Explosive Transport Container (ETC) Instruction Form

Read the following instructions prior to preparing your samples for transport.

The Explosive Transport Container

The ETC is designed and constructed to ship explosive samples by any mode of delivery services and has been classified under the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods as 1.4S. To avoid any delays in transit, it is recommended to ship the ETC via Ground Transport.

There are two types of vials which may be provided with the kits; the lab will determine which vial you will require to submit your sample. It is mandatory to use these vials as they are chemically inert and mechanically strong, to ensure safety and forensic integrity of the sample within.

Teflon™ Vials

For use with liquid or slurried samples.

Polyvials™ Conductive Electrostatic Dissipative Plastic Vials

For use with solid samples.

Procedure -

1. Solid and Liquid Sample Instructions

Using only the vials provided with the ETC:

A. Solid samples:

1. Do not put more than 5 grams (approx. 1 teaspoon) of solid sample per vial, in up to 5 vials total. Make sure there are no particles trapped in the thread of the vial before placing the cap on.

2. If the explosive is suspected to be TATP place in Teflon vial and mist with some ethanol until the consistency is similar to slurry.

B. Liquid Samples

1.In a separate container, dilute the liquid tenfold with acetone and place 5mL (approx. 1 teaspoon) of this dilute solution in a Teflon vial.

2. If there is only a drop of suspected explosive, collect by absorbing it onto a piece of clean filter paper. Place the paper in a Teflon vial. Do NOT add acetone.

NOTE: The samples provided to the laboratory will be destroyed after the analyses are completed.

2. Documentation to be included with ETC

Three copies are required of each of the following documents. One copy is to be handed to the courier with the ETC. Two copies have to be placed in an envelope labeled “Dangerous Goods Declaration” and “NET EXPLOSIVE WEIGHT = _____ grams” (approximate). The envelope must be taped to the outside of the ETC.

Note: The net explosive weight must be marked and should not exceed 25g (= 5 vials with 5g each max).

a) The “Dangerous Goods Declaration”. You must fill in the date, shippers and receiver’s addresses, waybill number, net explosives weight and CANUTEC’s 24- hour emergency phone number: 1-888-CAN-UTEC (226-8832).

b) The Equivalency Certificate from Transport Canada. Keep a copy of the documentation. Transport of Dangerous Goods regulations require that the shipping documents be kept by the consignor (you) and consignee (RCMP-Lab) for at least two years.

c) The “Certificate of Authorization and Classification XP2050-C078-170306001”

3. Send a copy of the pre-authorized C-414 with the ETC. Include the copy of C414 in a separate envelope and tape to the exterior of the ETC.

4. Check that the label with UN Design Registration Number is still securely mounted on the outside of the ETC and can be clearly seen.

4A / Y35.0 / S / 17

CAN / CERL-ESSB 2-3270

5. Two orange “1.4S Explosive” labels with addresses were provided with the ETC. Affix one to each side of the ETC on top of the “EMPTY” and the “83612: Container..” label. Ensure that neither the “EMPTY” and the “83612: Container..” label are still visible.

6. Contact CANUTEC by phone at 613-992-4624 or by fax at 613-954-5101 to advise them you are shipping a suspected or unknown explosive in the Explosive Transport Container. You will have to provide details about the shipment and phone numbers where you can be reached during the day and after hours. Upon reception of the required information, CANUTEC will grant you permission to use its emergency telephone number for that shipment as the 24-hour emergency number on the Dangerous Goods Declaration. If you phone with the required information you will receive a verbal permission right away.

7. Ship the ETC by courier to:

RCMP National Forensic Laboratory Services – Ottawa

Attn: Evidence Management,

73 Leikin Dr.

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2

(613) 993-0084 (phone)

8. Return the ETC keys separately to the same address as above.