Using National OccupationalStandards in Explosive

Substances and Articles todevelop competence

Page 6

Polar explosions: developingcompetent explosives use

for Antarctic research Page 10

September 2014T h e J o u r n a l o f T h e I n s T I T u T e o f e x p l o s I v e s e n g I n e e r s

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The Institute ofExplosives Engineers

The Institute of Explosives Engineers Suite 3, 7–8 mill Street, Stafford St16 2aJtelephone and fax: 01785 240154email: secretariat@iexpe.orgwebsite: http://iexpe.org

Institute of Explosives Engineers registered office: 141 victoria road, Swindon Sn1 3bucompany no. 07905911company limited by guarantee

Editordiane hall telephone: +44 (0)1729 840765mobile: +44 (0)7778 063373email: editor@iexpe.org dianethall@aol.com

Design and Print/Production and Advertising Managergordon hunt gordon hunt designtelephone: +44 (0)1726 832594email: design@gordon-hunt.co.uk

Explosives Engineeringdistributed quarterly to all members of the institute of explosives engineers. to non-members or for additional copies to members, including p&p. Single copies:- uk £8.80, eu £11.20, world £12.40.annual subscription:- uk £34.50, eu £44.10, world £48.90

to obtain copies, contact explosives engineering Subscriptions at the institute address above.cheques should be made payable in sterling to the institute of explosives engineers.

papers, articles and letters to the editor are welcome and should be sent to the editor at her emailaddress, or by post to the institute address.

opinions expressed in the Journal are those of the authors concerned. they do not necessarily represent the views of the institute

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professional affiliate of ecuk

Contents

Regulars

institute news 2

the bennett file 27

Sidney alford column 29

industry news 30

conference/exhibition diary 32

in a flash – bob woolley 32bSc miQ miexpe

ContentsFeaturesusing national occupational Standards in 6explosive Substances and articles to develop competencedenise clarke ba ma miod aiexpe

polar explosions: developing competent 10explosives use for antarctic research dr andy Smith phd miexpe

remediation of a magazine containing obsolete lead styphnate and tetrazene 15dirk kotze

a safer future: how can we better protectinnocent people from being hurt by 18explosive weapons?nigel ellway ba FrSa mcipr

Saab counter-ied collective trainer (cct) 22don Johnstone miexpe

case study: arabian explosives company 25(arex), ras al khaimah, uae paul clark ba FiQ miexpe

01

Front cover: operating ice-sounding radar in an antarcticblizzard (d.g. vaughan, baS).See page 10.

ThePresident

speaks

the June council meeting was veryproductive in focusing on issues of the SectorSkills Strategy group(SSSg) and the newdoeS office contract, the office it andwebsite , student membership and ourstrategy. by the time you read this, i hopethat the contract will have been approved bythe SSSg who intend to take some increasedlevels of responsibility for their undertaking,the it and website functional requirementwill have been issued to contractors tosubmit their proposals. the changes toStudent membership mean that trainingproviders who are company members canenrol Student members for a year at adiscount price of £10 per member.

in addition, a web page for the SSSg and theearly careers Focus group has been added toour existing website to maximise the benefitsgenerated by both these groups.

recently i have had great pleasure inawarding the institute prize to Sam lewis onhis graduation from the camborne School ofmines and had an opportunity to talk toseveral other graduates about the benefits ofprofessional registration through theinstitute. we are fortunate to have thecamborne School of mines and other suchundergraduate facilities that can producesuch well trained graduates who now havean opportunity to practice their chosendiscipline all over the world.

i have also been to liverpool docks to seeramora, one of our company members,remove some redundant lock gates using anew form of cutting charge. thank you todave welch for organising my visit. boththese events reminded me that the instituteis a broad church of professionals fromacross all explosives disciplines from civil tomilitary and every so often we shouldremind ourselves of that fact and that all ourwelcome. it was interesting to note in thenews that three cooling towers at didcot,the home of 11 regiment (eod), weredemolished by explosives recently (see page 31).

other members of council have beenequally busy, by attending the hillheadexhibition where alan morley, ian mckayand nigel taylor were very successful inpromoting the institute and networkingwith other professional bodies, companiesand individuals.

ken cross has been to various conferencesconcerned with providing governmentfunding to support training and apprentices.at our next council meeting to be held innottingham at the head offices of theinstitute of Quarrying and the mineralproducts Qualification council (mpQc), iintend to shorten the council meeting andhold an “open meeting” with invited parties,to address the issue of the institute’s route tomembership and how that meets therequirements of the national occupationalStandards. it is my intention that thisgathering of views and solutions will delivera robust set of arrangements that is clear toall parties. it will also provide an opportunityto develop a common understandingbetween the institute and the explosivesengineers educational and research trust inmeeting our individual and separatestrategic aims.

as i am writing this is July, i hope you all hada good summer holiday.

John Wolstenholme ceng FiStrute mice miexpe

Institute News

02

Emails are asfollows:-president@iexpe.org - John wolstenholme

director@iexpe.com - alan morley

Secretariat@iexpe.org - vicki hall

membership@iexpe.org - andy pettitt

editor@iexpe.org - diane hall

vp.operations@iexpe.org - mike bolland

vp.projects@iexpe.org - paul harris

Finance.director@iexpe.org - ian mckay

registrar@iexpe.org - ken cross

Site.ed@iexpe.org - web - dan perkins

Calling allStudentMemberswere you aware thatyou are entitled to aninstitute id card forthe duration of yourmembership. thecards cost £10 and arevalid for the year ofyour membership. if you are interestedplease contact the Secretariat and a haverecent head and shoulders photographavailable.

above: the president with dave welch of ramoraon site at location of removing existing dock gates inliverpool docks using cutting charges.

left: the president at camborne School of minespresenting Sam lewis with the institute prize for bestexplosives study.

Institute web sitehave you looked at the website recently and seen thatmuch more is being placedthere. when visiting the website, if you spot somethingthat is out of date please letthe Site editor, dan perkins,know.

website: http://iexpe.org

Institute News

03

The Sector Skills Strategy Groupthe Sector Skills Strategy group (SSSg)developed from a study known as the tisleyreport. that study investigated the skill basedemographics of the explosives sector andclearly showed the work force was gettingolder, that there was a reduced skills investmentresulting in fewer future suitably qualifiedpeople being attracted to, or retained in, thesector. at the same time there were increasingdemands for greater safety and a need todemonstrate the competence of staff workingin the explosives sector to the regulatory bodies.

tisley recognised that there was a need for acommon approach across the explosivessector and he recommended theestablishment of an “entity” to• act as a focal point for the explosives,

substances and articles (eSa) community• act as a lobbying organisation for the

community• maintain a register of eSa experts• facilitate secondments, collaborations and

information flow• organise conferences, workshops and

similar events

the Sector Skills Strategy group, a subscription-based sector representative organisation, tookthis forward, accepting the recommendationthat the iexpe was ideally suited to representthe eSa community and champion theintroduction of Standards. iexpe, assisted andfunded by SSSg members, recruited a projectmanager for the development office forexplosives Skills (pm doeS).

the primary pm tasks were:• Secretariat to the Sector Skills Strategy

group • manage the explosives sector’s plan for

rebuilding and sustaining explosives skills. • Sponsor the Standards Setting body and

manage the upkeep of its outputs.

Since its inception the SSSg has established aseries of expert working groups covering:• explosives disposal processes working

group (edpwg)• manufacturing, processing and

configuration control (mpcc ewg) • Storage • explosive Safety management (eSm ewg)• test, trials and evaluation – ranges or

laboratories (t&t ewg)

the SSSg meets four times a year normally onthe same day as the Standards Setting body, sothat there is cross-fertilisation. the SSSg alsohas a section on the institute web site wherethe work of the group will be posted andfuture editions of the journal will report on thework of the sub groups.

Alan Morley mSc bSc miexpe

Registrations Professional Registration statistics as at21st July 2014

ceng ieng eng techQualified 21 4 3in progress 6 1 0

congratulations to richard battrick ceng,who passed his professional registrationinterview (pri) at buntingford on 2nd July2014.

richard battrickhas been thedirector ofexplosiveordnance anddisposal (eod) formaritime assetSecurity andtraining ltd(maSt) in maltafor four years after

a long career in the royal navy. he has 25years of british operational, military andcommercial project management experience,including advanced eod, diving andunderwater eod qualifications, which hasresulted in him supporting various initiativesto help affect industry change for themanagement of uxo in the near shore andoffshore environments.

Professionalisation of ExplosivesEngineering within the MODthere has been a surge of interest, leadingto a number of application packs being sentout, from the mod de&S staff at abbeywood in bristol. this is due to the efforts oflt col chris child and a change in policy andattitude within the weapons operatingcentre, requiring more people in technicalposts to have professional registrations. i held an impromptu series of 1:1 meetingswith interested members of staff at abbeywood in the afternoon of the 14th may,following on directly from the SSSg meetingat QinetiQ bristol in the morning. the level ofinterest then increased and i held two furtherbriefings and a series of 1:1s on the 16th July.

cpd is also high in the minds of engineers atdstl Fort halstead and i gave a lunchtimebriefing there on the 15th July.

the chairman of the Swedish branch and itook the opportunity to brief the md (Sales)of dynasafe protection Systems in karlskogaon the benefits of membership of theinstitute and professional registration while iwas there on business in early June.

CPD requirementson the subject of cpd, the members ofcouncil been saying for many months, ifnot years, that we would set an expectationon our professional registrants. at thecouncil meeting on the 25th June, it wasagreed that "the institute of explosivesengineers expects our professionalregistrants to undertake 30 hours cpd peryear and strongly recommend that ourmembers and associates do the same."

the guideline cpd requirement is toundertake a minimum of 30 hours cpd peryear, which could be split as follows:

Area Number of hourspersonal technical ten hoursknowledge/skillsJob role technical ten hoursknowledge/skillspersonal soft skills ten hours

Number of hours Examplesplanned CpDat least ten hours training courses, seminars,

targeted academic or self-study or work experience opportunities such as secondments;

unplanned CpDremaining balance ad-hoc opportunities and (up to 20 hours) less structured activities,

such as attending events andexhibitions, self-study, etc.

MyCareerPathall iexpe professional registrants, applicantsand other members of any grade areencouraged to make use of mycareerpath,the engineering council's cpd softwarepackage that is available to you, free ofcharge, through the iexpe website athttp://iexpe.org/professional-registration/continuous-professional-development-cpdcandidates applying for registrationthrough all routes are required to showevidence that they have taken steps toensure their competence is developed andmaintained. they must also show that theyintend to continue with this program ofrecorded professional development.

cpd must be recorded and your evidencecan be kept in any reasonable form,including conventional pen and paperrecords. however, an on-line system helpsorganise the record and assists applicants inrealising the ongoing commitment to cpdthat is required to maintain theirregistration. it also enables you to haveyour evidence reviewed by simply sendingan email to your reviewer direct from thesoftware.

