SECTION 7 – CLEARANCE METHOD
This is a key section and is closely linked to Section 4 – Threat summary. The clearance method should be clearly written without the need for excessive text. A good example is referencing specific procedures from the organisation’s SOPs. If there are several different methods being used due to varied IED and other EO contamination, deviations from SOPs or other non-explosive hazards, then this should be highlighted in Section 7b – Works plan. The time and schedule should be realistic and where possible attributed to reliable benchmarks. Tasking authorities should be aware that these may change if there is new information obtained in relation to the threat assessment. Reporting thresholds may be time, sub-area or based on another measurement that should be established by the tasking authority. The clearance method statement should outline a systematic plan for the site. Areas where the definable edges are difficult to search systematically (examples include rubble and rubbish dumps, and sprawling infrastructure fixtures) will need identifying at an early stage and plans made accordingly. Awareness of these areas and marking out will give deminers a clear boundary and ensure areas are not missed or searched multiple times.
Clearance priorities may be established for several different reasons and if required these should be stated in the tasking document, for example:
• Access for assessment by development organisations;
• Establishment of a CP and access for work to begin;
• Areas presenting a high threat to local communities or clearance teams.
SECTION 7D – QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The main components for this section are quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC): requirements that will be used to build confidence that clearance parameters will be met (QA) and that they have been met (QC).
QUALITY PLANNING – ESTABLISHMENT OF CLEARANCE PARAMETERS
Specifying clearance parameters (or requirements) is an essential element in creating a clearance plan for a specific task. It may be appropriate to define a specific depth in some types of IED-contaminated spaces when subsurface IEDs are considered to be a threat. It may also be appropriate to set other parameters that are relevant to buildings, and other structures, when solely specifying depth would be inappropriate. The parameters should be developed based on evidence related to post clearance use and be appropriate to both the type of urban space(s) to be cleared (open area, route, building) and also the assessed explosive hazard threat. An example of a clearance parameter (from IMAS 09.13 Building Clearance): “A building shall be accepted as “cleared” when the MA organisation has ensured that all structural surfaces, loose items and household fittings are free from EO.”
Search planning and execution
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