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Guidance

Every object has an owner. In most cases, unattended items or items left in conspicuous areas have simply been forgotten or discarded.

This information is intended for when at work.

If an item appears suspicious, there are risk treated options to consider.

Consider the following actions.

Talk to people in the vicinity to identify the owner.

Review any identification tags or addresses.

Review CCTV footage to identify owner.

Use the HOT principal to assess:

Hidden,

Obviously suspicious or

not Typical to its environment

In detail

(H) Hidden
An unattended item that is intentionally hidden merits additional caution.

(O) Obviously suspicious
An item with the characteristics of a bomb or hazardous material merits additional caution. Such characteristics may include:
Suspicious labelling
Leakage of fuel oil
Unusual smells, bulges or protruding wires
Power source, such as batteries
LED lights
Pieces of metal or glass (shrapnel)

(T) Not typical
An item that would not typically be discarded or forgotten in that area merits additional caution.

Next step response

If based on the circumstances and common sense, consider escalating the matter.

Do not touch, tilt or tamper.
Do not use cell phones or two way radios directly over the device or in the vicinity.

Inform a line manager.

Cordon off the area and move people away from the area.

Record all relevant information (physical characteristics, shape, dimensions, construction and the exact position of the item or vehicle).
Advise security.

Call police and follow their instructions.

Management and police will advise:

– Partial evacuation, if the suspicious item is small and thought to be confined to one location

– Total evacuation