SOLUTION
The use of a suitably protected and equipped second person, positioned at a vantage point from where he / she may observe the searcher’s actions. This second person’s position must take into account the effect of an unintended detonation on buildings or structures. This person should be sited at the minimum safe distance stated in NMAS / SOPs and should maintain verbal communications with the searcher. These communications can be relayed from the searcher to the section or team leader in order to control progress and seek guidance. Linked to communications, marking systems should be appropriate to the environment and provide clear visual communication of where is safe or unsafe. Markers may initially be painted wooden blocks or stones to temporarily mark progression, which are then periodically enhanced with coloured flags, larger painted blocks or upright sandbags.
ׁ WARNING. An unplanned detonation will probably remove or displace some markings in this environment, potentially hindering casualty extraction and incident management.
To counter this scenario, it is recommended that search teams remain aware of progression at the site, not just their working area but where all staff members are located across the task site. This should be conducted formally at the start and end of the works, including site familiarisation walks to physically show staff where teams are working. 1.4.6. PROBLEM: SUPERVISION Management of risks on a demining worksite include effective supervision and control of tasks being conducted, and this can be easier to implement in open areas or where the required working distance can be applied, while keeping staff in view. In buildings, team leaders and other supervisory staff may often have to place themselves within the danger area to observe personnel. This is not only to comply with quality management requirements for conduct of the task but also includes the health and safety of site personnel.
SOLUTION
Supervisors should still carry out these checks but keep time to a minimum and leave the danger area once the following have been established:
• Has there been a change to the environment affecting the searcher’s health or ability to work e.g. low light levels, excessive dust from the search activity?
• Is the correct PPE available and being worn correctly?
• Are the procedures and equipment being employed correctly?
• Is the area marked correctly?
• Is the searcher in good health and able to continue working?
There is an element of confidence required that staff continue to conduct their tasks correctly while unobserved. This confidence could also be gained through greater time allocated to initial training or only allowing personnel to work for periods unobserved after their competence has been proven and recorded on observed tasks.
Introduction
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