Posted By David Cameron Hi, has anybody ever had to look into Large or Long blade safety in transit? I am currently researching the subject with a view to setting up a safe traspotation process for blades from above 6 Inches to swords of all shapes and sizes. I am specificaly interested if anybody has seen any inovative space saving methods to acheive safe transportation of baldes from seizure to destrotion other than the original scabards? Any help of direction gratefully received.

Posted By Edward H Would I be right in deducing from your mention of "seizure to destruction" that these blades may have been used in anger and hence may be contaminated with blood etc? In which case they should be dealt with as 'clinical waste'and the regulations on carriage and packaging of hazardous wastes may apply. I would suggest talking to the various companies that make sharps bins for the healthcare sector. For example www.daniels.co.uk list a long 780mm x 160mm sharps container.

Posted By Stuart Nagle David. Just a though... As most blades are largely constructed of metal (Steel), and to avoid the risks associated with both contamination and destruction by third parties (and the continuing costs this method of course), would it worth considering also looking at a small (large enough for swords etc) smelting plant, probably gas fired, where all such items, after forensic examination, for example sited at the forensic lab in Lambeth, could be destroyed under controlled conditions whilst still officially in the custody of the Police Service. This may be an alternative to sending outside, the additional risks of third party problems and contamination, and be cost efficient inso much that apart from operating and maintenance costs, fairly low for this kind of light and heat plant, would remove the usual elevated costs associated with contaminated special waste and in particular, probably additionally higher costs associated with such dangerous items? Regards... Stuart