• Question: Is your job dangerous?

    Asked by newton20 to Jamie, Jodie, Kat, Mark, Niamh on 15 Mar 2011 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Mark Hill

      Mark Hill answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      Hi Newton,

      No, not really. Apart from mangled metalwork, undischarged airbags, and vehicle fluids, no. The most dangerous substance found in vehicles is generally Hydrofluoric acid. It is a by-product of the combustion of certain plastics and spongy materials used in cars, such as door seals. It is extremely corrosive and, if it makes contact with the skin, it cannot be washed off. I haven’t tried it, but the fact that we carry a small, very expensive tube of a neutralising cream in our vans just in case, is support that it is best not touched.

      Our other consideration is with hybrid electric vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius. The batteries within the car deliver in excess of 500 volts, on a high amperage. There are more hybrid vehicles now appearing as they become more popular.

      Thanks,

      Mark.

    • Photo: Jodie Dunnett

      Jodie Dunnett answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      Not really although when you work with chemicals there is always a risk involved!

    • Photo: Jamie Pringle

      Jamie Pringle answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      Hello newton20,

      To my health you mean? When working to find leaking landfills, I used to have annual toxicity tests to see what nasty things I had been exposed to for the previous year!

      Most forensic search investigations are co-ordinated by the Police so there shoudlnt be any physical danger. However environmental forensic investigations can be a different matter – one job I turned down the suspected polluter had locked up two Customs officers in his depot for 2 days so I didnt fancy it!

    • Photo: Katherine Davies

      Katherine Davies answered on 15 Mar 2011:

      Hi

      Not that I have come across yet! I hope it doesn’t become dangerous either!

    • Photo: Niamh Nic Daeid

      Niamh Nic Daeid answered on 15 Mar 2011:

      Hi Newton

      it can be dangerous yes. When I do scene work it involves being inside burnt buildings and they contain lots of hazards like glass and sharps (nails cables and so on) . there can also be a danger of collapse of some of the structures. Generally you have to balance the risks with the need to do the investigation and not put yourself in danger

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