EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MANUAL - Department of Health

CODE PURPLE
BOMB SEARCH
Bomb search is not mandatory but is desirable
• It is desirable to search areas using staff conversant with the area Other persons
should leave.
• The staff who are conversant with the area are the people who will most readily
notice something which does not belong in the area so are of most value in
conducting the search.
• The area under threat will be defined in the Code Purple broadcast.
• If applicable, areas to which the public have access are to be searched first,
including public toilets. The last areas of the defined area to be searched are those
places where the public would have least access.
• To search any area or room, the steps listed below should be used.
• It is vital that for each step the search is thorough.
• Listen for any sound out of character (such as ticking, etc.)
• Look out for unusual item in area (something which does not belong).
1. search floor to hip height thoroughly first, then
2. search floor to shoulder height second then
3. finally search from shoulder height to ceiling.
4. mark doors, etc. of areas searched.
• Do not touch any suspect item found.
• Do not exceed search beyond 20 minutes to expected detonation time (if
known).
• Always search in pairs.
• Advise Emergency Co-ordinator of areas searched.
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