4.12. PORTABLE DIGITAL X-RAY
4.12.1. INTRODUCTION The use of radiography (X-ray) by MA IEDD operators is a specialist skill specified in the IMAS Test and Evaluation Protocols (T&EP) 09.31/01/2019 for Level 3+ operators. It is not a core skill that all MA IEDD operators will have, nor a capability that all MA programmes can access unless equipment is available. However, depending on the threat and the MA programme’s requirements, radiography is a capability that can increase the safety and effectiveness of IED disposal tasks and enable additional information on IED tactics to be gathered. Radiography is the term given to the process of creating images to view the internal form of an opaque object by exposing the object to radiation. X-rays are the predominant type of radiation used in IEDD applications, as they have many advantages over other types of radiation. When an object is irradiated (exposed to radiation), the quantity of radiation able to pass through and emerge on the other side will differ according to the thickness and density of the material through which it has passed. These differences between absorbed and emerging radiation can be used to create an image. Commercially available EOD radiography equipment will usually consist of a portable X-ray generator to produce radiation and project it in a desired direction, and a portable image plate that is placed behind the suspect object to capture the variation in X-ray radiation that has been absorbed or passed through the object. Depending on the equipment, the image is produced in a variety of ways, the most common being as follows: • Wet film processing where the plate contains a film on which the image is captured. This image can be viewed once developed. • A phosphorus plate which is placed into a specialist scanner and a digital image is produced on a laptop / tablet screen. • A digital plate which links to a laptop / tablet by a fixed or wireless link and displays the image on a screen.
ׁ WARNING. X-ray sources are inherently dangerous and although their emissions cannot be seen they can impact on health. These effects are cumulative and may manifest themselves many years after exposure. It is essential, therefore, that all personnel involved in the use of X-ray generators are fully conversant with their safe operation and the dangers inherent in their misuse.
4.12.2.WHY IS THE USE OF PORTABLE RADIOGRAPHY ‘GOOD PRACTICE’? Radiography enables an IEDD operator to view the contents of an opaque object / container without unacceptable disturbance or intrusion. It can be utilised to:
• Determine if a suspect object is an IED or component part of an IED;
• Determine if explosive components are present;
• Identify the method of initiation and optimum angle of attack for positive EOD action;
• Prevent damage to property from unnecessary EOD action by confirming if an object is innocuous;
• Provide intelligence on device construction and design.
IEDD techniques and procedures
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