Foreword
Overview
1. Safety
2. Training and Qualifications
3. Survey
4. Minefield Marking
5. Minefield Clearance Operations
6. Explosive Ordnance Disposal
7. Medical
8. Communication
9. Minefield Information Management

Note: The 1997 International Standards for Humanitarian Mine Clearance Operations listed below are no longer in force as of October 1, 2001. They have been superseded by the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). The 1997 Standards remain posted here for their historical value and to allow comparison with the new IMAS.

Foreword

The continuing humanitarian disaster caused by the vast number of landmines and unexploded ordnance littered throughout more than sixty countries has, in recent years, created an active and growing response from the international community that could eventually lead to the elimination of the use of landmines.  In the meantime the international community continues to struggle with the removal of the millions of mines that threaten vast areas of many countries, causing injuries and fatalities that threaten the fragile existence of families within the community.

The deployment of both anti-tank and anti-personnel landmines has caused incalculable human devastation and suffering to an increasing number of non-combatants, largely women and children. Landmines have also resulted in large tracts of valuable and sustainable agricultural land lying fallow, causing serious economic problems for regions and individual communities.  The economic pressure this causes further threatens the rural populations who will eventually have no alternative but to brave the danger in order to scratch a living from the explosively contaminated ground.  Fragile peace agreements and reconciliation efforts, always under pressure during the initial phases of political attempts to establish lasting peace, are further impacted by the mine contamination.  Expensive treatment for mine-related accidents increases the pressure on health systems that are often barely functional and the costs for survivors in treatment and rehabilitation continue to rise.  The traumatic effect that these injuries and fatalities have on the population is immense and is one of the most disturbing aspects for personnel involved in humanitarian relief efforts.

The international community has been addressing, with increasing emphasis, this man-made disaster with a greater financial commitment, creating more international demining organisations and establishing an indigenous mine clearance capacity.  Humanitarian demining was initially based on military methods and standards. However, as the humanitarian demining scenario has developed and changed there has been an increasing requirement to establish a coordinated approach to humanitarian demining standards.  In June 1996, the Government of Denmark initiated a forum for the discussion of demining standards and technology which pioneered the groundwork for the development of the international standards.  Their innovation, resulting in the production of these standards, should greatly increase donor confidence, the efficiency and effectiveness of demining operations and, more importantly, improve safety for the deminers who are involved in the hazardous task of removing the cause of so much suffering, hardship and strife.

These international standards for humanitarian mine clearance operations are issued under the auspices of the United Nations and are effective upon receipt. Other standards, such as those issued by the host nation are to be complied with provided they match or exceed those set out in these documents, otherwise, these international standards will apply.

The following subjects are covered:

The standards provide a framework for the creation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs), which in turn detail the manner in which specific mine clearance operations are conducted.  The SOPs should take into account the cultural, environmental and operational variations between countries and, therefore, procedures should be amended accordingly.

Examples of SOPs and guideline documents are included to facilitate application. Standards will be regularly reviewed and updated by the United Nations.  The latest version of the standards can be obtained from the Mine Clearance Policy Unit, DHA, United Nations, New York, NY 10017  USA.  Telephone (212) 963-4632; Fax (212) 963-1040 or E-mail cassidy@un.org.  Comments and suggestions for improvement are welcome.

STORAGE, CONSTRUCTION, AND TRANSPORATION OF EXPLOSIVES

3. Survey

INTRODUCTION
3.1 In order to establish a Mine Action Plan based on governmental and regional priorities, areas that are suspected of being mined or are mined must be quickly identified.  These records form part of the Mine Survey database and are a major planning tool in the prioritisation of tasks and the commitment of mine clearance  resources. Information obtained from the various mine awareness programmes form an important part of the initial Level One survey data.

SCOPE
3.2 This document addresses the standards for the levels of survey and covers terminology, recording and survey operations.  It should be read in conjunction with the standards for mine clearance.

PURPOSE
3.3 To establish standards for survey activities in order to record the location and actual area of the mine-affected locations.

DEFINITIONS OF SURVEY LEVELS AND REPORTS
3.4 A survey has three specific functions or levels: information gathering of a suspected mine or UXO area, a detailed topographical survey including area reduction and marking,  and the completion survey.  The three 'Levels' of survey are required in order to gather, collate, refine and record all available information about the mine threat, its location and extent.  All Levels survey are to be recorded on the same form, an example of which is enclosed as Annex A to Section 3. The following definitions for the levels of survey are to be used:

LEVEL ONE: GENERAL SURVEY

3.5 The objective of a Level One: General Survey is to collect information on the general locations of suspected or mined areas.  Information must be collected about the areas affected by mines or UXO and areas that are not affected.  Areas must be categorised and the reliability and credibility of data recorded.  The categorising system is detailed in Section Nine.  A Level One: General Survey is a prerequisite for the planning of a Level Two: Technical Survey.  The content and level of detail will vary according to the level of survey undertaken.

3.6 Survey teams are to record survey mapping activities on a sketch at a scale no smaller than 1: 10,000.

LEVEL TWO: TECHNICAL SURVEY

3.7 The objective of a Level Two: Technical Survey is to determine and delineate the perimeter of mined locations initially identified by a Level One: General Survey.  The marked perimeter forms the area for future mine clearance operations.  The Level Two survey requires trained and properly equipped mine clearance personnel with the necessary skills to undertake and accurately record the survey work.  Where possible, with time and resources permitting, these teams should also undertake area reduction work in order to accurately define the outer perimeters of the minefield.

3.8 Survey teams are to record survey mapping activities on a sketch at a scale no smaller than 1: 10,000.

LEVEL THREE: COMPLETION SURVEY

3.9 The Level Three: Completion Survey is conducted in conjunction with the mine clearance teams and accurately records the area cleared.  The benchmark is to be left in the ground to serve as a minimum marker of the initial minefield area.  It is also recommended that permanent markers be used to indicate turning and intermediate points of the perimeter of the mined area.

3.10 Once the clearance task has been partially or totally completed a clearance report which, with the Level Three : Completion Survey and in some cases a Quality Assurance check, will form the basis for the documentation necessary for the  issuing of an authorized acceptance certificate.

SURVEY REPORTS
3.11 The reporting format must be standardised at all levels of survey and an example of the standard form is enclosed as Annex A to Section Three.  All survey forms are to be prepared in both the national and one of the six major UN recognised languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish).


INFORMATION SOURCES, CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEY RECORDS

INFORMATION SOURCES
3.12 Information gathering should include, but is not limited to the following sources:



a) Governmental departments;

b) United Nations organisations such as WFP, UNICEF and UNDP;

c) Military Units, including Force HQs and Engineer units;

d) Police stations;

e) Local hospitals;

d) Mine and UXO clearance organisations;

e) Prosthesis centres;

f) Mine Awareness programmes and local personnel.

INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION
3.13 Mine information is to be categorised as : unknown, suspected (high and low risk) , reported, and cleared.  The reliability and credibility of the reported information is to be indicated using the M1 to M4 system confidence levels as detailed in Section Nine - Minefield Information Management Standards.

SURVEY RECORDS AND REPORTS
3.14 Before initiating survey operations standards must be established for the recording of information so that it will be in an acceptable format for analysis.   Records must be kept in both written, graphic and digital formats, where possible, so that information can be transferred by digital and hard- copy medium to facilitate archiving and to provide a back-up.

3.15 The minimum level of information depends on the requirement of the authorising body and varies depending on the survey level.  The required information for the various levels of survey is identified on the Survey form.

3.16 The status of information can only be changed when supported by a written formal report.

3.17 Mine information reports form historical data and should always be archived and never destroyed.


TEAM COMPOSITION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

3.18 The survey team is to consist of a minimum of two personnel trained in survey and demining (one to act as the team leader) and must include a medical orderly or paramedic.  Where possible the medical orderly/paramedic should have some basic knowledge of mine clearance operations.  The survey teams are to be trained to the standards detailed in Section Two: Training and Qualifications, their duties and methods of operation should be outlined in greater detail in the SOPs.


COORDINATE SYSTEMS AND GPS

3.19 The default system for benchmark and landmark coordinates is to be latitude and longitude.  UTM, MGRS or other reference systems can also be used at the local level, however, the type, projection and datum point must be indicated in the database and sketch maps.  This is to allow accurate transposing of information to other base maps.

3.20 Where possible, a Global Positioning System (GPS) should be used to get a fix on the centre of a point.  Because of the errors inherent in current hand held GPS systems they are not to be used for coordinates of turning points on a perimeter.  Major landmarks, incidents and the minefield benchmarks may be fixed with hand held GPS.  Differential GPS with an error of ± 5 cms may be used for turning points.  The use of differential GPS is not covered in this document.
 

MINEFIELD MARKING AND AREA REDUCTION

MINEFIELD MARKING
3.21 The purpose of minefield  marking is to create a visual demarcation of the mined area to warn people of the presence of mines.  Mine marking may involve construction of a physical barrier to warn and prevent people and livestock from accidentally entering a mined area.  The types, methods and standards for mine and minefield marking are detailed in Section Four - Minefield Marking.

AREA REDUCTION AND EXPLORATORY BREACHES
3.22 Area reduction is an essential part of the Level Two Survey task.  It can be undertaken by a variety of methods.  The SOP is to clearly state the manner and methods to be utilized.

3.23 If exploratory breaches are used, the drills and methods utilized are to be outlined in the SOPs.

3.24 Landmarks and benchmarks must be accurately recorded to a maximum error of ±10 metres and the outer perimeter is to be surveyed by use of a closed traverse with an error or misclose of 1 metre.

3.25 Once the minefield outer perimeter has been clearly defined, it is recommended that a safety zone is created between the defined mined area and the perimeter fence.  This area is to marked as detailed in Section Four - Minefield Marking and details stipulated in the SOPs.

DOGS AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
3.26 Dogs and mechanical equipment should be used to assist in both survey and area reduction tasks.  The methods of work are to conform to the relevant standards outlined in this document.  The drills and methods used are to be specified in the SOPs.

MEDICAL SUPPORT
3.27 The survey team, if detached from the immediate area of other mine and UXO clearance activities, must have the same medical support standards as that detailed in Section Seven - Medical.


 

MINEFIELD INFORMATION SYSTEMS

MINEFIELD INFORMATION SYSTEMS
3.28 The purpose of a minefield information system is to manage the cumulative information obtained from reports submitted by the mine awareness, minefield survey, mine clearance teams and other sources.  Data should be stored in both document and digitised format.

3.29 Standards for recording and managing information resulting from minefield survey and clearance operations are explained in Section Nine - Minefield Information Management Systems.

3.30 Copies of all survey information, reports and sketches are to be given to the National or Mine Action Centre database.
 
 

Annex A to Section 3
Survey Form



Type of Report:

Marking

Level 1 Survey

Level 2 Survey

Level 3 Survey

Task No:	Date into Database (dd/mm/yy):
ID No for mined Area:	Entered By:
Report No:	Report Date (dd/mm/yy):

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Survey Team Data



1	Organisation:
2	Marking/Survey Team Supervisor:
3	Marking/Survey Team Leader:
4	Start of Marking/Survey (dd/mm/yy):
5	Finish Of Marking/Survey (dd/mm/yy):
6	Level 1 Survey conducted by:
7	Level 2 Survey Conducted by:
8	Clearance Organisation:
9	Clearance Supervisor:
10	Clearance Team Leader:
11	Clearance Start (dd/mm/yy):
12	Clearance Finish (dd/mm/yy):
13	Level 3 Survey Conducted by:
14	Verification Conducted by:	When (dd/mm/yy):
15	QA Conducted by:	When (dd/mm/yy):

---

Mapping Information

16	Name of Nearest Town:
17	Coordinates (Grid Ref):
18	Municipality:
19	Canton:
20	Map Name:	Map Series:
21	Map Sheet:	Map Edition:
22	Map Scale:	Map Datum:
23	Map Projection:	Grid /Coordinate System:

---

Mined Area Location Information


24	Landmark Coordinates (Lat Long (Deg/Min/Sec))
25	Landmark Description:
	Coordinates fixed by:	GPS	Resection
26	Benchmark Coordinates ( Lat Long (Deg/Min/Sec))
27	Benchmark Description:
	Coordinate fixed by:	GPS	Resection
28	Datum Point Coordinates ( Lat Long (Deg/Min/Sec))
29	Datum Point Description:
	Coordinates fixed by:	GPS	Resection
30	Benchmark identified ? (shown on sketch map)	yes	no
31	Safe Lane identified ? (shown on sketch map)	yes	no
32	Datum Point identified ? (shown on sketch map)	yes	no
33	Safe Areas identified ? (shown on sketch map)	yes	no

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Perimeter of Mined Area



	From	To	Bearing	Dist(m)	Grid Coord	TP	IP
34	Landmark	Benchmark
35	Benchmark	Datum Pt
36	Datum Pt	TP1				1
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48		Datum Pt

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Minefield Information



49	Who laid the mines/UXO?
50	When was the minefield laid?
51	Is the mined area marked? Show on Map	Yes	No	By Who:
52	Was there fighting in this area?	Yes	No
53	Final use for Cleared Area:
Refugee/IDP Agriculture Utilities Development Project   UN Site NGO/Aid Line of Comms Other
54	Depth of Clearance Recommended:		Actual Depth Cleared:
55	Reliability of Information:	M1	M2	M3	M4
56	Confidence Level:	1	2	3	4
57	Assessed Risk:	High	Low

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Mine/UXO Type Information

58

Device types in area:

AT

AP

UXO

Mixed

59	Type:	Model:	Number:	BT/Anti lift fitted:
60	Type:	Model:	Number:	BT/Anti lift fitted:
61	Type:	Model:	Number:	BT/Anti lift fitted:

