If an explosion occurs when a remote or semi-remote positive action is conducted, then the MA operations manager should be informed immediately. A safe waiting period should be applied and, if available, a UAV / remotely operated vehicle (ROV) used to observe the site of the explosion from a safe distance. A suitable plan should be developed and then briefed to all parties, including the local community. It may be sensible to pause operations until this plan is written down and reviewed.
AN UNPLANNED EXPLOSION OCCURS DURING THE CONDUCT OF A POSITIVE IEDD ACTION.
ׁ WARNING. If an unplanned explosion, such as a
partial detonation, occurs when the IEDD operator is forward of the CP, then they should immediately cease operations, make safe the work site, and return to a known safe location where a full assessment of the situation can be made in controlled conditions.
Example 1: The IEDD operator is working in an area understood to incorporate pressure plate IEDs and comes across a PIR sensor or a radio-controlled device. Example 2: The IEDD operator is working in an area understood to contain pressure plates with a high metal content and discovers one with very low metal content.
IDENTIFICATION OF A NEW OR NOVEL DEVICE, WHETHER FOR TECHNICAL GUIDANCE OR TO ENSURE IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF CRITICAL INFORMATION TO OTHER IEDD OPERATORS AND CLEARANCE TEAMS.
Both examples demonstrate a shift in the anticipated threat, which poses danger to all those operating in the area.
When MA clearance operations commence it is common for members of the local community to approach staff with information on further contamination. Some information may lend itself to ‘spot tasks’, such as the recovery of main charges and other IED components that have been removed by security force personnel after the conflict but not taken away and destroyed. At a bare minimum this information should be recorded, and appropriate advice provided to the community. Under no circumstances should MA staff conduct any ad hoc tasks without prior approval of the MA operations manager. It is often better to adopt a more deliberate approach and pre-plan a series of spot tasks that can be conducted with suitable management checks. For example, it may be mandated that an IEDD operator wear a ballistic helmet with visor on all approaches. However, if access during an RSP is an issue it may be appropriate to remove the helmet briefly.
PRIOR TO CONDUCTING OPERATIONS OUTSIDE AN APPROVED TASK SITE, INCLUDING IED SPOT TASKS.
IF IT IS BELIEVED THAT DEVIATION FROM ANY PRINCIPLE OR MANDATORY ACTION IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A TASK SAFELY.
ׁ WARNING. This deviation should be conducted for the minimum amount of time possible. As soon as the helmet is not restricting access then it should be put back on.
IEDD in mine action – overview
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