Ken Cross mbe ceng mSc bSc(hons) Fiexpe

04

Branch reports

Institute News

South (Central and West)Branch the quarterly branch meeting on 3 June2014 took place at the iSSee establishmentat the centre for homeland Security,chilmark, Salisbury. 22 branch membersattended the meeting, plus five of the iSSeestaff, which was a great turnout once again.gordon Storey and the team at iSSee verykindly offered their facilities for the meeting,and provided some excellent demonstrationsand a presentation as well.

the meeting started with the usual 15minutes of branch business, including aquick review of how the institute’s agm andannual conference had gone, along with apresentation to rob hart for the iexpeJournal award 2013, including a remarkablystaged photograph (just for the record, ofcourse). rob’s article was titled "impregnateme with your wisdom: giving and asking foradvice when safety management goeshaywire (or: the art of salt buckets andsucking eggs when it comes to safetymanagement)”. another branch member,holli kimble, also won a prize for the 40thanniversary Journal awards competition, inthe members’ category. holli was presentedwith her award at the institute’s agm. herarticle was titled “critical review of noveldetection methods for buried explosives.”

iSSee then laid on a demonstration, apractical session and a tour of the facilities:

Demonstration: we all assembled outsidefor a demonstration of the effect ofconfinement on low explosives. a 500g pileof loose black powder was initiated,resulting in a large fireball and smoke cloud.then 10g of black powder contained in a35mm film cartridge with confinementprovided by copious amounts of duct tapewas initiated, resulting in a more violentreaction.

Practical: we were given the opportunity toset up detonators under supervision invarious configurations to furtherdemonstrate the effect of confinement onthe explosive effect. the charges were:detonator in plastic container with air;detonator in plastic container with water;detonator placed in sand; detonator incontact with pig’s trotter. the pig’s trotter isused as a simulator for the effect ofexplosives on a human hand. For some itwas good to get refresher training and to

get ‘hands on’ in a range environment again,and for others it provided a great ‘first look’at actual explosives handling.

Tour: the tour began in the Search housewhere much of the practical ied searchtraining is conducted. the building hasseveral different rooms which are set up as akitchen, living room, storage area, garage,etc. these rooms can be used todemonstrate and test students on searchtechniques. we also saw outside searchareas including a bus, a train carriage,various cars and a vehicle track, as well as anammunition processing/storage facility. thetour concluded with a look at the collectionof inert/drill/model conventionalammunition and realistic mock‐ups of ieds.

Presentation: we were also given anunexpected 'bonus presentation' about anew piece of software that allows 3dimagery to be very simply constructed fromeither three still digital photographs or fromthe videos of three moving cameras. thereare clear applications for this technology incrime scene investigation (e.g. pre‐ andpost‐examination shots for comparison),search training, vvip pre‐visit checks andmore.

presentation: Steve mockett of iSSee,formerly So15, gave an excellentpresentation about explosive incidents thathave changed the way we live and travel.we got a very interesting insight into varioussuccessful and unsuccessful plots within theuk and internationally, which have led toimproved security controls and measures.this provided a great conclusion to theevening.

thanks are once again extended to gordonStorey and the team at iSSee for their kind,generous support in providing the facility,refreshments and activities. this was anotherexcellent evening.

over the last year or so, the branch hasprovided a varied mix of presentationsduring the meeting schedule. these havebeen on various facets of the explosivesindustry including:

• pyrotechnics• re-enactment• defence applications• Safety• environmental management• design• Quality assurance the branch has continued to use variedlocations throughout the region, includingShrivenham, Somerset, aldermaston, andbristol.

please get in touch through the instituteSecretariat if you wish to attend any of themeetings or to be added to the emaildistribution list.

Rob Hart ceng aiema miexpe chairmanIan MacDonald Watson ceng miet miexpevice chairmanHolli Kimble meng mSc miexpe amimechebranch Secretary

West Country Branchon the 24th april 2014 a joint meetingbetween the devon and cornwall branch ofthe institute of Quarrying and the westcountry branch of the institute of explosivesengineers was held at launceston rugby clubon the track and trace of explosiveregulations that are due to come into force2014/2015 presented by dave mathias(explosive liaison officer for devon andcornwall constabulary). the meeting wasattended by a few members of the westcountry branch.

after dave’s presentation there was a verylively question and answering session fromthe audience regarding the new regulations.dave was able to answer all concerns andquestions on the regulations. everyone wentaway feeling more informed about theupcoming regulations.

we are open to suggestions on any technicalevenings that people would like. pleasecontact Jonathan attwood (current devonand cornwall branch ioQ chairman) via emailjonathanattwood@hotmail.com. if anyforthcoming ioQ events happening in thearea are of relevance to the institute ofexplosive engineers, Jonathan will contactyou all via the Secretariat.

Jonathan Attwoodbranch Secretary

holli kimble whowon the members'category of the2014 iexpe Journalawardscompetition with rob hart, winnerof the Journalaward 2013.

branch members assembled outside.

05

Institute News

Singapore Branch Newsin the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2014, the Singapore branchcontinued to focus its activities on providing education andtraining to the Singapore explosives community. in aprilthis year, the institute had engaged the fireworks guru, dr. tom Smith from uk, to deliver a three day trainingworkshop on managing the safety of the major fireworksdisplay for the 2014 national day Fireworks displayorganising committee. the objective was to equip thecommittee with the knowledge and understanding onhazard and risk of fireworks products and the internationalbest safety practices for the fireworks display to enable theorganising committee to demonstrate satisfactorily theirsafety management skills required to ensure the nationalday Fireworks display at the marina bay will pose an alarprisk to the performers and public. the course concludedwith a presentation given by norman yen (after hiseducational tour to china Fireworks administration inliyang huana) on the challenges faced by china inmanaging the product safety of their fireworks which areexported overseas. we understand about 75% of thefireworks sold in the world are produced in china.

Training workshop for managing the safety of publicfireworks display, 2014.regarding training development, norman yen initiated adiscussion with the military and civilian explosivesregulators as well as industry players on the effort toharmonise the performance standards and training needsfor military and civilian explosives workers in Singapore.Four key explosives functional roles had been identified forharmonisation; i.e. safety management, storage,transportation and disposal. Singapore branch is exploringthe option of adopting the national occupational Standardsfor eSa developed by the uk SSb for emSo. preliminarydiscussion with hSQ on how to obtain approval for anappointed centre in Singapore has also been initiated duringthe attendance of norman at the institute agm in may 2014.

alan morley,thenpresident ofiexpe, visitedthe Singaporebranch.

in may 2014, the oil well explosives industry in brunei hasasked the Singapore branch to help to conduct an explosivessafety course on storage, transport and handling. the courseobjective is to enable the attendees to demonstratesatisfactory knowledge and understanding of the hazardsand risks of explosive substances/articles, as well as theinternational safety standards and best practice for thestorage and transportation of explosives. the course wouldbe organised in collaboration with the royal bruneitechnical Services.

Norman Yen(add postnominals)Singapore branch

DOES PM reportthe doeS pm team have been working to maintain the output normallyprovided by allan hinton, who remains on his sabbatical in the sun and sand,working towards the repatriation of all uk personnel and equipment fromafghanistan.

Since the annual review of doeS pm activities in the last Journal, there havebeen many diverse events taking place. the Sector Skills Steering group(SSSg) met in bristol on 14th may and, by the time you read this, will havemet at boscombe down on 27th august. the Standards Setting body (SSb),responsible for the development and management of the nationaloccupational Standards (noS) had a meeting at demS training regiment,bicester on 2nd July with the next occurring in the same location on 22ndoctober. these meetings are crucial to the future development of noS andtheir subsequent use in underpinning the training that is required by theexplosives sector. the SSSg now publishes some of its work and documentson the front page of the institute’s website. this will increase when the newwebsite comes on line.

the explosives engineers alumni are renamed the early careers Forum andwill also have a presence on the institute’s website in the future. membershipis free and is available to all in the explosives sector; graduate, apprentice orany employee who works with explosives and who is in the first five years oftheir career. holli kimble is the Forum chairperson, and as an iexpe councilmember can be contacted through the Secretariat in the first instance. theForum is free from external review and therefore encourages a free exchangeof views and ideas. it has a unique place in the sector as the chairperson nowhas a permanent seat at the SSSg. this allows early careers Forum membersto have their ideas, concerns and points, delivered direct to the senior staff inthe explosives sector companies without “management filtering” en route.

the SSSg continues to sponsor a number of expert working groups who eachhave specific aims and outputs. the ewg chairmen are now required toprovide a written update to each SSSg meeting and one or two of them willprovide a personal brief to the SSSg meetings, on rotation. dr rhydian harries,Qinetiq, has been developing hazard identification and risk Sentencingworkshops using incidents held on the hSe/mod database. this work willcontinue throughout the summer with the aim of gaining lessons from pastincidents. the test trials & evaluation working group and explosivesdisposals processes working group have both been involved in this work.

other doeS pm work included attending the “tackling youth unemployment2014: enhancing inclusion, education and opportunities to employment”seminar conducted by the Skills Funding agency. this centered on whatgovernment funding (central or local) might be available to members of theSSSg for taking on young employees. there were two young worker agebrackets discussed: 16-18 and 19-24. this is about employers running a workplacement or work experience scheme in conjunction with their localeducation providers. this will be put to the next SSSg meeting.

the doeS pm contract formally came to an end on 31st may 2014. however,residual funding remains in place to run this forward on a monthly basis for aperiod to allow the SSSg members to agree on a way ahead. a paper whichincludes objectives and required outputs is being discussed by members. it isanticipated that the way ahead will be decided at the next meeting on 27thaugust, which will be after publication of this article.

Finally, the ome Symposium takes place 30th September to 1st october. youare strongly encouraged to book, however late, to attend this SSSgsponsored event at cranfield, Shrivenham. it was an excellent event last yearwith over 250 attendees and promises to exceed expectations this year.provided that the SSSg continues with the doeS pm role at its 27th augustmeeting, you will receive regular updates in future Journals.

