Search procedures
Pertinent information is best recorded on a plastic-covered building plan with non-permanent markers. Record useful details such as sector information, search team composition and/or search progress during an incident.
What to search for – key indicators (HOT-UP)
- Hidden from view (this does not discount obvious items)?
- Obviously a bomb?
- Typical of its environment?
- Unauthorised access to the area?
- Perimeter has been breached?
Search priorities
- Area described in the threat (if applicable).
- Outside areas including exit routes and Assembly
- Unrestricted public access areas (Foyer / Reception areas).
- Areas restricted to the public (Staff and escorted visitor areas).
- Secured areas (Locked and restricted access areas).
Search methods – internal
- Start and finish search at a common point.
- Searches should be conducted in pairs where possible.
- Search floor to waist level (under and on chairs, tables, in bins and cabinets etc).
- Search waist level to ceiling (behind drapes, window ledges, tops of cupboards etc).
- Do not turn on or off any lights or switches.
- Mark searched rooms with post-it note or draw on a site map.
Search methods – external
- Start and finish search at a common point.
- Searches should be conducted in pairs where possible.
- Search ground level from the base of the building out to a clear division such as gutter or wall (check leaves, refuse, shrubbery, bins, parked cars etc).
- Search side of building to a reasonable height (window ledges, air conditioning units, signs, building ornaments etc.