.

While his company uses American standards, Dr Powell said there were
no New Zealand guidelines in place.

"There are no defined standards for how these places should be tested
in New Zealand. In relation to standards, we simply impose the most
stringent standards that have been applied anywhere in the world for
concentrations of substances in the air.

"If a premises doesn't meet that then we say, no it's not fit for
habitation until the concentration of the substance is brought down
and then we explain how that can be done most quickly and cost
effectively."

Dr Powell said there was also no requirements for cleaning companies
to have the house tested before going in, although most specialist
cleaners did, as it reduced the risk to their staff if they knew what
they were facing.

Enviroclean & Restoration director Jason Twigg, whose company cleans
up meth labs on a weekly basis, said the lack of national standards
has led to an inconsistency in the cleaning process.

Of particular concern is the difference between large cities that are
used to cleaning up labs on a regular basis and more remote areas,
that only have one or two a year and aren't as familiar with the process.

"Some of the councils are not following international practices, they
are saying you don't need to get testing done."'

Mr Twigg said following international practices was not always
reliable as even in countries like America, standards varied between
states.

He said the best way to ensure homes that had been meth labs were
cleaned to the same standards and safe for people to inhabit again was
to introduce national standards.

Ministry of Health Communicable Disease and Environmental Health
Policy group manager Graeme Gillespie said guidelines around the clean
up of clan labs were being developed in consultation with the relevant
agencies.

However the guidelines, due to be introduced early next year, would be
just that, a guide, not a mandatory standard with a statutory effect.

"The aim of the guidelines will be to inform, assist and advise
agencies such as territorial authorities and public health service
units within District Health Boards, about the clean-up of former
clandestine laboratories."

NZ Property Investors Federation Andrew King said landlords would
welcome guidelines as it would give some consistency to the clean-up
process throughout the country.

However, he said the Federation would like to be consulted to ensure
landlords weren't left in a position where they were 'overcleaning' a
property due to overly strict cleaning levels and requirements.

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HOW TO RECOGNISE A DRUG FACTORY

Concerned about suspicious activity in your neighbourhood? Here are
some signs police say you should look for:

Strange smells or fumes/vapour escaping from windows or
ventilators

Unusual activity at unusual times

Buildings being used for purposes other than normal e.g. garage not
housing vehicles

Windows being covered/sealed all the time

Unusual erratic behaviour by residents

If you have any concerns get in touch with your local police
immediately