Paul Harris Qgm Fcmi Finstlm miexpe

06

What is "competence"?Competence (ie the british spelling) isgenerally considered to mean functionalcompetence ie what people do but

Competency (ie the american spelling) isgenerally considered to mean behaviouraltraits ie what you are.

however, any research that you might doon the internet will show you that there islittle agreement on what either of theseterms means.

the uk has adopted the moloney & gealymodel of competence1 when developingnational occupational Standards ie:

competence is the ability to performconsistently to occupational standards

the relationship between the eSastandards and other performance-relatedspecifications can be described by thefollowing model:

there are three drivers to performance:targets and objectives, technicalcompetences and behaviouralcompetencies. the pyramid explains therelationship between these. targets andobjectives are agreed at performanceappraisals and state the quantified annualexpectations of staff. these will probablychange every year ie these are annuals.

however, in addition to achieving specifictargets and objectives, people need tomaintain the organization’s good practicein what they do: in other words, they needto achieve the requirements of technicalcompetences. the technical competencesdescribe what people do in their jobs andthe standards they should maintaincontinuously. these are sometimes alsoknown as functional competences orstandards. these are the eSa standards.these quality expectations are permanent –ie they are perennials.

in order to help achieve their targets andobjectives and maintain the requiredquality expectations, people also need toexhibit certain personal qualities – whatpeople are ie behavioural competencies(also often known as personal qualities). Forexample, if you are a sales assistant, itwould be helpful to develop the quality ofcustomer focus. to continue the gardeninganalogy, the behavioural competencies arethe compost that helps the annuals andperennials grow and bloom.

The uses of standardsStandards lie at the heart of all hrprocesses. there are in fact many possibleuses of standards in a range of hr processesas described by the diagram below.

by describing what an organization expectsof its staff, standards can be used for manydifferent purposes completely separatefrom qualifications purposes such as:

1 moloney & gealy (1985) the components of Jobcompetence, Fe Staff college, blagdon.

Using National Occupational Standards in Explosive Substances and Articles to develop competenceby Denise Clarke ba ma miod aiexpe

This paper was given in the form of a PowerPoint presentation at the annualconference of the Institute of Explosives Engineers (IExpE) that took place on 2nd May 2014 in Glasgow.

The purpose of the presentation was to explain how the Explosive Substances and Articles (ESA) National Occupational Standards (NOS) can be used as management tools for a range of purposes all relating to the measurement and development of competence in working with explosives.

diagram 1. diagram 2.

Feature

07

Feature

• recruitment and selection - eg jobadverts, interview aide memoires, jobdescriptions, role profiles;

• appraisal – standards amplify anorganization’s expectations; appraisalscan be more objective and evidence-based;

• training needs analysis – through self-assessment, development discussions,360° feedback, personal developmentplans, audits of team strengths anddevelopment needs;

• training syllabus design – based on therequirements of the standards;

• career management – eg career maps,career planning tools;

• succession planning – systematicapproaches to talent managementbased on an organization’s analysis ofdevelopment needs;

• demonstration of a commitment toknown quality standards, investment inpeople and the ability to comply withlegislation, regulation and codes ofpractice;

… and many more specific applicationswithin each part of the hr cycle.So, people can be recruited, trained,measured and developed against the sameobjective specifications.

Coverage of the ESA standardsthe national occupational Standards (noS)were developed by, with and for the ukexplosives industry by the StandardsSetting body for explosives, munitions andSearch occupations (the SSb for emSo) andwere published in 2006.

there are 13 “key roles” (see below). eachkey role contains a number of standards –usually, around 20 – 25. the entire suitecomprises 259 explosives-specificstandards. they are written so as todescribe competence from basic support(uk level 1), operator (uk level 2),supervisor (uk level 3) to operationalmanagement (uk level 4).

the suite of eSa standards covers all theuses of explosives except forengineering/mineral extraction purposes(which was never fully developed) andmining and quarrying for which standardsalready exist.

the eSa standards cover the use ofexplosives in the following areas:• research, design and development;• Safety management;• test and evaluation;• manufacture;• maintenance;

• procurement;• Storage;• transport;• Facilities management;• entertainment;• logistic disposal;• munition clearance and search;• Semi-generic supporting activities.

Structure of a standardeach standard comprises threecomponents:• “performance criteria“ - which are the

measures by which someone’scompetence is judged;

• “Contexts” - which describe theparameters of someone’s competence;

• “Knowledge” - which relates to thatessential knowledge needed forcompetent performance.

each standard is written in terms ofoutcomes which therefore makes themmeasurable. an example is given above.

to prove their competence, users of astandard would need to meet all theperformance criteria in all the relevantcontexts.

to do this, they must have a certain amountof knowledge and understanding thatcannot be inferred from competentperformance. this is listed in the“knowledge requirements”. users’knowledge would be tested against these

Performance criteriayou need to:a. work safely at all times, complying

with health and safety,environmental and other relevantregulations, legislation andguidelines

b. confirm the identity of explosivesubstances and/or articles againstthe specification/documentation

c. confirm that the condition of theexplosive substances and/orarticles is in an acceptablehandover condition

d. ensure that the informationexchanged at handover isaccurate, up to date and complete

e. obtain additional information ifthere are any areas of doubt orlack of clarity to complete thehandover

f. ensure that handover recipientsare authorised and qualified toreceive the explosive substancesand/or articles

g. ensure that safety and qualityrequirements are met

h. report any problems beyond yourlevel of authority to theappropriate person

i. ensure that complete, clear andaccurate records are made of thehandover, and are exchanged

Knowledge requirementsyou need to know and understand:i. the health, safety and environmental

legislation, regulations and safe workingpractices and procedures governingexplosives, and their implications for yourarea of work

ii. the relevance of personal protectiveequipment (ppe)

iii. the nature, characteristics, hazards and risksof the explosive substances and/or articles

iv. the specification and classification of theexplosive substances and/or articles

v. the actions to be taken in response to anunplanned event

vi. the limitations, and any specificrequirements, of the explosive substancesand/or articles (eg transport, storage, etc)

vii. labelling requirementsviii. any environmental considerations affecting

or prohibiting handoverix. any operational considerations affecting or

prohibiting handoverx. how to carry out a risk assessmentxi. the moment of transfer of responsibilityxii. the information needed to complete the

handoverxiii. the possible courses of action open to you

(eg locating sources of information, refusal ofhandover)

xiv. recipients’ qualification requirementsxv. the requirements of handover

documentationxvi. reporting lines and procedures

Unit 13.11 Hand over explosive substances and/or articles

Contexts• hand over: issuing; receiving• hand over condition: when in an acceptable condition; when not in

an acceptable condition

08

specifications (often verbally, by theirassessor or perhaps in writing at the end ofthe training assessment). however, whilst theknowledge requirements could be assessedby an examination, achievement of theperformance criteria and contexts could not.we have come across situations whereincidents have occurred because operatorsdid not understand what to do whensomething unexpected happened. in onecase, the results were fatal. So, knowledgepoint 4 is crucial. a sad and current exampleof this is the recent korean ferry disaster.

you will see that proof of knowledge orcompetence in some areas comes up againand again (eg performance criterion andknowledge points 1 - 4). evidence ofcompetence against such items can becross-referenced and carried over to provideproof for the same statements in otherstandards where the context of the standardis related.

Benefits of standards and qualificationsFor individuals, working to standards:• acknowledges and accredits

competence• provides portable recognition of

achievement• clarifies what is expected of you.For employers, working to standards:• promotes consistency of practice• assures employees’ competence• are useful as management and

development tools.

in the main, individuals are interested inqualifications and employers are moreinterested in using the standards.

we have come across a whole raft ofbenefits attached to the implementation ofstandards and/or qualifications. an exampleis QinetiQ’s experiences and the benefitsthey found just from the preparatory phaseof implementing the standards when theywere training their assessors and verifiers.this can be found as a case study on hSQ’swebsite on the ‘documents’ page.

please go to:http://www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/business-benefits-of-operating-competence-based-qualifications.pdf

in the SaFex newsletter, no 48, 1st Qtr. 2014,article by the author, there are descriptionsof the benefits found by some of thesupervisors who implement the eSastandards.

Implementing standardsif you decide that you wish to implementthe eSa noS to develop your staff’scompetence in working with explosives,there are a number of considerations thatyou would be advised to take into account.

here are some tips on successfulimplementation:• be clear about what you are going to use

the standards for and why;• run a pilot first to iron out the glitches

before going live;• people are frightened of the word

“competence” because of theimplications of its opposite:“incompetence”. give people a positiveexperience and help them manage theirfears;

• you must have senior managementsupport to implement such an initiative;

• integrate the standards into humanresources (hr) processes (eg buildingrole profiles mapped to the eSastandards into performance appraisalsystems;

• identify of sources of evidence;• get managers and appraisees used to

assessment against standards (thismeans briefing and training both groups– not just management);

• consider quality assurance – how areyou going to ensure that everyone willbe treated fairly and equally?

• act on your findings – for example, youmight identify the need for more ordifferent support (eg time, bettersystems or communications.

role profilesif you are going to implement the eSa noS,you need to start by creating explosives roleprofiles so that you know which standardsare relevant to which roles. if you create roleprofiles, you will have a specification of theoutputs that people are expected to achieve(as opposed to the responsibilities or inputsusually listed in job descriptions) which willbe measurable, ie the performance criteria,contexts and knowledge.

So, you will be able to recruit, train, appraise,develop and promote people against thesame, objective specification. working tostandards will then inform people’s personaldevelopment plans by identifying specificdevelopment needs.

recruitment and selectionassuming that you have developed roleprofiles, with some judicious copying andpasting, you can use the standards for allsorts of purposes.

For job advertisements, you need to use thestandard title, performance criteria andcontexts to form the specification of theskills and experience that you are seekingwhilst the knowledge helps to inform theperson specification.

For interview aide-memoires, you can usethe performance criteria to suggestquestions that could be asked to elicitevidence of a candidate’s achievements inthis area and make interviewing notes.

performance appraisals using thestandardsthe same points apply to using thestandards for appraisal purposes as to theirgeneral implementation (see earlier).it is well worth running a small pilotscheme first before rolling out the systemto all explosives workers. this means thatyou will need to brief everyone concernedie including appraisees as well as managers.managers and appraisees should sit downtogether with a copy of the standards andagree the priority standards on whichappraisees will concentrate based on:• the needs of the current job role;• the needs of future job roles;• operational needs and priorities;• their personal preference and abilities.

it is a good idea for individuals to assessthemselves against the standards beforemeeting their manager. this is more likelyto lead to an informed and objectivediscussion. together, they should agreewhether the individual has met therequirements of the agreed standards ornot met them (or maybe they haveexceeded them?)

the agreed development needs can thenbe carried over onto a personaldevelopment plan (pdp).

obviously, as with any other process, thesystem needs to be managed: managersand appraisees will need time to work onthe standards and assemble the evidenceof their achievement and of course, there isa cost attached to this.

however, there are significant benefits tobe gained: greater clarity of expectations,improved motivation, bettercommunications and working relationships– not to mention the possibility ofenhanced performance andcompetitiveness.

