4.2.ROV ACTIONS INCLUDING MANIPULATOR, DISRUPTOR AND CUTTER
Image 1. Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) fitted with barrel disruptor, manipulator and wire cutter
4.2.1. INTRODUCTION Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) improve safety by providing a platform from which a variety of IEDD techniques and procedures can be performed without an IEDD operator having to enter the danger area. When available, an IEDD operator should seek to employ an ROV if it is appropriate for the circumstances. There are many types of commercial ROVs available, which vary in size, weight and specification. Unfortunately, there is not one type of ROV which meets all demands. An MA organisation must analyse the IED environment in which it is working to determine the type of ROV most suitable. 4.2.2.WHY IS THE USE OF ROVS ‘GOOD PRACTICE’? Primarily, they comply with the IMAS 09.31 guiding philosophy of ‘preservation of life’ and can aid in the “restoration of the situation to normality as quickly as possible”. ROVs also assist in observing the IEDD general principles: “Remote (if available) and semi-remote actions should be conducted to neutralise and/or dispose [of] IEDs” and “All IED components should be moved remotely or semi-remotely prior to manual handling.”
ADVANTAGES OF ROV s
• Reduces the IEDD operator’s exposure to risk, as positive actions can be conducted without the need for a manual approach; • Enables remote viewing of the device and area through onboard cameras. This also allows positive actions to be observed and confirmed remotely. This significantly aids in the IEDD operators planning as the task progresses; • Many positive IEDD actions can be conducted by the ROV, with only one safe waiting period required prior to manual confirmation that the IED has been rendered safe. Such action returns the situation to normal far more quickly than manual or semi-remote techniques, which would require a safe waiting time to be applied between each positive EOD action.
IEDD techniques and procedures
337
Powered by FlippingBook