1.6.WORKING PRACTICES As described in IMAS 09.31, working practices are a series of general control measures that can be applied to IEDD task conduct. They also provide supporting detail to help guide IEDD operators and facilitate quality assurance and monitoring of IEDD operations.
IMAS 09.31 – WORKING PRACTICE DESTRUCTION IN SITU
Destruction in situ using a suitable explosive donor charge, either bulk or shaped charge, should be considered as the preferred means of disposal. The IED’s main charge(s) should be the only component(s) that is attacked using this method.
Pressure plate
Main charge
Locally manufactured
shaped charge
Image 8. Image of a locally manufactured shaped charge targeting an HME main charge located directly under a pressure plate
Reference to disposal rather than neutralisation is an important distinction. After the application of an in situ disposal procedure, the intention should be that no hazardous components will remain.
Normally a bulk explosive charge is applied. This should be placed as close as possible to the main charge without touching it. If separation has to be increased, so does the quantity of donor explosive, however after a point it will be more effective to revert to a shaped charge. The type of main charge container (for example a heavy cased artillery shell) will also determine the quantity of donor explosive that is required. In conventional munition disposal, shaped charges are normally associated with the aim of causing low order deflagration. For an HME filled main charge this option may also result in a low order event, however the outcome is less reliable than for conventional munitions. This is due to variations in the explosive properties and loading density of HME, even if visually their consistency appears similar across a number of main charges.
IEDD in mine action – overview
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