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Trainingthe standards can be used to identifytraining needs in a number of ways:• self assessment;• appraisals;• 360 degree feedback;• team audits against standards.

if you add up all the individual trainingneeds and commission future training todeliver against these needs, you will have amuch better use of your training budget asit will be focused on specific and quantifiedneeds and it will all be directed to achievingoperational needs as described by the roleprofiles.

you can map the standards to internallyand externally delivered training. thisapproach should make it easier to manageoutsourced trainers because you will beable to poinpoint more clearly yourrequirements.

remember that development needs mightbest be met through interventions otherthan formal, classroom training eg:• better communication;• clarification of expectations/

procedures;• coaching;• more practice;• short seminars delivered by colleagues

or managers;• assignments;• projects;• job swaps;• reading;• internet/resource centre research;• & etc & etc.

Career management and successionplanningif you add up individuals’ explosives skills,competences, qualifications andachievements, you will have a clear pictureof the organization’s explosives-specific skillstrengths – ie how many and whichindividuals are competent in differentoccupational areas.

if you add up individuals’ developmentneeds, you have a clear picture of theorganization’s skills weaknesses – ie howmany and which individuals need trainingand development in different occupationalareas. this can help with benchmarkingagainst competitors.

From individuals’ perspective, they will havea far clearer idea as to what they need to doto progress their careers – a very motivatingfactor.

once you have this sort of information, youcan develop robust career managementstrategies and pathways to help yourorganization meet future manpowerchallenges.

extracts of relevant documents to helpmanage these processes were included inthe author's last Safex newsletter article(number nl48). this can be found on hSQ’swebsite on the ‘news’ page.

please go to: http://www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ nl48.pdf

HSQ's explosives qualifications this paper has looked at the uses of the eSanoS for personal development purposesand as management tools. but they have afurther use which is to accredit thecompetence of people in their jobs whenused in qualifications.

implementing qualifications providesindependent, external validation ofinternally assessed competence. this is thesort of assurance of competence that thehealth & Safety executive is seeking in the uk.

homeland Security Qualifications has beenrecognized by the uk explosives industrythrough the SSb as an industry-recognizedawarding body. we offer three differenttypes of vocational qualification:• competence-based qualifications that

are compliant with the nationalQualifications and credit Framework(QcF) (they are written as learningoutcomes and assessment criteria andderive directly from the eSa standards);

• vocational qualifications (vQs) based onthe existing, nationally accredited eSanoS – qualifications exist betweenlevels 1 (basic support) and level 4(operational management). althoughthe standards have been nationallyaccredited, these qualifications have notalthough they are recognized by theindustry. they are based directly on theeSa standards (ie they compriseperformance criteria, context andknowledge);

• bespoke qualifications – probablyrecognized by most as awarding body-recognized company training.

our nationally accredited qualificationscover a number of qualifications in defencerange Safety, munition clearance andSearch, using Small arms, the movement ofexplosives, explosives Storage, explosivesmaintenance, explosives operations,explosives Supervision and reliefoperations.

all hSQ’s qualifications involve anoccupationally competent, qualifiedassessor to assess the candidate and theyrequire internal and external verification ofassessment processes. note that assessorsand internal verifiers are employees of theorganization but external verifiers are hSQappointees. thus, independent, objectiveexternal validation of internal assessment isachieved.

evidence must be current, valid, complete,authentic, sufficient and auditable, and canbe obtained by:• direct observation of the candidate;• photographic, audio, video or other

electronic recording of candidateactivity;

• the presentation of work produced bythe candidate;

• previous recorded achievement;• questioning the candidate to assess the

underpinning knowledge andunderstanding and/or to authenticatethe validity of other evidence.

Defining and measuring competencein summary, there are many significantbenefits to measuring people againstobjective and detailed descriptions ofcompetence.

the use of standards and the achievementof explosives qualifications not onlyprovides proof of competence but, ifembedded in hr systems, providesorganizations with systematic processes forcapacity-building (both knowledge andcompetence) and better targeting ofresources.

we have already seen the cross-industryrecognition of common roles and the ukexplosives industry has recognizedhomeland Security Qualifications so thatpeople moving between employers will berecognized as competent if they haveachieved an explosives qualification fromhSQ.

whether we like it or not, uk regulators aretaking an increasing interest in theexplosives area to the point of seekingassurance that organizational policies meetscompetence requirements.

Further information: Denise@deniseclarke.co.ukdenise clarke is managing director at homelandSecurity Qualifications, london

that feed into predictions of future sea leveland the impact of extreme weather events.however, unlike the images sometimesconjured by the media, its importance is lessto do with “chasing people up the beach”and more concerned with long-termplanning. one example that illustrates this isthe thames barrier which, since 1983 hasbeen raised with increasing regularity toprotect the city of london from flooding. assea level rises and the south-east of englandcontinues to sink in response to the end ofthe last ice age ten thousand years ago, atsome stage in the future the thames barrierwill no longer provide adequate defenceand it will need replacing. ice sheet researchcontributes to the predictions that guidegovernment with strategic planning such asthis. it helps to make informed decisions onwhen to replace the thames barrier and howbig that replacement needs to be. it took 30years from the first realisation that thethames barrier was needed, to the timewhen it finally came in to operation. areplacement will need a similar period oftime to bring in to operation, whichhighlights the long timescales involved.

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Introductionthis paper is not really about explosives. itresulted from a slightly liberal interpretationof the theme of the institute of explosivesengineers 2014 annual conference, namely“developing competency in explosivesSkills”, and from a presentation there thatonly partly comprised the actual use ofexplosives as its content. although thepresentation was prompted by our use ofexplosives for research projects in antarctica,it also recognised that, to allow that work tobe done safely and effectively requirescompetencies in a number of other skills inaddition to actual explosives use, many ofwhich are not necessarily required in normalwalks of life. hence, whilst the first part ofthis paper outlines our work in antarcticaand our use of explosives there, most of itaddresses this wider topic - the additionalcompetencies we have found that also needto be incorporated into our operations.

Our businessthe british antarctic Survey (baS) is acomponent body of the natural environmentresearch council, one of the uk’s group ofnational research councils, currently theresponsibility of the department ofbusiness, innovation and Skills. our remit isenvironmental research in earth’s polarregions, both the arctic and the antarctic;many of our staff are academic researchersand we also provide support for researchersfrom uk universities and internationalcollaborations. to support this work weoperate antarctic stations, two icebreakers,five aircraft and field parties working awayfrom the stations. Supporting and runningthese polar logistics accounts for theremainder of our staff.

much of our work is motivated by thepotential future contribution of earth’s icesheets to sea level. antarctica and greenlandare both large continental land masses withhuge domes of ice, up to 5km thick, restingon top of them. most of an ice sheet movesvery slowly, but around the edges it isdrained by fast-flowing glaciers and icestreams which take the ice from the interiorand carry it into the ocean (Figure 1). as longas the ice lost to the ocean each year isbalanced by snowfall, the ice sheet remainsin steady state; but if it is not balanced, theresult is an overall loss or gain of ice and adirect effect on sea level.

understanding the way the ice sheet worksand determining to what degree sea level isbeing affected is a huge subject, and manydifferent studies are required to address it.the big questions of particular interestinclude: is the ice changing? is it likely tochange in the future and if so, how and byhow much? what will be the implications if itdoes change?

one strand of this research involves lookingat what lies beneath the ice, as this is amajor factor in controlling the way the iceflows and behaves. this is where the use ofexplosives comes in; we use explosives forconducting seismic surveys on the glaciersand ice sheets of the polar regions (Figure2). with these we can map the landscapebeneath the ice but, more importantly, wecan determine the nature of the material theice is resting on – is it solid rock, softsediments or is it resting on lakes trappedbeneath the ice sheet?

ice sheet research is one of many strands

developingcompetentexplosives usefor Antarcticresearchby Dr Andy Smith phd miexpe british antarctic Survey

Polar explosions:

Figure 1. a glacier drainingthe antarctic ice Sheet onits way to the ocean (d.g.

vaughan, baS).

Figure 2. detonating an explosives charge toinvestigate the bed of rutford ice Stream,antarctica (i. rudkin, baS)

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Rules and governancewe work in an unusual environment in that,in antarctica most united kingdomlegislation does not strictly apply. britishantarctic territory is classed as an overseasterritory and comes under the responsibilityof the Foreign and commonwealth office(Fco). Since 1961 antarctica has beengoverned by the antarctic treaty, auniversally recognised internationalagreement that puts all national territorialclaims into abeyance and maintains thecontinent for peaceful purposes andscientific research.

although uk legislation does not strictlyapply, we do use it to guide our ownoperations and we aim to follow it as far as isreasonably practicable. all explosives andexplosives-related activities are overseen byour explosives advisory group. this groupreports formally to baS’s health and Safetycommittee. although our operatingprocedures for using explosives are self-imposed and self-regulated, they are guidedas far as possible by those that apply in theuk. the guide for all our work withexplosives in antarctica is our explosivescode of practice (cop), which covers allaspects of the operations and is updated atappropriate intervals. whenever possible,we use external scrutiny to cast anindependent eye over the cop to ensure westay up-to-date with best practice and avoiddeveloping poor procedures.

Training – developing competency inexplosives useunfortunately, there is no off-the-shelf “howto use explosives on antarctic glaciers”training course to provide necessary skills

these can be characterised as otheraptitudes, skills and abilities we have foundare also required to allow us to do ourexplosives-related work effectively andsafely.

Additional competencies: 1. Coping with the weatherantarctic weather has a fearsomereputation, typified perhaps by the story ofcaptain robert Scott and his companions’fateful last days, trapped by a blizzard intheir tent; or that encountered on Sirdouglas mawson’s expedition andevocatively described in his book “the homeof the blizzard”. at a simplistic level, theweather in antarctica is the same as thatanywhere else on the planet – it can begood, bad, or anything in-between.however, unlike in many othercircumstances, if combined with mistakes,the weather in antarctica can potentially bea killer. much of peoples’ day-to-day livingand working in antarctica is spent in theoutdoors, often far from established stationsand any form of help. an overwhelmingrequirement is to be sure those people canbe relied upon to act sensibly if the weatherdeteriorates – to stay safe, to make gooddecisions and to still get the work donewherever possible (Figure 4).

the first step in coping with the weather isto recruit the right people. when employingnew staff, professional skills andqualifications are important, but equallyimportant are an aptitude and character tobe able to continue to operate well in poorweather. the next step is training andfamiliarity in antarctica. there, staff canexperience the full range of weather

and knowledge to new members of staff.hence, we use a combination of training andassessment activities to give people thecompetencies they need to use explosivesfor seismic surveys in antarctica. the firststep is to attend a recognised commercialcourse to get basic knowledge of explosiveshandling, storage, transport and safety. overthe years, we have used courses for thequarrying, on-shore seismic and securitymarkets. wherever possible, this includeshands-on experience in the uk, althoughthis is not mandatory.

the next step for a trainee is a period ofpractical tuition and supervision inantarctica, under the guidance of anexperienced user. it is at this stage that theywill become familiar with the actualexplosives and detonators used in the workand also learn and practice the modes andprocedures of operation (Figure 3). thisstage ends with a period in which thetrainee goes through all the operations ofpreparing and firing shots under theobservation of the supervisor. all being well,after this stage a person is deemed safe andcompetent to carry out the workunsupervised.

this leaves the question of who supervisesthe supervisor? our experienced usersaddress continuing professionaldevelopment with a programme ofrefresher courses at regular intervals.membership of the institute of explosivesengineers is encouraged.

