In 2016 a public health emergency was declared in BC due to opioid-related overdose deaths. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine, however 50 to 100 times more potent. Fentanyl is a deadly drug. Fentanyl is a word we use on a daily basis at S.A.H. Disaster Restoration. We hear horror stories from our clients & we work in hazardous conditions where fentanyl was used or produced for illegal use on a regular basis. We refer to these job sites as “Fentanyl User Sites” or “Fentanyl Lab Sites”. Our staff are trained to identify “Fentanyl User Sites” vs “Fentanyl Lab Sites”. When we arrive at job sites such as a drug overdose, crime scene, break & enter, abandon home, demolition site, marijuana grow op, meth lab, fire, & even water damaged homes we are aware of the potential hazardous of fentanyl, carfentanil, meth, cocaine, used needles, & drug paraphernalia. We use “Field Drug Identification Tests” to identify the presence of fentanyl or other hazardous drugs. Field drug identification tests provide positive or negative results for the presence of hazardous drugs such as fentanyl. These same tests are used by Law Enforcement. DO NOT ENTER POTENTIAL FENTANYL CONTAMINATED AREAS. If fentanyl or hazardous drugs are identified, additional steps are required to decontaminate the area for safe re-occupancy. DO NOT RE ENTER THE CONTAMINATED AREA. Please protect yourself from the deadly consequences of hazardous drugs & contact your Hazardous Materials Contractor. Please see blog post dated July 29 2018 for additional decontamination procedures “Fentanyl Testing, Cleaning, & Decontamination”.

Author: Scott A Harding, AHERA ASBESTOS Building Inspector, Master Water & Fire Damage Restorer, Commercial Drying Specialist

S.A.H. Disaster Restoration Services Ltd. Blog Post March 7 2020