3.8.CORE SKILL 7 – SEMI-REMOTE SEARCH (HOOK AND LINE) Impediments and obstructions to the progression of manual search will occur in all types of space (buildings, open areas and routes), with buildings potentially presenting the greatest challenge. Obstructions can vary in size, material and complexity, making the search difficult. In such circumstances it may not be possible to discount the presence of an IED using visual search, tripwire detection, fingertip search or handheld detectors. Specific semi-remote equipment and stand-alone procedures commonly referred to as hook and line (H&L) or disruptive search, have been used satisfactorily to discount or confirm EO in these types of circumstance, allowing manual search to progress unhindered. 3.8.1. FUNDAMENTALS FOR SEMI-REMOTE SEARCH • Semi-remote search is achieved by searchers connecting the object(s) to a cable and then returning to a CP which is in a safe location. The line is then pulled under tension to move the object. • A safe waiting period is then applied before returning to the item, confirming what has been achieved and then continuing a manual search. The minimum safe waiting period applied should be 10 minutes. • When safe to do so, multiple items should be pulled simultaneously to reduce the number of safe waiting periods that need to be applied. • Semi-remote searches should be planned and controlled by the team leader and conducted as a ‘one-person risk’, with the whole team briefed before anyone leaves the CP. • For an item to be considered ‘successfully moved’ by semi-remote procedures, it must be pulled or toppled through at least two planes and removed fully from its initial position. In the case of windows and doors they should be opened fully.
ׁ WARNING. Care must be taken to avoid inadvertently causing the object to move during attachment or by pulling of the cable prior to all staff returning to the CP. This is normally achieved by ‘snake coils’ in the line at the attachment end (see Image 1).
Suspicious object
Attachment (cord loop)
Attachment (clip)
Line (with snake coils)
Image 1. Example of a snake coil in a line
Search core skills and procedures
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