---

Clearance Operation Data

62	Number of Clearance Units used:
63	Manual methods used:
64	State SOP for manual method employed:
65	Dog methods used:
66	State SOP for dog method employed:
67	Mechanical method used:
68	State SOP for mechanical method employed:
69	Combination method used:
70	State SOP for combination method employed:
71	Mine/UXO destruction methods used:
72	Metal detectors used?	Make:	Model:	Mk:
73	Metal detectors used?	Make:	Model:	Mk:
74	Maximum detection depth in cm:
75	Total area cleared:
76	Problems encountered during clearance task?
77	Areas/Obstacles left uncleared:
78	Description:
79	Method of marking:

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Terrain Data

80	Type of Location:
		Urban	Coast	Rural	Wooded
		Mountain	Agricultural	Industrial	Open
		Mix	Battlefield	Other
81	Soil Type:
		Clay	Chalk	Stony	Ploughed
		Sand	Loam	Mixed	Other
82	Soil Conductivity/Anomalies:
83	Water Table Depth and Conditions:
84	Prominent Ground Features:
85	Slope:
		0-5%	5-10%	10-15%	15-20%
		20-25%	25-30%	30+%
86	Drainage Features:
		Rivers	Lakes	Canals	Drainage
		Ditches	Irrigation	Channels
87	Can the vegetation be removed by burning or chemicals:
		Burning	Chemicals	No
88	Was the vegetation be removed by:
		Burning	Chemicals	Mechanical	Manual
89	Control Measures:
		Fire Breaks	Local Fire Service	Fire Appliances	Run Off control
90	Description of Control Measures taken:
91	Prevailing Wind Direction:
		AM: N NE E SE S SW W NW PM: N NE E SE S SW W NW

---

Road Access Data

92	Nearest town:
93	Distance from town to minefield (in km):
94	Travel time between town and minefield:
95	Route/highway name:
96	Route Type:
		All weather wheeled	All weather tracked	Limited All Weather
		Fair weather wheeled	Fair weather tracked	Other
	Describe:
97	Route Classification:		Load Class	Maximum Weight
98	Number of Lanes:		1 2 4 More
99	Width (meters):
		Carriage way:	Shoulders:	Ditches:
		Total width:

---

Bridge Access Data

100	Bridge Classification:		Load Class	Maximum Weight
			One way	Two way
101	Bridge Type:
102	Number of Lanes:		1 2 4 More
103	Bridge Condition:
	Good two ways	Good one way	Poor one way	Cannot be used
104	Bridge Span (m):

---

Hand Over Data

105	Area to be handed over to:
106	Marking maintenance confirmed:
107	Mine Awareness conducted for local inhabitants:

---

Administration and Logistic Data

108	Proposed Accommodation:
109	Nearest water supply:
110	Nearest food supply:
111	Electricity supply:		Yes	No
112	Fuel available:		Yes	No	Where:
113	Telephone:		Yes	No	Where:
114	Secure Storage/Parking:		Yes	No	Where:
115	HF Radio checked to HQ and Spt elements:
	Yes	Good	Fair	Poor	No
116	VHF Radio checked to HQ and Spt elements:
	Yes	Good	Fair	Poor	No
117	Helicopter Landing Site:		Yes	No	Coordinates:
118	Airstrip:	Yes	No	Coordinates:	Runway legnth:

---

Contact Details

119	Nearest UN site:
		Call sign:	Freq:	Channel:
		Coordinates:	Appt:	Tel:
		Contact:	Address:
		Time to site:	Cas data:	Yes	No
120	Police Station:
		Call sign:	Freq:	Channel:
		Coordinates:	Appt:	Tel:
		Contact:	Address:
		Time to site:	Cas data:	Yes	No
		Time to site:	Cas data:	Yes	No
121	Level 1 medical site:
		Call sign:	Freq:	Channel:
		Coordinates:	Appt:	Tel:
		Contact:	Address:
		Time to site:	Cas data:	Yes	No
122	Level 2 medical site:
		Call sign:	Freq:	Channel:
		Coordinates:	Appt:	Tel:
		Contact:	Address:
		Time to site:	Cas data:	Yes	No
123	Level 3 medical site:
		Call sign:	Freq:	Channel:
		Coordinates:	Appt:	Tel:
		Contact:	Address:
		Time to site:	Cas data:	Yes	No
124	Medevac:
		Call sign:	Freq:	Channel:
		Coordinates:	Appt:	Tel:
		Contact:	Address:
		Time to site:	Cas data:	Yes	No

---

Completed By Position Signature Date

Checked By Position Signature Date

INTRODUCTION
4.1 Mine marking, a major function of Mine Survey teams, provides an immediate warning for people moving in or near hazardous areas.   The mine marking methods, including those of local design and manufacture, must be flexible and adaptable for implementation in the affected country and be part of a national marking system.  The selected methods must be stated in the SOPs of all participating demining organisations and will vary from country to country due to language, environmental, political and cultural variances.

4.2 Mine marking must visibly delineate between known danger areas and those areas that are clear.  The local population may have to be educated on the purpose of the signs and mine markings so that they will not remove the marking material.

SCOPE
4.3 This document addresses the standards for the signs and marking of hazardous areas during survey, mine and EOD clearance operations and should be read in conjunction with the standards for mine and EOD clearance and other relevant documents.

PURPOSE
4.4 The purpose of this document is to establish standards for minefield marking in order to clearly identify the hazardous areas by use of highly visible and, where possible, physical barriers.


 

MINE CLEARANCE MARKING

4.5 As a minimum, all safe lanes, safe routes and control areas must be marked by sticks or pickets, mine tape, rope or stones in order to define and differentiate between cleared and uncleared areas.

4.6 Safe lanes are to be a minimum of 1 metre wide.

4.7 Marking of areas within the hazardous area are to be of the same standard as safe lanes and control areas.  Working lanes are to be clearly marked by sticks, tape, rope or stones to define the safe and unsafe areas.  This marking should be maintained for the duration of the task.

MINEFIELD/UXO MARKETING LEVELS

4.8 There are three levels of marking :
 

a) Emergency Marking.  Emergency marking of suspected mined areas is an immediate visual warning of the possible presence of mines and UXOs.  The type of marking should consist of a clearly recognised mine symbol that indicates danger, such as the skull and crossbones. The marking should be clearly recognised from a distance of at least 50 metres and capable of enduring local weather conditions for at least six months.  Local innovations may be used when conveyed to and understood by the local population.

b) Temporary Marking.  Temporary marking is used to indicate a mined area boundary.  Marking should use recognised mine signs, be clearly visible and placed approximately 1 metre to 1.25 metres above the ground.   Signs should be spaced 50 metres apart and be securely fixed to a picket or improvised material.  All marking must be monitored and maintained.

c) Long-Term Marking.  Long-term marking is required for areas that are not scheduled for clearance work for an extended period of time.  Regular maintenance is to be undertaken.  The SOPs should stipulate the long-term marking methods to be employed.