Developing additional competenciesthe rest of this article will concentrate onother competencies, in addition to thosedirectly related to working with explosives.

Figure 3. trainee preparing a charge (r. k. Smith, baS).

Figure 4. Following a flag-line in an antarctic blizzard(e.c. king, d.g. vaughan, baS).

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conditions and become familiar with theequipment and clothing used for workingliving and travelling. at that stage, weshould have confidence that when facedwith the wilder extremes of polar weather,people can be relied on to keep safe, tocomplete the work and even hopefully, tokeep smiling.

Additional competencies: 2. Crevasses – Finding, avoiding anddealing with themone of the greatest natural dangers inantarctica is crevassing, where stresses aresufficient to fracture the ice and tear it apart.it would be wrong to give the impressionthat the whole of the antarctic ice Sheet isriddled with crevasses, but they do exist ingreat numbers, and often in places where wewant to work or travel through. it is essentialto be able to do this safely.

Safetycrevasses come in all shapes and sizes.Some are fairly benign and can easily beentered and explored; caving in glaciers isbecoming a regular pastime for a fewadventurous people in the polar regions(Figure 5). others crevasses can justifiably bereferred to as “monsters”, many kilometreslong, tens of metres wide and more than 50m deep (Figure 6). where a crevasse is openat the surface, it is rarely dangerous;provided we know where crevasses are, theycan usually be avoided. but when a crevasseis covered by a thin weak layer of snow, a“snow-bridge”, and it can’t be seen from the

when working in crevassed areas, crevassescan be so well hidden that there is no visualindication that they are there. the people inthe photograph have drilled into the snow-bridge and are preparing to load thecharges. Safety ropes attached to eachperson can be seen and are tied to secureanchors behind the camera. Should thesnow-bridge collapse beneath them, thesafety ropes will prevent them falling ontothe crevasses; the worst they shouldexperience will be some shock andexcitement, rather than any serious risk ofinjury or death. in this way it is possible toensure staff safety, allowing them to dowhatever tasks with explosives are required,even when working in potentiallydangerous crevassed areas.

Big crevasses can swallow big things!whilst ensuring the safety of people whenworking in crevassed areas is paramount,protecting infrastructure and equipment isalso a significant concern. in some areas ofthe ice sheet, crevasses can easily be bigenough to swallow large vehicles whole.ever since the first expeditions drove tractor-trains across the ice sheet (e.g. the 1955-58commonwealth trans-antarctic expedition,the first to drive vehicles to the South poleand achieve a complete crossing of theantarctic continent), stories and imagesabound of close shaves and vehiclesperched precariously over a dark, gapingabyss. to illustrate the fact that thisparticular risk has not diminished over the

surface, then without appropriate safetymeasures, anyone who inadvertently standson top of it could be in serious danger; if thesnow-bridge collapses and they fall into thechasm beneath, the chance of injury ordeath would be high.

to mitigate this risk, we recruit professionalmountaineers to keep people safe inglaciated areas. most will have national orinternational qualifications and many aremembers of the association ofmountaineering instructors or of the britishmountain guides. often these mountaineerswill begin training other staff in crevasseavoidance and crevasse rescue techniquesin the uk, prior to deployment to antarctica.this training will be continued, includingexperience in real crevasses and glaciatedterrain, on arrival in antarctica (Figure 7).once completed, hopefully no-one will findthemselves accidentally falling into acrevasse, but if they do, they’ll be safelyattached to a rope and will know how toclimb back up to the surface.

Overlapping competenciesnot surprisingly, different skills andcompetencies sometimes overlap directly.one example of this occurs (luckily not toooften) where there is a need to conductexplosives operations in crevassed areas. inthe photograph in Figure 8, the two peopleare on top of a large crevasse. at the surface,there are no signs to suggest the crevasse isthere because it is covered by a snow-bridge. this is often the biggest problem

Figure 8. preparing a shot hole in a snow-bridgeover a crevasse (united States antarctic programme).

Figure 5. exploring a crevasse (p. bucktrout, baS).

Figure 7. training in antarctica for safe travel inglaciated areas (d. davies, university ofedinburgh).

Figure 6. inside a huge crevasse, lookinghorizontally along from just beneath a thinsurface snow-bridge. the person is hanging froma rope through a hole in the bridge; beneathhim, this crevasse is 50 m deep and more than1km long (a.p. taylor, baS).

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years, Figure 9 shows a modern tractorwedged part-way down a crevasse that it fellinto in 2012. the people survived withoutserious injury and the vehicle wassuccessfully recovered, but these examplesemphasise that the risks to equipment andlife are significant and appropriate safetymeasures are essential.

Crevasse “management” and blastingsnow-bridgesthere are a number of approaches we cantake to working safely in crevassed areas.the first task with crevasses is to find them, ajob normally done by the mountaineers(Figure 10). Standard, roped alpinemountaineering and avalanche-victimsearch techniques are used to safely detectcrevasses hidden beneath snow-bridges.high-frequency engineering radars, usedelsewhere for buildings- and road-testing,can also detect buried crevasses andmeasure the thickness of a snow-bridge.this approach is particularly effective atcovering large distances when the radar canbe towed by a snow-mobile. in thisoperation, the snowmobile and driver arelinked to other vehicles with 22mmdiameter ropes to ensure their safety, shoulda snow-bridge collapse beneath them.

once crevasses are located, in most casesthey can then be safely avoided or, if thesnow-bridge is sufficiently thick, they don’trepresent a danger to people or equipment.but occasionally, a thinly-bridged crevassecannot be avoided and some way of

research goals, and many of the techniqueswe have developed for doing seismicsurveys with explosives in one region, areeasily transferred to another. however, onesignificant difference between the antarcticand the arctic that we must pay attention toinvolves the indigenous wildlife. theantarctic has penguins, whereas the arctichas polar bears (Figure 13). For work onarctic glaciers and ice sheets in particular,this brings the need for protection againstthe risk of polar bear attack. campperimeters and regular work areas can beequipped with trip wires and flares to warnof a polar bear approach, but the mostimportant form of personal protection is arifle or shotgun.

For those without prior firearms experience,rifle training can be provided by shootingclubs in the uk and further practice is oftenpossible at ranges in the arctic region. polarbears will often be discouraged by loudnoise, so it is rarely necessary to actuallyshoot them. however, it is important thatstaff are competent in the use of firearms toenable them to defend themselves in therare event of a bear attack. this is, however,not an excuse to turn big-game hunter! thepolar bear is an endangered species and ifone is shot, proof is required that it was animmediate threat to life. the bear’s stomachcontents are examined to determinewhether or not it was likely to be hungry; abear with a full stomach is unlikely to be adanger to people. without convincing

crossing it, with many tonnes of equipment,must be found. one option usedsuccessfully by colleagues in the unitedStates antarctic program, as part of thetractor route to re-supply their South polestation, is to blast the crevasse bridges, asshown in Figure 11. in the photograph, thehot-water drilling rig for making the shot-holes is in the foreground. next to it, theblaster is wearing a mountaineering safetyharness and is secured by ropes. when theexplosives in the snow-bridge are detonatedthe snow briefly forms its own mushroomcloud then falls back down into the now-open crevasse. normally, the snow wedgespart-way down the crevasse, allowing thevehicles to bulldoze more snow on top of it(Figure 12), filling it up to the surface andforming a much thicker, safe bridge whichthe vehicles can then drive over.

Additional competencies: 3. Firearmsalthough much of this article uses examplesfrom work in antarctica, environmentalresearch in the arctic is equally importantand also part of our remit. the work we doin the arctic is often very similar to that inantarctica, both in practice and in its

Figure 9. pisten bulley tractor after falling intoa crevasse (antarctic logistics & expeditions).

Figure 10a. (above) mountaineers using anavalanche probe, and figure 10b (below) a radarto detect hidden crevasses (S. m. garrod, p.torode, baS).

Figure 11. blasting a snow-bridge (united Statesantarctic programme).

Figure 12. Filling a crevasse with snow to allowvehicles to drive over it (united States antarcticprogramme).

Figure 13. polar bears on an ice floe in the arcticocean (r. mugford, baS).

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evidence that the bear was a direct threat,the authorities will prosecute, so rifles areonly used in the most urgent of situations.

Additional competencies: 4. Radios and radarson a typical geophysical research project inantarctica, there normally will be manydifferent radio transmitters, with the potentialrisk of accidental detonator initiation. we useradios for communications; hF radio forcontinent-wide communications (regularcontact with our main station, for example)and vhF radios in the local work area. we alsouse radars for sounding through the ice sheetas part of the research experiments. thesecan be of many different types, depending onhow deep into the snow and ice they aredesigned to look, but they will all containpowerful radio transmitters.

in each case, we pay particular attention tothe transmitter power, frequency andantenna pattern to judge the level of riskand hence, determine appropriate safeoperating procedures. people are requirednot only to be competent in operating theradios and radars, but also to know safedistances and procedures, and tounderstand where and when transmitterscan, and cannot be turned on.

Additional competencies: 5. Aircraft operationsto support the work on stations and atremote field locations we operate a fleet offive aircraft, four twin otters and one dash-7. the twin otter (Figure 14) is the bushaircraft of the polar regions and, being ski-equipped can land on snow as well as hardrunways. virtually all field parties aredeployed to their work areas by twin otter.

the antarctic act includes regulationsgoverning wildlife and the environmentwith which everyone must comply. hence,we need to ensure that all our staff and anyother people we support in antarctica arefamiliar with these parts of the act, that theyknow and understand the regulations andthat they minimise their disturbance of theantarctic wildlife and environment. inpractical terms, this puts limits on how closeany wildlife can be approached; irrespectiveof how much someone might want tocuddle a seal pup, hug a penguin, or swimwith a killer whale, they cannot, no matterhow cute and appealing they may be (Figure16, 17, 18).

it seems almost ironic that, arctic fieldworkstaff are trained in firearms so that, in anextreme situation they could shoot and kill apolar bear, yet in antarctica they areprohibited from even approaching thewildlife. this illustrates the importance offully understanding all the differentsituations we might encounter and thedifferent requirements and regulationsinvolved. it is also another illustration of thediversity of skills and competencies werequire for our research work in the polarregions; many of these are not directlyrelated at all to the use of explosives, yetwithout them all we would be unable to doour explosives work safely.

