3.1.4. PHASE 4 – TASK EXECUTION Once the plan has been formulated it must be implemented in a safe, effective and efficient manner. While it is not possible to give a prescriptive guide on how every IEDD task will be executed, there are good practices which can be applied in addition to the guiding philosophy and general principles that were covered in Section 1 of this chapter: CP selection and approach routes. A CP must first and foremost be in a safe area if the IED were to function, and located away from any other hazards which may be present. Preferably, it should also be out of direct ‘line of sight’ of the expected device. Further considerations include:
• Is it possible to execute the plan from that location?
• Is it close enough that firing cables and pulling lines will reach the device (without compromising safety)? • Does it have adequate approach routes for the IEDD operator and / or an ROV (if used) without requiring undue exertion?
• The IEDD operator will be carrying equipment and wearing PPE. If the approach route is not adequate then the CP can be moved to a more favourable location if required.
Improvised detonators. These can be extremely sensitive, much more so than commercial or military detonators. They must be handled with extreme care and it is advised they are disposed of at the task site.
Projected IEDs. The priority for clearance of a projected IED is the reverse of the priority for cordon and evacuation. They should be cleared as follows:
• Point of origin.
• Flight path.
• Impact area.
By clearing in this order, it avoids a projected IED being launched whilst the IEDD operator is in the flight path or impact area.
Main charges with directional effects. Cordon and evacuation should already have been implemented, which accounts for this additional hazard. When remotely or semi-remotely moving a directional IED main charge, care must be taken not to change its orientation to one which is inappropriate for the cordon and evacuation that is in place. At a suitable point in the task, if safe to do so, it should be orientated in a manner that removes the directional hazard. Enhancements. IED main charges can have a variety of enhancements which present additional hazards. For example, the addition of petroleum to create a blast incendiary effect, or industrial chlorine cannisters to add a chemical effect. The IEDD operator must identify these enhancements and take appropriate mitigation measures. It is also very important they are still within the operator’s scope of works. For example, where chemical enhancements have been identified it is unlikely this will still be the responsibility of a humanitarian MA IEDD operator.
As a guide, when dealing with a fuel enhancement consider the following:
• Wear flameproof clothing (hood, mask, overalls, gloves) in addition to normal PPE;
• Carry a fire extinguisher on manual approaches;
• Have additional firefighting equipment in the CP, or if possible, request support from a local firefighting unit.
IEDD task conduct
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