 

MARKING SPECIFICATIONS

IMPROVISED MARKING
4.9 Improvised marking methods should become a part of the national and local mine awareness programmes in order to inform and educate the local population about their meaning and function.  This education has a secondary function, which is to stop the removal of minefield marking and warning signs.

MINEFIELD SIGNS - STANDARDS
4.10 The following standards are detailed for the manufacture and construction of minefield marking signs and fences:

 

a) Mine Signs, Size and Shape.  There are two basic designs for the shape of this sign;  square and triangular.  The square sign should be at least 25 centimetres by 25 centimetres.  The triangular type should be at least 28 centimetres wide along the top edge and 20 centimetres on two sides.

b) Mine Danger Symbol.  The recognised symbol for danger is the skull and crossbones and this must be illustrated on all mine danger signs.  These standards take note of the Amended Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the use of Mines, Booby-Traps and other Devices (Amended Protocol II) of the United Nations Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects Technical Annex (para. 4) which offers its variant on international signs for minefields and mined areas as depicted in the example below.

c) Colour.  The background colour of the front of the sign must be red with the skull and crossbones symbol and any words in white.  The reverse side of the sign is to be white.  This clearly demonstrates on which side of the sign the danger lies.

d) Language.  'Danger Mines' are the only words that should be used on a mine sign and should be printed in one of the six major recognised UN languages ( English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic and Spanish) and the local language.

e) Material.  As a minimum requirement all signs should be able to withstand the local environment and weather conditions without deterioration for a period of at least six months and, where possible, the material should be of little local value.

f) Perimeter marking.

(i) Piled stones, sticks or pickets may be used to effectively mark mined areas.  Stones should be painted at the apex and, where possible, the mine warning sign should be positioned into the cairn or fixed to a stick or metal pole from above the stone apex.
(ii) Fencing.  Fencing is a barrier to restrict humans and livestock from entering hazardous areas.  Strands of fencing should be placed at 0.5 metres and at 1 metre to 1.25 metres from ground level.  Mine warning signs are to be affixed along the top strand between the pickets every 50 metres to act as a visual warning.


g) Measurement Standards.  All countries should use a uniform method (metric is preferred) with bearings in either mils or degrees and, where possible, using magnetic bearings.  The primary GPS coordinate system will be in longitude and latitude and the Grid Reference system. The secondary coordinate systems can be the local reference system.  The following are technical parameters for identifying  and measuring key survey points:

h) Prominent Landmarks.  They must be an easily recognised and of a permanent nature.  The exact position must be identified by GPS longitude/latitude and, where possible, an eight figure grid reference.

i) Benchmarks.  Benchmarks are a permanent point of reference used as a navigational point to serve as a marker to the perimeter of the minefield.  These benchmarks are to be numbered.  Benchmarks can be made from metal, wood or stone material.  If  metal or wood, they will be a configuration of three pickets driven flush into the ground in a triangular pattern.  The pickets should be spaced at 1.5 metres at the base.  A picket is to be placed upright in the centre of the triangle and is to be 1.5 metres in height.  The apex of the benchmark should be aligned to any intermediate markers or to the minefield start point.  Benchmarks should be painted a prominent colour.

j) Turning Points.  Turning points are to consist of steel, wood or stone markers.  They should be distinctively marked and be located using bearings and distances from a previous turning point or benchmark.  They are also to be given coordinates.  GPS is not to be used for fixing coordinates of turning  or intermediate points unless it has a maximum error of ±5 cms.

k) Intermediate Points.  Intermediate points are to be used between turning points to ensure that the direction between points is on a known fixed line that can be easily and accurately followed.



MINEFIELD MARKING MAINTENANCE
4.11 The local population must be encouraged to be responsible for the maintenance of the minefield marking systems in their immediate areas.  Material, such as mine signs and fencing, should be held in a central location in order that resources can be allocated to minefield tasks.  Regular inspections should be carried out by the mine clearance organisation.  A handover certificate is recommended to allocate the responsibility for the maintenance to the local community.

MINEFIELD RECORDS
4.12 Emergency, temporary and long-term mine marking records and records completed during clearance operations must be linked into the minefield survey records and Minefield Information Database.


 

INTRODUCTION
5.1 Mine clearance operations are undertaken in areas suspected or known to contain mines/UXO. The methods and techniques outlined in this document are designed to increase effectiveness and flexibility while reducing the possibilities of accidents.  Frequent revision should be undertaken with all deminers to ensure that methods and techniques are known and practised.   Where possible all mines and munitions are to be destroyed in situ.  This section must be read in conjunction with the other relevant standards and supporting SOPs.

SCOPE
5.2 This document addresses humanitarian mine clearance operations and should be read in conjunction with the standards for Survey, Minefield  Marking, EOD and other relevant documents.

PURPOSE
5.3 The purpose of this document is to establish standards for mine clearance activities covering the detection and destruction of mines and munitions, thereby making the area safe for productive use by the local population.

QUALIFICATION

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS
5.4 All personnel must be trained, qualified and authorised to conduct mine clearance and EOD tasks and must not perform tasks that exceed the limits of their training and qualifications.  See Section Two- Training and Qualifications.

NGO AND CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
5.5 All demining organisations must be able to produce proof of their qualifications and previous experience.  All should be able to demonstrate:



a) The competence, experience and qualifications of all personnel;

b) Standing Operating Procedures specifying the technical procedures to be used;

c) A written quality policy;

d) A written safety policy;

e) A medical support plan with a comprehensive CASEVAC procedure;

f) An insurance policy covering personnel, medical, third party and employer's liability;

g) Their ability to operate and implement the proposed programme.



5.6 In addition they must provide regular reports and returns as detailed in the contract.

CONTRACTORS QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
5.7 The contractors Quality Management system is to consist of three main components:



a) Quality Philosophy;

b) Quality Assurance;

c) Quality Control.
 

5.8 The Quality Management system must be designed for a mine clearance operation and consist of:

a) A detailed outline of the organisation including line and support functions, matrix relationships, interfaces, reporting lines and content;

b) A definition of roles, responsibilities and authority of each function;

c) A quality policy, which is documented and communicated through the organisation;

d) The appointment of  quality management representatives;

e) Document plans and processes required for meeting quality requirements;

f) A continuous review of the quality system;

g) Defined procedures for procurement, purchasing and payments;

h) A definition of relevant work processes and procedures for compliance, monitoring and control;

i) Detailed standard procedures for inspection, verification and testing;

j) Defined procedures for handling goods;

k) Verification that all processes and procedures are utilized in a correct manner to ensure the overall goal is achieved on time, within budget and to the required standards, to the stakeholders satisfaction.

 

CLEARANCE STANDARDS
5.9 An area is cleared when all mines and munitions have been removed and/or destroyed.  All debris, from mines and munitions, such as fuzing systems, percussion caps and other items that constitute an explosive hazard, is to be removed.