Further information: amsm@bas.ac,uk

the four-engine dash-7 (Figure 15) is usedas an inter-continental link and supports asouthern operations hub located at a naturalice runway.

the only dedicated staff for the aircraftoperations are the pilots and a small numberof engineers at the main station, so all fieldpersonnel will get heavily and intimatelyinvolved with aircraft operations. theseinclude loading and unloading planes(including understanding issues ofhazardous, and mixed-hazard, loads), re-fuelling, communications (being a mini-airtraffic control), marshalling and securingplanes in the event of strong winds,meteorological observations and reporting,and actions in case of an emergency. exceptfor the pilots and mechanics, most people’sprior experience with aircraft operations isminimal, so field staff are trained and briefedso they are competent at all these activities.

Additional competencies: 6. Wildlife and the environment – theantarctic act 1994as an environmental research organisation,one of our basic instincts is to minimise anydetrimental effect our activities have on thepolar environment. however, not only is thisour instinct, it is also enshrined in theantarctic act of 1994, one of the few itemsof uk legislation that actually applyspecifically in antarctica. in reality, we have adual role and whilst environmental researchis our core goal, we also represent the uk’sofficial presence in antarctica. in that role,the Fco keep a close eye on what we do andwe work closely with them to helpadminister british antarctic territory and toensure that uk operations and uk nationalsdon’t break the law.

Figure 14. twinotter aircraftlanding on snow(a.m. Smith, baS).

Figure 15. dash 7aircraft taxiing at aremote ice runway

(i. potten, baS).

Figure 17. weddell Seal pup (d. barnes, baS).

Figure 18. adelie penguins (p. bucktrout, baS).

Figure 16. killer whales breathing through a holein sea ice (t. elvin, baS).

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during 2008 rheinmetall denel munition(rdm) was founded and required therelocation of the previously known Swartklipproducts factory (now known as philippifactory site) to the Somerset west factorysite, in South africa.

the philippi site had been remediated andthis now created the possibility of a mixed-zoned development.

the challenge was to relocate a workingpyrotechnic facility and plant following theenvironmental guidance and emp for boththe relocation of the 64 year old factory siteand to remediate it to levels acceptable tothe new planned end-uses. hugemodifications were made to the underutilised recipient explosive buildings atSomerset west.

rdm successfully executed the relocation ofthe philippi site via a small dedicated team.the landowners of philippi site, denel Socltd, appointed ,via denel industrialproperties, members of rdm to demolish allexplosive buildings at the philippi site andto remediate all land.

the remediation entailed the cleanup,demolition and remediation of soils of morethan 223 explosive buildings, variousgrenade and other pyrotechnic test facilities,burning grounds and surface treatmentplants to mention just a few.part of the remediation included theremediation of a magazine containing oldobsolete and redundant lead styphnate andtetrazene explosives, previously used for themanufacturing of power cartridges and .22ammunition by the then Swartklip products.

drums and the copper plate below thedrums. we wanted to remove the leadstyphnate at the time but the lead styphnatehas already indicated signs of cakingpreventing removal. the existing drums werethen only placed inside new drums.

needless to say that further requests forremedial action were placed on hold untilsuch time that formal risk assessments couldbe conducted in detail. it had always beenpart of planning but only gained momentumwhen the demolition of the lead styphnatemagazine was being planned

a serious attempt was made by our aia teamto assess all risks and gather additionalinformation from all sources. during this timea new risk was noted i.e. pit corrosion thathas started on the tetrazene drums resultingin tetrazene oozing out of the drum andrunning down the sides and underneath thedrum. at this time it became clear thatopening of the drums would not be possibleand that chemical treatment of the leadstyphnate was out of the question. disposalthrough blasting became the only

like most of the sites and plants, earmarkedfor closure, focus and attention is normallygiven to the reduction of personnel and thedecommissioning of processes. obsoleteand redundant inventory are normallycarried for a few more years until thesedated inventories become the focus of theday. in this instance the closure andremediation of the entire site required thatsomething had to be done urgently with allobsolete and redundant stores.

the primary explosive magazine was builtas a soft roof magazine with reinforcedconcrete mound walls. the magazinecontained 50 kg lead styphnate and 27 kgtetrazene packed in five separate drums ontop of copper plates and a wooden floor toprovide proper earthing and anti-staticcharacteristics.

Situated on the cape Flats, known for itsdampness and very long winter rains, thesurrounding area was drenched withfreestanding water in winter due to shallowcalcrete layers and a vlei area in theproximity. the magazine was situated inclose proximity to public roads (109m), aschool (353m) and residential housing. themagazine was also situated in the approachroute to cape town international airport.

due to concerns that the drums of leadstyphnate, already opened, would becomemore sensitive, additional water was addedin 2008 to all the opened lead styphnatedrums. however at the time of handlingtwo things were observed a) lead styphnatecolouration on the drums and b) galvaniccorrosion had started to form between the

in September 2013 SaFex sent out a request for information on behalf of rheinmetalldenel munition in Somerset west, South africa. the company was in in the process ofrelocating one of their sites and remediate it completely for property development. amagazine in which lead styphnate and tetrazene had been stored without wetting-downfor four years had to be demolished as part of the remediation.

the concern was how to do it as any disturbance of the tetrazene crystals could lead todetonation. the responses from the following individuals helped rdm arrive at theprocess described in this article: Frank barker (expert panel); andy begg (individualassociate); clark bonner (dyno nobel); maurice bourgeois (expert panel); terrybridgewater (chemring); peter cartwright (expert panel); ken cross (corporateassociate); Janusz drzyzga (nitroerg); rahul guha (Solar india); piet halliday (aelmS);Jack hedger (expert panel); ian Swallow (bae Systems); peter Swinton (expert panel);Stuart tough (expert panel); mervyn traut (expert panel); richard turcotte (corporateassociate); claire vieillard (davey bickford); david vince (expert panel); gerhardus vosloo(burkan) and Jerry wallace (corporate associate).

Remediation of a magazine containingobsolete lead styphnate and tetrazeneby Dirk Kotze explosives manager, rheinmetall denel munitions

tetrazene oozing out ofdrums running down onside and underneathdrums due to pitcorrosion.

tetrazene drums afterdesensitization with lightoil.

magazine with thedated drums oflead styphnate andtetrazen visible.

galvanic corrosion formedbetween drum and copperplate.

dried out leadstyphnate tarnishingon drums.

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alternative. this also confirmed through thecommunication was of the SaFex communityand emails received from members.

originally it was decided to subcontract thewhole demolition task to an externalcontractor but safety concerns andenvironmental risks noted by the rdm teamnecessitated the placement of thedemolition on hold.

it was then decided to run the projectinternally as the expertise existed within thecompany to do blast design and buildingpreparation.

Building preparationbuilding preparation and blast executionwere based on three main focuses:• risk reduction• blast and noise deflection/reduction• fragmentation control and deflection.

although the mask design prevented thetouching of tetrazene on the drum surface,all visible explosives were desensitizedmaking use of an abundance of light oilsprayed on top of the visible explosives onthe drums.

a local firm, milcom, licensed to undertakeblasting in residential areas, with access toadditional seismographs, were contracted todetonate the charge

risk reduction was achieved by conductingbuilding reviews on all buildings in closeproximity as well as the testing of chargedesign. blast and noise reduction wereachieved by making use of minimalquantities of explosives, deflection of soundand pressure waves away from publicbuildings by specific placement of gum treepoles and soil piles in pre- planned areas.damage to the building structure wasprevented by covering two thirds of the roofarea with a combination of diamond mesh,gum tree poles, 10m cable, conveyer beltingand mattresses filled with water. (eachmattress contained approximately 1000litres of water).

different size mattresses were used in theother third of the roofing area to provideweight and to form a water blanket over theentire blast area. this not only assisted inblast dissipation but also in the reduction ofexplosive contamination of the area.Scabbing of walls and fragments wereprevented by making use of a 2m wide soillayer next to all external walls and theplacement of gum tree poles and conveyerbelting on the roof area.

For reasons made clear in the detonationdesign, the demolition charges weredesigned making use of military explosives,instead of mining explosives, in the form of amask, enabling the blasting team to placethe charge from a distance, withouttouching the open tetrazene. the explosivepower to weight ratio was also morebeneficial compared to mining explosives. prior to detonation of the lead styphnateand tetrazene, the charge design and setupwere tested in its current state i.e. inside twodifferent size drums with an air gap betweenthe drums and charges. detonating cordrolled up in the form of a pig tail was used asa representing charge.

Schematic reviewof the main

planning anddecision making

behind the clean-up action.

risks consideredduring blast designand execution.

left: a maskconsisting ofdetonating cord andrdx pellets weredesigned to assistwith the placementof the charge overthe drum from adistance making useof effective use ofexplosive force.

middle and bottom:charge setup fortesting andverification ofeffectiveness.

preparation of building to withstand blast and directsound away from community.

water mattresses placed on top of gum tree polesand conveyer belting to resist blast and to form awater barrier during detonation.

