UDS has obtained a certificate for "manual demining."

Humanitarian demining is one of the most urgent challenges facing Ukraine today. Approximately 174,000 square kilometers of our country's territory are potentially contaminated with mines.

This poses an unprecedented risk to the population and hinders the socio-economic recovery of Ukraine's regions. Recently, we discussed technical surveying (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/iLUoxpttRekJTuND/?mibextid=WC7FNe), the main methods of which include:

1. Manual demining;
2. Demining using machinery and equipment;
3. Demining using canine calculations of the mine-search service;
4. Combined demining method.

After studying the information obtained during the technical survey, decisions are made regarding the timing, method, and manner of demining, as well as determining the necessary forces and means. Today, we will focus on manual demining.

This method involves the identification and neutralization of all threats related to mines and explosive remnants of war without using mechanized means and mine detection dogs. Manual demining is carried out by UDS humanitarian demining units in areas where there is suspicion of the presence of various explosive items.

Whether anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices, or explosives installed on ammunition stretchers. Before conducting manual demining, information gathering, studying, and analyzing all available information related to the hazardous area is carried out:

1. Nature of the terrain,
2. Soil type,
3. Vegetation,
4. Indirect and direct evidence found during non-technical survey regarding contamination of the VNP territory and other factors that may affect the conduct of technical survey.

Manual demining of territories can be carried out by several methods:

1. "One person - one pass" method;
2. Linear demining method using a metal detector;
3. Linear demining method using a wide-frame metal detector;
4. Excavation of soil.

These methods are interconnected and complement each other in the process of work. The choice of method depends on the results of the technical survey, the type of explosive items that may be detected, the depth of their search, as well as the characteristics of the terrain, soil type, and condition. The minimum depth of manual demining is at least 15 centimeters; regardless of the set depth of demining, the source of the metal detector signal must be identified and inspected. Sappers work at a distance of not less than 25 meters.

There are also prohibitions. For example, the UDS manual demining group is prohibited from bringing mobile phones onto the demining site and entering the demining site without personal protective equipment.

The UDS humanitarian demining group consists of five people:

1. Group leader;
2. Senior sapper;
3. Two sappers;
4. Driver-sapper. All of them have undergone training in the profession of "sapper (demining)" and have the relevant certificates.

After completing manual demining, the UDS humanitarian demining groups take measures to confirm that all risks associated with mines and other explosive items have been eliminated throughout the territory.

This is a painstaking job that requires not only certificates but also individual qualities such as attentiveness, concentration, and endurance. UDS sappers possess such qualities!

The safety of our state and citizens is important to us, and we will do everything so that Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes can return home and to their normal lives: take care of their households, take their children to playgrounds, and restore their businesses in areas free from explosive hazards. Everything will be Ukraine!