5.10 The area should be cleared of mines and UXOs to a standard and depth which is agreed to be appropriate to the residual/planned use of the land, and which is achievable in terms of the resources and time available.  The contractor must achieve at least 99.6 % of the agreed standard of clearance.  The target for all UN sponsored clearance programmes is the removal of all mines and UXO to a depth of 200mm.
 

SITE LAYOUT AND MAPPING

SITE LAYOUT
5.11 The standardisation of all clearance marking systems is paramount to safe operations.  The following features are essential requirements for all sites and include points, lines and lanes to be used in minefield clearance operations:



a) Benchmark;

b) Datum Point;

c) Start Line;

d) Start Point(s);

e) Working Lane(s);

f) Safe Route(s);

g) Cleared Lane(s);

h) Scrap Metal Collection Point(s);

i) Command Post;

j) Vehicle Park;

k) Medical Point(s);

l) Visitors Reception / Briefing Area;

m) Explosives Storage;

n) Demolition Pit;

o) Equipment Storage Area;

p) Rest and Toilet Areas.

 

SITE MAPPING
5.12 Maps are to form part of the record of work being undertaken on the site.  Two maps are necessary to record all details in respect of the site and the clearance operation: the Working or Site Map and the Completion Map.  Bearings are to be magnetic bearings. The site layout explained in paragraph 5.11 forms the basis for these maps.  See example diagrams below:
 

MINE CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, METHODS, AND TECHNIQUES

GENERAL
5.13 The deminers 'Tool Box' consists of a range of equipment including mechanical clearance equipment, deminers cutting tools, survey equipment, detectors and explosives etc.

5.14 All equipment must have SOPs written on the correct procedure for usage, maintenance, handling, transport and security.  The selection of tools is dependent on the country and type of work.

BURNING AND CHEMICALS TO CLEAR VEGETATION
5.15 Burning and the use of chemicals to clear vegetation should only be used after careful consideration of the consequences of their use.

MANUAL CLEARANCE TOOLS
5.16 The following tools are used in demining operations with the objective of locating or assisting in the location of mines or munitions.  Should any item be located an immediate action (IA) drill must be known to all deminers.


a) Probing.  The most commonly used method to check sub-surface for buried mines or munitions.  Details of the angle and spacing for the use of the probe must be stipulated in the SOPs.  See also Section One- Safety.

b) Excavation.  An area where the detector or other methods have indicated the presence of metal will be excavated.  Details of the depth, methods and tools to be used must be outlined in the SOPs.

c) Cutting tools.  A variety of tools are available for the task of cutting small bushes, scrub and grass.  All cutting tools must be used in the horizontal plane.  Details of types and methods of use are to be outlined in the SOPs.

d) Metal Detectors.  All detectors must be able to detect the landmines used in theatre to  the depth of clearance specified. Consideration must be given to the depth of laying during operations and the end use of the land. All metal detectors need a comprehensive in-country  technical evaluation.  The SOPs must contain the procedures for operation, action on troubleshooting faults, maintenance and battery checking.  The minimum depth of clearance is 200 mm therefore detectors should be able to detect mines to at least this depth.

e) Trip Wire Drills.  A visual inspection is necessary in the zone that is being cleared.  This may also be accompanied by a tripwire feeler drill.  Methods of use are to be outlined in the SOPs.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
5.17 All personnel involved in mine clearance activities must wear adequate protective equipment when appropriate.  The standards for protective equipment are detailed in Section One - Safety.

INTRODUCTION
7.1 Medical support is one of the principle planning considerations of any demining operation, as the inherent risk to those involved in the demining task is always high. A rapid and effective medical response must be available to respond to any mine related accidents and incidents.

7.2 Where suitable national medical regulations are in existence these are to be utilized.  If no suitable regulations are available then the standards outlined in this document should be adopted by all demining organisations, who should attempt not only to achieve these standards but to surpass them.

SCOPE
7.3 This document addresses the medical support required for all humanitarian survey, mine clearance and EOD operations and should be read in conjunction with other relevant standards.

PURPOSE
7.4 The purpose of this document is to establish medical support standards for rapid resuscitation and stabilization of the casualty and the prompt evacuation to a facility where emergency surgery (e.g. amputation) can be undertaken.

LEVELS OF MEDICAL SUPPORT
7.5 There are four levels of medical support;


a) Level One:  Casualty evacuation and a Level One medical capability.  Located on the operational site, the organization must be able to conduct casualty collection and Basic Life Support and have Advanced Life Support available within 15 minutes.  Off-site it should be able to tend to basic medical treatment and advise on preventative measures against disease and stress.

b) Level Two:  Casualty sustainment and a Level Two medical capability. Consists of additional paramedics and equipment to sustain the casualty and assist the evacuation.  Used when the site is more than 2 hours from a Level Three facility.

c) Level Three:  A medical facility (hospital) with life saving surgical capability.  Provide facilities for Level One and Two medical support and be able to conduct life and limb saving surgery.  Be able to investigate, diagnose and treat patients suffering from serious or life threatening conditions.  Should have dental facilities and where possible provide hygiene support, supervision and medical investigation.

d) Level Four:  Definitive care - A medical facility (hospital) with the capability for reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.  Full medical support facilities.
 

TRAINING STANDARDS
7.6 The following are the minimum standards :

a) All personnel are to be trained to administer first aid.  The training syllabus is detailed in Annex A to Section Seven.

b) Medical Orderly.  Trained to respond to a medical emergency and provide Basic Life Support and resuscitation to the casualty.  The training syllabus is detailed in Annex B to Section Seven..

c) Paramedic.  Trained to provide Advanced Life Support to casualties, to undertake CASEVAC planning, to supervise training, administer basic health care and assist the Medical Officer in his duties.

d) Medical Officer (Doctor with trauma training).  Provides Advanced Life Support to casualties but is also responsible for aspects of training, evacuation plans, priorities and general health care.


7.7 The course syllabus and frequency of refresher training should be detailed in SOPs.

7.8 National medical staff should be registered with the national medical authorities, where they exist.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
7.9 Medical staff are to have the correct equipment and material to undertake their role in providing medical support to casualties and general health care.  A complete equipment and material list for all levels of medical support is detailed in Annex C to Section Seven.

7.10 All clearance sites are to have a serviceable evacuation vehicle.  The vehicle must be able to carry at least two stretchers and be equipped with an ambulance medical kit and communications equipment.  This should include the equipment, material, drugs and consumables detailed at Annex D to Section Seven.

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
7.11 Medical health checks should be conducted before recruitment, and include both sight and hearing checks.

7.12 Basic medical treatment and advice on preventative measures against disease should, where possible, be given to clearance personnel.

DEPLOYMENT, CASEVAC AND MEDVAC PROCEDURES

DEPLOYMENT OF MEDICAL RESOURCES
7.13 The demining site should have at least one medical orderly able to provide Basic Life Support.  The medic should be no more than 5 minutes from the site location.

