Chapter 1 – General Administration

11050.15 Suspicious Objects

• Explosives can be packaged in a variety of containers, but in most cases are camouflaged. The container is likely to be a common article such as a shoe or cigar box, grocery bag, airline flight bag, athletic bag, suitcase, attaché/brief case, etc. Prior to a search, employees shall be informed to look for the unusual, or something that appears out of place.

  • It is imperative that someone who is familiar with a specific area assist in the search of that area so that unusual or alien objects are immediately recognized. Anything that does not belong, or whose presence cannot be adequately explained, shall be considered a suspicious object.

• Once a suspicious object is located, it shall not be touched, moved, or disturbed. The employee that discovers the object shall:

  • Obtain a good description of the object, i.e., floor, room number, area of room.

  • Notify emergency coordinator of findings and obtain further instructions.

  • Begin clearing all occupants from immediate vicinity and clear area directly above and below the object.

  • When feasible, remove flammables from the affected area and ensure that fuel lines are turned off.

  • Cordon off the area to prevent reentry.

• The emergency coordinator shall notify the bomb squad if the CHPCalifornia Highway Patrol or local police agency is not present to do so.