New UDS has obtained a certificate for "Clearance of Areas Affected by Armed Conflict"

As we have previously discussed (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UH33sx38oftTHVPs/?mibextid=WC7FNe), humanitarian demining is a complex of measures carried out by operators of demining activities to eliminate dangers associated with explosive objects—clearing territories from the remnants of war.

Today, we will focus on another crucial stage—clearance of areas affected by armed conflict (CAAC). This stage is aimed at detecting and neutralizing specific areas where combat actions occurred or territories where aviation or artillery munitions, including cluster munitions, were released or dropped. It is performed by sappers under the monitoring of the National Authority for Mine Action.

Depending on humanitarian priorities and the intended land use, clearance of areas affected by armed conflict may involve surface and subsurface clearance.

So, in which territories is CAAC applied?

— Those for which there is confirmed information about the absence of all types of manually laid or remotely delivered mines, as well as improvised explosive devices and munitions placed on stretches;

— Where demining of territories contaminated with explosive items due to armed conflict is planned.

Before conducting CAAC activities, collection, study, and analysis of all available information regarding the hazardous territory are carried out:

— Characteristics of the terrain,

— Soil type,

— Vegetation,

— Indirect and direct evidence of contamination with explosive remnants discovered during non-technical survey, and other factors that may affect the conduct of technical survey.

CAAC can be carried out in several ways:

– Surface soil clearance by visual search without using a manual metal detector;

– Surface soil clearance by visual search using a manual metal detector;

— Subsurface clearance using a manual metal detector;

— Subsurface clearance using a wide-frame metal detector.

The depth of soil clearance during CAAC depends on the results of non-technical and technical surveys, the subsequent use of the territory for its intended purpose, but is not less than 15 centimeters.

Again, all UDS specialists involved in the work have received training in the profession of "sapper (demining)" and have the relevant certificates.

A UDS CAAC group consists of 5 individuals (group leader, senior sapper, two sappers, and a driver-sapper), at least two of whom must be trained in providing first aid. Additionally, the group is mandatory accompanied by a medical professional—paramedic or doctor.

Importantly, UDS demining groups categorically prohibit the entry of mobile phones and any communication devices onto the demining site, including radio stations. Notification of workers in such cases is carried out either by voice or using a whistle.

After completing CAAC work, the UDS group takes measures to confirm that all risks related to mines and other explosive items have been eliminated throughout the territory.

Explosive items discovered during CAAC activities are transferred to authorized units of central executive authorities for further destruction.

During the execution of all stages of humanitarian demining, including CAAC activities, UDS utilizes only modern high-tech tools, equipment, and transport.

With concern for your safety 💙💛