7.14 A paramedic or a trauma trained doctor is to be in the immediate vicinity to assist the medical orderly in providing Advanced Life Support and enable resuscitation and stabilisation before the casualty is evacuated to a Level Three facility.  They should be no more than 15 minutes from the site. Should a Level Three medical facility be more than two hours distant from the site then a Level Two facility/capability will be required.

CASEVAC AND MEDEVAC
7.15 CASEVAC is the evacuation of a casualty from the injury site to the nearest medical facility.  MEDEVAC is the evacuation of the casualty from the medical facility to the next higher level facility.  The CASEVAC and MEDEVAC procedures must follow established evacuation plans.

7.16 The casualty is to be evacuated from the accident site to the safety point.  The medical orderly should not enter the minefield unless there are extenuating circumstances.  Emergency procedures, including the entry into a mined area, are to be detailed in the SOPs.  At the safety point, Basic Life Support treatment will be administered.  A paramedic/Doctor is to be available within 15 minutes to administer Advanced Life Support treatment prior to evacuation to a Level Three facility.

7.17 If the time to get between the site and the Level Three facility is more than two hours, a Level Two facility has to be available in order to resuscitate and stabilize the casualty between the Level One and the Level Three facility.

7.18 Transfer of the casualty to a Level Four facility either in or outside the country must be recommended by a senior Medical Officer or Medical Coordinator in consultation with the medical staff of the demining organisation.

REHABILITATION SURGERY
7.19 In cases where rehabilitation surgery is necessary this can be accomplished at a later stage and is not an urgent requirement.  It will be necessary for organisations to have the relevant insurance coverage for rehabilitation.  This type of treatment would only be available at Level Four medical facilities.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTING
7.20 All mine incidents and accidents are to be reported (see Section Five paragraph 5.32), however, it should be noted that Medical Reports may be required through separate medical channels.  Details on medical reporting should be contained in the SOPs.

7.21 There is to be an adequate communication network established that will guarantee communication between the medical personnel and supporting elements.  See Section Eight - Communications, for details.
 



ANNEX A TO SECTION 7
SYLLABUS FOR FIRST-AID LESSONS FOR ALL DEMINERS

1) All mine clearance personnel are to receive the following training :


A) Basic CPR
i. One-Person CPR
ii. Two-Person CPR

B) Arrest of Hemorrhage
i. Direct Pressure method
ii. Pressure Points
iii. Tourniquet application

C) Bandaging of Wounds

D) Casualty Transportation
i. Fireman's-Lift
ii. Two-person method without stretcher
iii. Use of stretcher


2) Experience has shown that this course requires at least 24 hours of instruction.
 
 


ANNEX B TO SECTION 7
SYLLABUS FOR MEDICAL ORDERLY

1. Medical Orderlies are to be instructed in the following subjects:


A) Anatomy and Physiology
i. Elements of human body structure
ii. The musculoskeletal system
iii. The circulatory system
iv. The respiratory system
v. The digestive system
vi. The nervous system
vii. The excretory and reproductive system
viii. The skin


B) Non-trauma Emergency/First Aid

i. Airway Management
(1) Causes of airway obstruction
(2) Diagnosis of airway obstruction
(3) Techniques of removing secretions from casualty's mouth
(4) Chin lift / jaw thrust methods
(5) Artificial airway
(6) Positioning SSLP ( Semi-Supine Lying Position )
(7) Artificial Respiration
(a)Technique of artificial respiration (without ventilation bag)
(b)Technique of artificial respiration (with ventilation bag)
ii. Arrest of Hemorrhage
(1) Direct manual pressure and application of pressure dressing
(2) Tourniquets and their application
(3) Conversion of Tourniquet to pressure dressing
(4) Pressure points and their application
iii. Infusion
(1) Indications for intravenous infusion
(2) Sites for infusion
(3) Equipment needed for infusion
(4) Preparations for infusion
(5) Live infusion practice
iv. Bandaging of Wounds
(1)  Dressing of the head
(2)  Dressing of the face, back of the head
(3)  Dressing of the eyes
(4)  Dressing of the cheek, jaw and ear
(5)  Dressing of the scapula
(6)  Dressing of the shoulder
(7)  Dressing of the axilla
(8)  Dressing of the upper limb
(9)  Dressing of the palm and back of the hand
(10) Dressing of the elbow and the knee
(11)  Dressing of chest and back
(12) Dressing of the hip
(13) Dressing of the lower limb
v. Immobilisation of Fractures
(1) Splintless methods
(2) Splint methods
vi. Treatment of Head Injuries
(1) Diagnosis of head injury
(2) Dangers of head injury
(3) Treatment of head injury
vii. Treatment of Chest Injuries
(1) Diagnosis of chest injury
(2) Treatment of chest injury
viii. Treatment of Abdominal Injuries
(1) Diagnosis of abdominal injury
(2) Complications of abdominal injury
(3) Treatment of abdominal injury
ix. Treatment of Spinal and Pelvic Injuries
(1) Diagnosis of spinal injuries
(2) Management of spinal injuries
(3) Lifting and transportation of spine-injured casualty
(4) Diagnosis of pelvic injuries
(5) Management of pelvic fractures
x. Treatment of Burns and Blast Injuries
(1) Diagnosis of burns and blast injuries
(2) Treatment of burns and blast injuries
(3) Treatment of phosphorus burns
xi. Resuscitation Equipment
(1) Acquaintance of air-viva
(2) Acquaintance of ambu-suction
(3) Acquaintance of oxygen administration


C) Medical Evacuation

i. Different means of evacuation
ii. Requests for evacuation
iii. Structure of medical support


D) Drug and Dispensing

E) Mass Casualty Management

i. Single Casualty - primary and secondary survey
ii. Multiple casualties management


F) Theory and Practical Test

i. It is expected that the course for an untrained person would take from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the basic medical knowledge of the trainee.  To determine the length of the course, a pretest to assess the trainees' medical knowledge may be conducted.

