Things aren’t always what they seem,
home-made explosive awareness By Simon Pogoriutschnig, Operations Officer, Counter Terrorism Liaison
In 2013 the next phase of the public National Chemicals of Security Campaign will be launched across the country by the Australian Government. Prior to the launch, a threat card and instructional DVD have been released to assist emergency responders to identify the suspicious use of chemicals that could be used to make a bomb.
Terrorist bombings have been conducted around the world using commonly available chemicals to manufacture explosives. In London, terrorists used hydrogen peroxide, a widely available chemical commonly used in hairdressing, to create the bombs that were later used on the 7 July 2005 bombings. In the London example, because of the availability of the chemical it was no trouble for the terrorists to source enough to build their lethal weapons. Despite this, there were a number of warning signs that if reported, could have alerted authorities to the plot: • The terrorists purchased unusually large quantities of peroxide • Plants growing outside the window of the flat used to manufacture the explosives had died from the poisonous gas created during the bombmaking process • Making the explosives would have created a strong, easily detectable odour • Once inside, investigators
found large quantities of empty chemical bottles and blistered paintwork from the noxious fumes. To assist authorities to prevent a similar attack taking place on our home soil, a range of information products have been developed to raise awareness of the security risks of chemicals and to urge the public to report suspicious activity or behaviour. The primary messages to the community are: • Readily available chemicals can, and have, been used for terrorist purposes • You can help protect Australia from terrorism by being vigilant, and reporting suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 • You can help prevent terrorists getting access to chemicals by making sure chemicals are stored securely, that access is restricted, and that stocks are regularly audited • Every piece of information gathered is important and
could provide the missing link for security of intelligence operations.
The role of NSW Rural Fire Service The manufacture of explosives is a dangerous process that can start fires or trigger explosions. It is possible that in responding to an emergency situation, NSW RFS members may be the first on scene at a site where home-made explosives have been manufactured. To prepare for this scenario, Home Made Explosive Threat Card has been created by the NSW Police Force and an associated National Security Chemical Awareness DVD for First Responders has been developed by the Australian Government.
Home Made Explosive Threat Card The Home Made Explosive Threat Card provides a quick reference tool that first responders can use to assist them to identify potential dangerous situations. The card provides indicators for identifying sites that have been used to manufacture explosives
and a list of chemicals that can be used. In the NSW Rural Fire Service, the threat card is located in all operational tankers, pumpers, communication vehicles, Group Officer’s vehicles, and other operational vehicles.
Things Aren’t Always As They Seem: A National Chemical Security Awareness DVD for First Responders This short 14-minute production provides emergency services personnel with a number of scenarios that may indicate the presence, or attempted manufacture, of home-made explosives. The video can be easily incorporated into training or at the next brigade meeting and all NSW RFS members are encouraged to watch the video which is available via MyRFS, and the intranet. For more information about chemicals of security concern visit www.chemicalsecurity. gov.au or go to www.secure. nsw.gov.au.
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