Oils & Greases

This section details how to properly locate, document, collect, label, package, store, and preserve oils and greases during fire scene evidence collection and for subsequent use in testing or legal proceedings. There are many types of oils and greases, such as motor vehicle fluids and vegetable oils. Key factors in determining which oils and greases fire scene evidence collection procedure should be used include the type of oil or grease, its form (e.g., free flowing liquid, residue, soaked into a substrate, hardened, in a container), the oil or grease’s properties, and which analyses may be requested. Consult your laboratory to discuss the collection, as needed. Collecting, packaging, and transporting oils and greases as evidence must be done properly or they may leak, gas off, or combust. Follow the procedures in this section to implement oils and greases and fire scene evidence collection best practices. If you are unsure which oils and greases fire scene evidence collection procedure to use or do not have sufficient experience to execute the procedure, consult your laboratory prior to collection.

 

Select a type of evidence to review its collection and packaging procedures.

Remember to also review the Checklists prior to collection and prior to releasing the scene.