 

ANNEX C TO SECTION 7


MEDICAL ORDERLY POUCH - CONTENTS
Serial	Items	Quantity
1.	Airway, disposable	1 (adult)
2.	Pocket mask (artificial respirator)	1 ea
3.	Cervical collar	1 ea
Dressings For Medical Orderly Pouch
4.	Personal field dressing	4 ea
5.	Abdominal/Chest dressing	2 ea
6.	Burn dressing	2 ea
7.	Triangular bandages	3 ea
8.	Elastic aid bandages	2 ea
9.	Adhesive tape 2.5 cm wide	1 roll
10.	Gauze pads 15 x 15 cm	5 ea
11.	Gauze rolls 15 x 15 cm	5 rolls
Intravenous Fluids/Equipment For Medical Orderly Pouch
12.	Ringer Solution (1 litre)	2 ea
13.	Intravenous sets	2 ea
14.	IV Cannula 18 g	3 ea
15.	Alcohol swabs	25 ea
Non-disposable Equipment For Medical Orderly Pouch
16.	Thermometers (with disposable sheaths)	1
17.	Scissors (Super shear paramedic scissors)	1
18.	Tourniquet - Arterial (1 metre)	2
19.	Kramer Splint (for upper limbs)	1 ea
20.	Kramer Splint (for lower limbs)	1 ea
21.	Stretcher (foldable)	1
Disposable Items For Medical Orderly Pouch
22.	Casualty tags	5 ea
23.	Antiseptic cream	1 tube
24.	Antiseptic solution	100 cc
Drugs For Medical Orderly Pouch
25.	Morphine auto-injectors	5 ea
PARAMEDIC KIT
Serial	Items	Quantity
1.	Airway, disposable (adult)	2
2.	Laryngoscope set	1
3.	Endotracheal tubes (adult size)	3
4.	Coniotomy set	1
5.	Cervical collar	1
Dressings For Paramedic Kit
6.	Personal field dressing	4 ea.
7.	Abdominal/Chest dressing	2 ea
8.	Burn dressing	2 ea
9.	Triangular bandages	3 ea
10.	Elastic aid bandages	2 ea
11.	Adhesive tape 2.5 cm wide	1 roll
12.	Gauze pads 15 X 15 cm	5 ea
13.	Gauze rolls 15 X 15 cm	5 rolls
Intravenous Fluids/Equipment For Paramedic Kit
14.	Hartmann solution (1 litre)	2
15.	Intravenous sets	2
16.	IV Cannula 18g ea	3
17.	Alcohol swabs	25
Non-disposable Equipment For Paramedic Kit
18.	Scissors (Super shear paramedic scissors)	1
19.	Tourniquet - Arterial (1 metre)	2
20.	Kramer Splints for upper limbs	1
21.	Kramer Splints for lower limbs	1
22.	Stethoscope	1
23.	Blood Pressure manometer (aneroid)	1
24.	Surgical kit for venous cutdown	1
25.	Intercostal drain set, including 20 g chest tube	1
Disposable Items For Paramedic Kit
26.	Casualty Tags	5 ea
27.	Antiseptic Solution 100 cc	1
28.	Antiseptic Cream tube	1
Drugs For Paramedic Kit
29.	Morphine auto-injector	5 ea
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT - LEVEL 1 EMERGENCY KIT
Serial	Items	Quantity
1	Airway Guedel	2
2	Manual Ventilation Bag & Mask (Ambu)	1
3	Resuscitator (Oxygen, Suction and Ventilator Functions)	1
4	Defibrillator and ECG Portable	1
5	Laryngoscope Set	1
6	Coniotomy Set	1
7	Stethoscope	1
8	Blood Pressure Set (Aneroid - Automatic)	1
9	Surgical Set (Venous Cutdown)	1
10	Intercostal Drain Set	1
11	Scissors (Super Shear - Paramedic)	1
12	Tourniquet - Arterial (1 Metre)	2
13	Tourniquet - Venous	1
14	Needle Holder - Straight	1
15	Scissors Sterile (for Sutures)	1
16	Surgical Blade Holder	1
17	Torch Light	1
Emergency Drugs - Level 1 Emergency Kit
18	Adrenaline Injection	10
19	Atropine Sulphate Injection	10
20	Dopamine Injection	5
21	Calcium Gluconate Solution (10 %)	5
22	Lignocaine Injection (150 G Vial)	5
23	Sodium Bicarbonate (50 cc 8.4 % Bottle)	2
24	Morphine for Injection (10mg Vial)	10
25	Fursemide Injection (20 mg Vial)	5
26	Aminophylline Injection (250 mg Vial)	2
27	Hydrocortisone Injection (100 mg Vial)	10
28	Promethazine Injection (50 mg Vial)	10
29	Doctor Bag - to Store Consumables / Drugs	1
MEDICAL CONSUMABLES - LEVEL 1 EMERGENCY KIT
Serial	Items	Quantity
1	Ringer Solution (1 Litre)	2
2	Colloid Solution (500 cc)	2
3	Intravenous Sets	3
4	Intravenous Cannula (Gage 18)	3
5	Syringes ( 10 cc )	10
6	Syringes (5 cc )	10
7	Glucose 5 % Solution (1 Litre)	1
8	Water for Injection	20
9	Alcohol Swabs	100
10	Suction Tubes (Oropharyngeal)	5
11	Endotracheal Tubes	3
12	Chest Tubes	2
13	Pneumatic Valve (for Pneumothorax)	2
14	Urinary Catheter	2
15	Urinary bag	2
16	Personal Field Dressing	4
17	Gauze Pads 15 x 15 cm	5
18	Gauze Rolls 15 x 15 cm	5
19	Triangular Bandages	2
20	Casualty Tags	5
21	Sutures Silk ( 2 "O" )	5
ANNEX D TO SECTION 7
Ambulance - Medical Equipment
Serial	Items	Quantity
1	Airway, disposable (adult)	2
2	Manual ventilation bag & masks set	1
3	Foot operated suction pump set	1
4	Oxygen cylinder 3, 5 kg & valve with disposable mask	1
5	Hartmann solution (1 litre bag)	5
6	Personal field dressing	15
7	Abdominal/Chest dressing	5
8	Burn dressing	5
9	Triangular bandages	5
10	Elastic aid bandages	5
11	Adhesive tape rolls	2
12	Splints (Kramer Splints 1 m)	2
13	Splints (Thomas Splints) or similar	1
14	Back Boards (long)	2
15	Cervical Collars	3
16	Stretchers Army style	4
17	Blankets	5
18	Strobe Light	1
19	Signal smoke grenade (colour)	4
20	Water Purifying Tablets Sufficient for 60 litres (packets)	2
21	Intravenous sets	5
22	IV cannula (sizes 18 G)	10
23	Arterial tourniquet	1
22	Scissors (super shear paramedic scissors)	1
24	Casualty tags	5
25	Water Container (20 litres capacity)	3

 

8. Communication

INTRODUCTION
8.1 An effective communications network is essential for the safety of all clearance operations and necessary to ensure an effective and safe demining operation.  Demining activities must not be undertaken without suitable and effective communications between the personnel on-site and the support elements.

SCOPE
8.2 This document addresses the communications requirement for mine survey, clearance and EOD operations and should be read in conjunction with other relevant standards.

PURPOSE
8.3 The purpose of this document is to establish standards for the communications network between all agencies involved in mine and UXO clearance activities

LEVELS OF COMMUNICATIONS
8.4 There are several levels of communications necessary to ensure that mine and UXO clearance, management and support personnel are able to communicate as and when required.  This is to be defined in the SOP.
 

RADIO COMMUNICATION

FREQUENCY ALLOCATION
8.5 Where radios are used, frequencies are to be allocated by the appropriate authority.  All agencies should know the demining frequency and channels and, in particular, the emergency frequency/channel.