Initial risk assessment wrt thedisposal of lead styphnate andtetrazene by AIA

Explosive quantity and type

Status of packaging/ drums (corrosion)

Status of explosive inside drums

Possible contamination underneath drums

Proximity to roads and homes

Noise and blast figures

Vibration levels in soil

Aircraft take off and landing

Wind direction

Humidity

Cloud cover

Secondary shrapnel

Fragmentation and direction

Building Structure, (roofing, walls, floors)

Explosive VOD Donor and Acceptor

Generate scope of work withdetails on associated risks for use by contractor

Establish service levelagreement and contract withcontractor

Blasting attempt 1Called off due to safety factors

Review and reconsider processto be followed

Appointment of responsibleperson within Denel/RDM

Review blast design and lessonslearned from blasting attempt 1

Appointment of contractor

Verification / confirmation ofcharge setup by means ofdummy blast with videorecording and seismograph info

Consultation with experts

Confirmation and evaluation wrt disposal methods for leadstyphnate and tetracene

Proposal on demolition andcharge design by RDM andDeniprop Team

Consultation with civil andstructural engineers to do blastcalculations

Consult with SAFEX to establishif similar work was previouslydone

Critical analysis of blast designand charge setup i.t.o calculatedvibration and noise limits

Blasting attempt 2Milcom, AELMS and members of RDM

Blast review and analysis

Remediation and cleanup ofcontamination

Analysis for energetic in soil byRDM Lab

Analysis for lead, chrome,cadmium etc in remediated soils(SGS Laboratories)

Demolition of building andleveling of soils

Blast design

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Samples of the concentrated greenprecipitate were scraped together from thesoil (in its wet state) in front of the entranceto the building, and sent for analysis of theenergetic matter to the rdm chemicallaboratories. no lead styphnate or tetrazenewere present in the samples.

as it was found that the green precipitatedisappeared when flamed by means of a gaslance, the lance were used to burn all soiland polystyrene granules (from the soft roofcovering) found lying on the soil.

in order to check remediation effectiveness,an area 0.5 m x 0.5 m, badly stained withgreen precipitate, was marked prior toflashing and sent for soil analysis by acertified laboratory (SgS) to analyse for theexistence of lead and other heavy metals.analytical results have shown that leadmetals were present after remediation at112mg/kg, well within the remediationrequirements of 230mg/kg for residentialand 1900mg/kg for commercial industrialuse.

Acknowledgments• Management of Denel and Denel

Properties for the opportunity, beliefs andattendance on the day. Creating a totalnew meaning for community involvementby CEOs.

• S Lapage for professionalism of servicesrendered

• Representatives of AELMS and AEL forservices rendered and also for making highspeed video equipment available duringthe execution phase.

• Milcom, Shotmaster, G Kroeger consultingengineers and the RDM AIA team forassistance, support and contributionsduring planning and execution of theproject.

• M D TrautConsulting for inputs,recommendations, risk reviews andinterest during the project

• SAFEX management and its members fortheir contributions and feedback whencalled upon.

This paper was first published in the SAFEXNewsletter, no 48, 2014 and reprinted here with kindpermission of the publishers.

Further information: dirk.kotze@rheinmetall-denelmunition.com

the maximum vector vibrations recordedwere 7.21 mm/s @18.29 hz whilst blastmeasurements recorded were 0.30321 kpawith a sound measurement of 144dbl @8.8 hz

the directional travel of the conveyerbelting and roofing material when ejectedwas as planned. the conveyer belt and softroof roofing material were found 60 metresfrom explosion.

Structure damage was minimal andrestricted to cracking of the supported wallsand one parapet wall slid into the building.the other two parapet walls were damagedoutwards due to the lack of support itreceived from the back. no sand was placedbehind the parapet walls as concerns werethat loose sand on top of undetonatedexplosives could increase the risk duringcleanup.

a light yellow /brown colouring was visiblein the corner of the most southern wallclosest to the lead styphnate drums whilst awet greenish colour was visible on the soilsurrounding the building to a maximumdistance of approximately 15 metres fromthe blast centre. this followed planneddeflection directions.

Remediation and cleanupprior to entry of the building, a pre-burnwith a paraffin/diesel mixture, sprayed ontoall surfaces and ignited by means of ignitercord were undertaken. as detonationsoccurred during the pre-entry burn activity,due to entrapped explosives in cracks andunderneath copper plates, the pre-burnshould be considered one of the mostimportant actions prior to re-entry of anybuilding being remediated by means ofdetonation.

as a safety precaution, a secondary burnwas also undertaken whereby all remnantsof the soft roofs and broken wood wereplaced inside the building and burned. onlyafter this burn were personnel allowed toenter the facility.

unsupportedparapet wallstoppled to sides.

application offlaming of soft roofremnants andcolorationsobserved.

all five charges connected without delay.

detonation of the explosive magazine as capturedby ael mining.

lead styphnate colorationin one corner of buildingafter the blast.

levelled land ready to be developed, given a newlife to contaminated land.

greenish colouring on soil(non explosive) flamed bymeans of gas lance.

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Just four years ago the de-mining charity mag - the mines advisory group, pulledout of gaza, having spent two years clearing the explosive remnants of war left byoperation cast lead, conducted by israel in 2008-9. and now it starts all over again.

increasingly, explosive weapons are being used around the world both in conflict andas weapons of terror - with a devastating impact on the lives of innocent people andsocieties. the problem is global – explosive weapons are being used from Syria andiraq to the central african republic and columbia.

on the monday 15th September 2014,experts and practitioners from around theworld will be gathering at the royalgeographical Society in london for the firstannual conference to discuss this worryingtrend, examine the current and emergingthreats and consider what they mean for thefuture for ‘mine-action’.

with the increase in use of explosiveweapons comes an increasing number ofvictims – delegates will also discuss themechanisms and policies surrounding victimsupport to ensure that those victims andtheir families are given the best and mosteffective support possible.

and finally, the delegates will be debatingthe political environment in which everypenny of funding has to be sourced andspent with the utmost efficacy.

why are we having this conference now?

For years mine-action organisations have,and are still doing a splendid and veryworthwhile job around the world – but it hasbeen said that it will take at least a thousandyears to clear all the explosive weaponscurrently left around the world – and cost upto 33 billion uS dollars.

next year in 2015 the eight millenniumdevelopment goals are due to be reviewedand replaced by new development goals – anadmirable ambition. but none of these newgoals will be achievable unless there is abed-rock of peace and security on whichthey can be built.

mine-action is at the core of building thatpeace and security. it is a programme ofactivity that needs to be kept high on thepolitical agenda, and high on the level ofawareness of the general public.

explosive weapons such as landmines andimprovised explosive devices (ieds) areimpersonal and indiscriminate – ieds arefrighteningly easy to make and thecomponents terrifyingly easy to obtain. manyexplosive weapons are victim activated,which allows the perpetrator to put adistance between themselves and theirvictims and in their minds allows them toshun the responsibility for causing harm.

last year 37,809 people were killed orinjured by explosive weapons – 82% of thesewere innocent civilians1. a depressing figureindeed – but these are not the only victims.

Some explosive weapons create victimswithout ever being activated. For manycommunities the fear of these weapons isenough to disrupt their daily lives.

A safer future: how can webetter protect innocent people frombeing hurt by explosive weapons?by Nigel Ellway ba FrSa mcipr

It is a cruel irony that as I sit writing this article the television news is showingimages of children yet again being caught up in conflict in the Middle-East –children living and dying through a daily barrage of shells and bombs.

atawullah, aged 8 at the icrc limb fitting centre in kabul. a year before, whilewalking to school, atawullah stepped on a landmine, losing both an arm and a leg.

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landmines in particular are a weapon ofdenial – the fear of their presence will denypeople access to land for agriculture ordevelopment, access to clean water, accessto education or health care, they trappeople in poverty and in fear.

the veteran british footballer Sir bobbycharlton on a trip to cambodia, wasappalled that children could not safely playwherever they wanted, and at the time itwas taking to decontaminate the land. in2011 he set up a new charity called Find abetter way. his vision was to encourageacademics and researchers to find a moreeffective and faster way of clearinglandmines – and to look at ways of bettersupporting the victims. Find a better waybecame a grant making organisation –offering research grants to academicinstitutions to come up with newtechnology, new techniques and newbehaviours to help protect innocentcivilians from landmines.

it was with this paradigm in mind that thelondon conference was conceived.

The ripple effectaccording to a report by action on armedviolence ‘anatomy of a Suicide bombing’two explosions in the moon market inlahore, pakistan killed 60 people andinjured 130. it also put 150 market tradersout of business. this one incident resultedin the local hospital using up much of itsannual budget for trauma patients in a fewdays– no additional funds came from thegovernment so cuts had to come fromother departments. pregnant women,malaria patients and traffic accident victimsalso became victims of the bombing.

explosives used by international terroristsaffect us all – as individuals, asorganisations and as societies – we allbemoan the increased travel safetyrestrictions and increased insurancepremiums. human rights organisationsworry about the increase in surveillanceand the general loss of privacy. and again,it is fear that keeps us from taking ourtourist dollar to certain countries thatprobably need it most.

in some ways that makes us all victims.

So what is ‘mine-action’?the united nations cite five aspects or‘pillars’ of mine-action. the one most people are familiar with –thanks in part to those photographs ofprincess diana, is ‘de-mining’ or theclearance of the explosive legacy from past

many of the mine-action organisations offermunitions and weapons management anddestruction services – badly orinappropriately stored weapons can and doon occasion, explode causing injury anddamage to surrounding communities.

the technology employed in weaponsdestruction is dependent on materials andcircumstance, ranging from: manual,mechanical or robotic disassembly todestruction by incineration or containeddetonation.

the fifth pillar, and the one in which theauthor is involved, is advocacy.

the united nations, advocates for universalparticipation in existing internationalagreements or ‘instruments’ that ban orlimit the use of landmines.

the first and best known of theseagreements is the antipersonnel mine-banor ottawa treaty of 1997. this has beenfollowed by further internationalagreements, including the convention oncertain conventional weapons whichfocuses on the use of booby-traps and anti-tank and anti-vehicle mines, and theconvention on cluster munitions (ccm) oroslo treaty.

in the uk, mine-action falls under theresponsibility of three governmentdepartments: the department forinternational development (dFid) whomonitor and fund many of thehumanitarian projects undertaken bycharities such as the halo trust and mag.dFid also provide funding for unitednations projects through the un mineaction Service.

the Foreign office (Fco) leads oninternational agreements and manages thecontract for de-mining activity on theFalkland islands.

the ministry of defence (mod) providestechnical advice to the Fco and dFid. it alsotakes part in negotiating internationalagreements.

in the uk parliament the all partyparliamentary group on explosive weaponsof conflict & landmines ensures that ukpoliticians are kept up to speed on theissues and activities of mine-actionorganisations – and on uk policy towardmine-action and humanitarian funding.

three years ago, the author created theappg on landmines in an effort to drive theissues back up the political agenda – andwas delighted to have the support of the

conflicts: mostly landmines andunexploded ordnance. de-mining activity islong and arduous, involving technicalsurveys, mapping, marking unsafe areas,clearance work and documenting areas thathave been cleared.

