Looking at Chemicals of Security Concern: Hydrogen peroxide
Have there been terrorist attacks involving hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide was used in the 2005 London bombings which killed 52 people and injured 700 others. In 2005, police in Australia uncovered a plot involving a group of men from New South Wales and Victoria who were stockpiling chemicals and materials, including hydrogen peroxide, in preparation for a terrorist attack. In both scenarios, materials for the homemade explosives were purchased from retail stores such as hardware, beauty stores and pharmacies.
Any amount of hydrogen peroxide is a security concern if it is:
· in a water-based solution at any concentration or
· in a form other than a water-based solution at a concentration of 15% or higher.
Preventing hydrogen peroxide getting into the wrong hands
If
you are a business owner, you can refer to the National Code of Practice for Chemicals
of Security Concern, launched in July.
The Code suggests steps businesses can take to prevent their chemicals
being used by a terrorist to make a bomb.
If you work on the shop floor, you can help keep Australia safe in three easy steps:
1. Ask your customers how they intend to use the product, maybe offer to test their pool or spa water.
2. Think is this customer’s intended use of the product normal, or is his/her action suspicious?
3. Act if something doesn’t feel right, speak with your supervisor then call the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00 to report your suspicions.
What is suspicious behaviour?
To identify suspicious behaviour, ask yourself:
· Does the customer appear nervous?
· Is he/she purchasing a large amount?
· Is the chemical concentration and quantity appropriate for their stated purpose?
· Does the customer know how to use it?
· Does his/her story make sense?
· Does he/she want to pay cash?
· Is the customer unwilling to pay by credit/debit card, cheque, bank transfer or account?
· Anything unusual for on-line purchases?
If you are suspicious, record as much as possible about the customer and the transaction and provide them to the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00.
What is the role of the National Security Hotline? 1800 1234 00
The National Security Hotline provides a central point for the public to report information of a national security nature to assist Australian counter-terrorism efforts. Trained operators take all calls seriously and you can remain anonymous. Every piece of information gathered is important and could provide the missing link for security or intelligence operations – the 2005 terrorist plot in Australia was pieced together by information provided to the Hotline by a chemical retailer.
Where can I get more information?
The website www.chemicalsecurity.gov.au contains a range of information, including the National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern –Appendix C is a guide for retailers to detect suspicious behaviour. You can also email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical commonly used in the pool and spa industry as a bactericide and clarifier and has been identified by the Australian Government as a chemical of security concern. It can be used in the manufacture of homemade explosives by terrorists.