When filling evidence containers, how full should they be?

Filling evidence containers to approximately two-thirds full is considered best practice in fire and explosion investigations for several reasons. This level allows for proper handling and reduces the risk of damage to the evidence, as well as preventing leakage or contamination.

When containers are filled too full, there may not be sufficient space for cushioning during transport, which can lead to breakage or degradation of the evidence inside. Conversely, leaving the container only one-third full may risk contamination or inadequate collection of the evidence, especially if the evidence requires a certain volume to maintain its integrity or for sampling purposes. Filling the container to halfway is also not optimal, as it does not provide the robust security offered by a slightly fuller container, nor does it maximize the ability to handle various types of evidence securely.

Thus, filling the container to two-thirds strikes an appropriate balance to ensure the safety, integrity, and reliability of the evidence collected for thorough investigation and analysis.