4.1.2.HANDOVER OF SITE In IED contaminated environments it is recommended that strong emphasis is placed on accreditation, quality planning and quality assurance (QA); rather than on post-clearance quality control (QC). This is due to difficulties in setting and identifying a critical nonconformity in QC other than the location of IEDs inside the specified clearance requirements. These difficulties may be associated with the prevalence of IED contamination in buildings and with the use of sensors to detect IEDs other than just metal. These detectors have a reliance on user skill and experience to correctly interpret signals. It is therefore essential that the Authority has confidence in the MA staff, equipment and procedures through accreditation and that these have been appropriately applied through QA of operations. This does not mean that QC is not important, it remains so and should be carried out. Normally, QC will be conducted by reapplying the approved procedures in a sample of the space (building, open area or route) that has been presented as complete. If IEDs are identified inside the specified parameters then a critical nonconformity must be recorded, the product failed, and appropriate remedial actions taken. 4.1.3.RECORDING AND REPORTING OF RESTRICTIONS The NMAA should develop guidance on how restrictions should be recorded and reported. This needs to be particularly robust in urban environments where debris and rubble will be frequently encountered. These should be reported by MA operators at the earliest possible opportunity, enabling a suitable plan to be established and the necessary resources to be allocated.
At a minimum the MA operator should record and report the following:
• Perimeter reference points;
• Size in m2;
• Nature of the restriction: water features or extensive rubble, etc;
• Threat assessment;
• Dangerous working environments, such as confined spaces requiring specialist resources;
• Estimation of resources required to complete the task.
Image 2. Marking of a search restriction (rubble)
Clearance reporting
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