EMERGENCY FREQUENCY
8.6 A separate emergency frequency or channel must be established.

BASE STATIONS
8.7 Site locations should have continuous communications with support elements and higher formations.  This normally requires both HF and VHF base station communications equipment.  The use of existing telecommunications equipment should be reviewed against the needs of the demining operation.

8.8 The communication means are to be staffed during all operational activities and should cover the travel period to and from the site.

VEHICLE AND HAND-HELD RADIOS
8.9 Selected personnel are to be equipped with the appropriate communications capability.  In some cases there may be instances of an individual having hand-held and vehicle radios.

CALL SIGNS
8.10 Fixed call signs are to be used.


 

INTRODUCTION
9.1 Clear and concise information, projected tasks, planning data and past performance assist in improving the efficiency of a programme.  In concert with the ability to store data and track it, the ability to present it in an appropriate manner for its end use is required.

SCOPE
9.2 This document addresses the standards for minefield  information systems and should be read in conjunction with survey standards.

STANDARDS
9.3 The minefield information management system used must be capable of the following:


a) Producing lists, reports and spreadsheets.

b) Perform arithmetical, textual and geographic queries and statistical functions.

c) Producing large format maps and/or overlays at any scale on paper or transparent film.

d) Calculate and show mined areas and measurements.

e) Display text and symbols in the local language.

f) Plotting data with coordinates.

g) Allow analysis of information to be conducted.
 

9.4 Where computers are used, the software platforms and applications used must be compatible and allow data transfer without requiring additional adjustment.  In the UN, PC based operating systems are used, Paradox® is the common platform for databases and all files are saved as dBase IV®.  For text and word processing, Word Perfect® is the platform and MapInfo® is used for mapping.  The computer system used must be able to display Vector and Raster graphics, and allow input of  data via digitizing table and scanner.

9.5 Data backups are to be made and are to be secured. The details on when backups are to be made and how they are to be secured is to be detailed in SOP.

9.6 Mine information is to be categorised as: Unknown, suspected, reported, and cleared.  The suspected areas are to be further defined as high risk or low risk.  In all cases there is to be no change of category or status unless it is documented.  Changes of status will only be made after marking, survey, clearance or other physical inspection   The reliability and credibility of the information reported and placed into a database must be noted.  The following is recommended:
 

Code	Evaluation	Information	Source
M1	Mines or UXO physically verified	Confirmed	Reliable
M2	Area reported with observed evidence of mines or UXO	Unconfirmed	Reliable
M3	Area reported with observed evidence of mines or UXO	Unconfirmed	Unreliable
M4	Area reported as mined with no evidence or indications of mines or UXO	Unconfirmed	Unreliable

9.7 All reported incidents, UXO, mines and mined areas are to be marked on a map.

9.8 Levels of confidence are used to further indicate the degree to which the processed information released from a MAC has been verified. The highest level of confidence is 1 and the lowest is 4.

 

Action taken	Level of Confidence	High Risk	Low Risk
Mine Clearance Operation Completed	1	Cleared	Cleared
Level 2 Survey	2	Mines/UXO located	No items located
Level 1 Survey	3	Mines/UXO located	No items located
No verification conducted of information received	4

9.9 Information gathered for humanitarian activities is considered to be public domain.

9.10 Information is not to be destroyed or deleted. It is to be archived. Details on archiving and storage are to be detailed in SOP.
 
  ANNEX A TO SECTION

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN DATABASE

In order to support analysis and the production of reports, maps and overlays, the following minimum information is recommended in a database:

. Mission/Programme Name
. Country
. Project Name/ID (as appropriate)
. Task No/ID (as appropriate)
. Managed By
. Type of Data
- Minefield
- Mine incident
- UXO
- Accident
- Marking
- Survey
- Clearance
- Casualty, (UN pers, Local pers, Others)
- Mine Awareness
- QA/QC
. ID No for each entry
. X and Y Coordinates for each entry ( Latitude and Longitude default system and local coord system)
. Coordinates for benchmarks, reference points, turning points, intermediate points
. Plot of activity sites including coordinates for perimeters, sketch maps.
. Map Projection
. Map Scale
. Datum for Coordinate System used
. Type of Coordinate System
. Date Time Group
. Report Details
- Unknown
- Suspected
- Reported By
- Reliability Grade ( M1 - M4)
- Reported To
- Cleared
. Mine
- Type
- Mine model
- Number
. UXO
- Type
- UXO model
- Number
. Antilift /Booby Trapping devices
- Number
. Task Status as at (date)
- Survey Level
- Planning Level
- Started
- Suspended
- % Complete
- Area Cleared/Surveyed/Marked,
- Verification
- Completion Survey
- Acceptance Certificate Issued
- Working days in period,
- Personnel State
- Equipment State
 
Where there are standard report and return formats, the data fields used are to be reflected in the database. An example of the reports is to be included in SOP.

Source: www.mineactionstandards.org
This information was part of the Electronic Mine Information Network [E-Mine]
Prepared and managed for UNMAS by GICHD and James Madison University

An: NDRF@Eivind.IMM.DTU.DK
Betreff: Source for demands of 99.6% mine clearance results

Hello
in http://humanitarian-security.jrc.it/demining/final_reports/aris/annex6.pdf

can be read several times about the 99.6% quality demand for humanitarian demining.

Unfortunatelly I can not find the UNMAS regulation, where 99.6% is written.

Can you help me?

Thanks,

Datum: Tue, 12 Aug 2003
Von: Kaj Hörberg <kaj.horberg AT swedec DOT mil DOT se>

SWEDEC Mine Action Support Section http://www.swedec.mil.se/
PO Box 1003
Eksjö
SE-575 28
Sweden

Dear Mr. Steidle,

Your question has been passed to from Mr. Ole Nymann. I 'll be happy to give you some answers but I am afraid it will not include the information you requested.

Some years ago the was an huge, maybe it is bettter to call it intensive, discussion about the clearing rate in demining operations.

One factor is that the amount of mines deployed is usually unknown, estimations is in this case not good enough. It was over the time more accepted that no one could garantee that 100 % of the mines are cleared in an area.

I think it started at a Conference 1996 at Snekersteen Danmark when the Head of UNMAS at the time Mr. Patrick Blagden came up with with the figure 99,6% there were stastical discussion behind the figures but I don't think they were put on paper and a scientist working with statistics would probable never sign such a paper. The figure was at the time accepted simple because it was better than 100% .

Today, 99,6 is not valid anymore at a lot of effords has been spent to remove for all papers. Could be that'¨s the reason you haven't find anything on the web. The role of today is "all mine should be cleared" and than there is an understanding that there may be something left.

Mr. Blagden is retired and I doesn't have any email address to him but I have heard him saying that the figure 99,6 he regret he once invented it.

I have no idea what porpose you have with the information but I think no one in the demining community would like to see it spread again.

I hope this put a little light in it.

Best regards

Kaj Hörberg