‘past conflict’ may be a somewhatmisleading term – as much mine-actionwork is being undertaken in countries stillriven by internecine and factional violence.

the second pillar is mine risk education.this is aimed at reducing the risk of injuryfrom mines and unexploded ordnance byraising awareness and encouragingbehaviour change among affectedcommunities so that economic and socialdevelopment can occur. in simple terms itteaches people how to recognise, avoid andmanage the risks posed by mines andunexploded ordnance.

assistance to victims is a fundamentallyimportant pillar of mine action.

it is obligatory for countries that havesigned up to the internationalantipersonnel mine ban treaty to provideassistance for the care and rehabilitation,and social and economic reintegration, ofmine victims.

there is a proscribed set of victimassistance actions designed to addressimmediate and long-term needs of mineand explosive weapon victims, theirfamilies, mine-affected communities andpeople with disabilities.

these actions start with emergency andcontinuing medical care; physicalrehabilitation; psychosocial support andsocial inclusion; and economicreintegration.

monitoring and evaluation of victimsupport requires effective informationmanagement systems. hundreds ofthousands of mine and explosive remnantsof war survivors exist in over 70 countries.the actual figure is unknown as many minevictims never get to medical centres.

yet another pillar of mine-action isweapons and stockpile management anddestruction.

Stockpiled landmines far outnumber thoseactually laid in the ground. the anti-personnel mine-ban convention or ‘ottawatreaty’ states that countries must destroytheir stockpiled mines within four years ofsigning the convention. So far 65 countrieshave destroyed their stockpiles - a total ofmore than 37 million mines.

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mine-action community and twenty-sixenthusiastic members from both the houseof commons and the house of lords.

uniquely among all party groups, thelandmines group has full support from thethree government departments andbenefits enormously from having theparticipation of a military technical advisoryfrom the mod.

in 2013 the group decided to change itsname to the appg on explosive weapons ofconflict & landmines to take into accountthe fact that, alongside the important workdealing with the legacy of landmines andexplosive remnants of war, there is a veryserious issue of continuing usage of suchweapons.

the author would therefore advocate thatthere should be a sixth pillar of mine-action– protection of civilians from theindiscriminate use of improvised explosivedevices and other explosives. this will bethe theme of a separate conference run byaction on armed violence and chathamhouse following on from the conference atthe royal geographical Society.

Explosive weapons and genderan aspect of mine action that is steadilygaining ground is the impact on women asvictims, but also their role as agents forchange. in many post conflict such as Srilanka and cambodia women play a vitalrole as mine clearance operators.

the women’s international league forpeace and Freedom (wilpF), based in

conflict is a male dominated activity – andthis is where women come in as agents ofchange - what is needed is for a morepowerful female voice to say, enough isenough – no more violence against theinnocent.

in post conflict areas, women are often atthe centre of rebuilding the economy,women as mine clearance technicians earnsalaries that is pumped back into theirsociety. once land is cleared, women startto re-cultivate and grow food and manymicro finance schemes in developingcountries are aimed at women as anincreasingly viable economic engine.

A growth industrySadly mine-action organisations haveplenty of work to go round.

the arab spring, the appalling situation inSyria and iraq, the disintegration of libyaand the ongoing war in the central africanrepublic have all contributed to the rise inuse of landmines and explosive weaponsand a rise in victim numbers. while thelegacy of conflicts in angola, cambodia,vietnam and laos is still taking its toll.

non-government organisations (ngos)and corporate sector mine-action operatorscompete for contracts around the world toprovide technical assistance, educationprogrammes, clearance work and stockpilemanagement - but the level of fundingnecessary just hasn’t kept up with the levelof demand.

geneva, produced a study in march this yearcalled ‘women and explosive weapons’ thatincluded some shocking examples.

here are some quotes:“i gave birth at home because i was tooterrified to leave. many pregnant women arelosing their children during this war, they arebleeding out because they cannot reachhelp.” Maha, Syrian border, Lebanon (Source:Save the children)

“(w)ho do you usually find at marketsduring daytime? women. who do you find atplaygrounds? mothers and their children.”Leyla, Iraq (Source: wilpF)

“now, when a door bangs, i get scared. idon’t go to crowded places. i suspecteveryone in front or behind me of beingdangerous. i stopped going out all togetherfor a while. i was just so afraid, afraid ofeverything. if someone was carrying a bag infront of me, i would run back home. i feltstaying at home was the solution.”Nancy, Nigeria (Source: wilpF)

“the area that we lived in was beingbombed and they had snipers on all thehigh buildings, so anybody who movedwould be shot. [...] there were no schools, nohospitals, no electricity, no water, nothing atall. everything was broken, ruined”Um Ali, Syrian border, Lebanon (Source: Savethe children)

the report goes on to makerecommendations for governments andinternational law, but the fact is that inconflict many of these laws and agreementsgo out of the window.

A personal perspectivewhen i was asked to write this article – and illustrate it with photos, my first thought was toask my friend giles duley if i could include some of his images. giles has a very personalinterest in this subject.

giles is a humanitarian photographer. in 2011 while accompanying a uS unit in afghanistanhe was severely injured by an explosive device.

giles’s photos tell a compelling story – in 2013 he returned to afghanistan to photographpeople who, like him, have had their lives dramatically changed by landmines and explosiveweapons.

giles says himself that as a westerner he has had the best possible treatment and high-techprosthetics – in developing countries victims often have little more than basic treatment –and their expectations of returning to an economically useful life are very low indeed.

photography is not giles’s only gift – when speaking at an exhibition of his photographs inthe house of commons, giles wove his experiences, and the experiences of hisphotographic subjects into a powerful narrative that had hard bitten politicians spellbound.

giles will be speaking again at the royal geographical Society in September with hisphotographs again on show.

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The vast majority of funding came from just afew sources. Contributions from the top eightmine action donors—the United States (US),the EU, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands,Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom(UK)—accounted for 80% of all donorfunding.”

the uk’s commitment to mine action wasset out by the department for internationaldevelopment earlier this year in thepublication of its policy paper ‘clearing apath to development - the uk government’sapproach to landmines and explosiveremnants of war in developing countries’.

as well as highlighting the success of ukfunded projects in countries such asafghanistan, mozambique and libya, thepolicy also importantly, set out the uktheory of change for mine-action.

the major assumption is that uk funding onmine action needs to have measurable andsustainable impact – the outcomes beingthat affected communities feel safer, thatcleared land is returned to communities toimprove economic activity and livelihoods,that access to services such as healthcareand education is increased, that mine-actionprogrammes are increasingly done bynational authorities rather than foreignngos and contractors, and that there is ameasurable progress towards complyingwith the international agreements.

the overall impact of uk funding for mineaction has to be more safety and securityleading to communities moving out ofpoverty and more development goals beingachieved.

the author's vision for the Septemberconference is for the mine-actioncommunity to come together to share bestpractice – explore new thoughts andconcepts and to work together to achievethe same impact.

1 Action on Armed Violence

Nigel Ellway is Co-ordinator of the All PartyParliamentary Group on Explosive Weapons ofConflict including Landmines.

Further information: nigel@appglandmines.co.uk

two years ago the author organised adebate at the royal commonwealth Societyto celebrate the 20th anniversary of theinternational campaign to ban landmines –one of the prime concerns of the panel wasdonor fatigue.

every humanitarian disaster – whethernatural or man made – is an opportunity forcharities to campaign for more funding. atyphoon in the philippines, floods inbangladesh, the israeli invasion of gaza areall terrible incidents that need our attention– but the public is a fickle beast, and mine-action is soon forgotten as each new horrorhits our screens.

in 2011 when the author started talking tomps and peers about creating a new appghe had two responses that left himspeechless (he resists the temptation toname the individuals), one labour peer saidthat surely now we had the ottawa treatythe job had been done. the other a tory mpsaid, “Surely mine action was just a ‘fad’ of[princess] diana’s”.

thankfully there were more enlightenedpoliticians who did support the creation ofthe group.

the appg has taken an active role inencouraging dFid to keep up its level ofsupport for mine-action programmesaround the world – and through mechanismssuch as the inter-parliamentary union –members of the group are able to use theirinfluence with other donor countries topersuade them not to diminish their supportand involvement in mine-action.

the uk has an excellent reputation in thehumanitarian mine-action arena. two of thebiggest mine-action ngos are uk basedalong with many others such as action onarmed violence and Find a better way – andthe uk is one of the top eight contributingcountries to mine-action.

the latest annual landmine monitor reportstates that:

“In 2012, 39 donors contributed $497 million ininternational support for mine action in 52affected states and four other areas,representing an increase of $30 million (6.4%)from 2011. This is the largest annual total ofdonor contributions ever recorded by theMonitor, dating back to 1992.

aoav demining team - western Sahara.

prosthetic limbs awaiting collection at theinternational committee of the red cross limb-fitting centre in kabul. Since the programmestarted in 1988 the service has provided around100,000 limbs.

‘There is no greater calling than providing the capabilitiesthat help protect our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marinesas they execute their battlefield missions. Rapidlyresponding to warfighter requests and having the ability torapidly fund and acquire counter-IED capabilities is criticalto lowering effective attacks and casualties. However, thebest counter-IED tool is a well-trained warfighter.’Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero, Dir JIEDDO May 2013

Introductionin 2009 the uk mod recoginsed that failureto train adequately in the use of counter-improvised explosive device (c-ied)equipment was placing troops atunnecessary risk as the threat from ieds ondismounted operations continued toincrease. thus they articulated a requirementfor a c-ied training capability which wouldvalidate (using in-service c-ied equipment1)individual and collective detection drills. itwould also permit the timely developmentof c-ied tactics, techniques and procedures(ttps) in response to emerging threats andnew in-service equipment.

Saab training Systems (StS) invested privateventure funding to develop a concept forimproved c-ied training and worked alongside the warfare development (wardev) atthe land warfare centre (lwc). throughwardev experimentation with the agiletactical engagement System (ateS) andmulti detector systems (mdS) a capabilitywas developed to form an objectiveunderstanding of the individual andcollective search procedures. in addition, itallowed the gathering of data whichvalidates c-ied models and developssimulation to support training, validationand development.

award of contract to support training withinuk, mainland europe, in-theatre and the‘rest of world’ mod training locations, using5 cct systems.

Overview of Counter-IED CollectiveTrainer System

Training and validation the c-ied collective trainer2 (cct) is a fullyinstrumented tactical engagement systemdeveloped to meet the training needs forindividual, collective and route clearance ofcurrent and future improvised explosivedevice (ied) threats and the wider aspectsof counter insurgency. it provides realistic,measurable training for an evolving threat.the optimal use of equipment (individualtraining) and tactics, techniques andprocedures (collective training) is the mosteffective counter to the ied threat.

Instrumented training and validation the capability provides objective datawhich is relevant to the particular scenarioor training activity. this enables thetraining advisor, military trainer orcommander to make judgments onperformance.

in June 2010 the mod placed an urgentStatement of user requirement whichstated the user required the capability toconduct c-ied detect training in order toprepare personnel effectively fordeployment on operation herrick. thisneeded to include the ability to validate c-ied drills and equipment in an objectivemanner, to reinforce learning and increaseuser confidence. the capability gap to bemet included:

• objective measurements of individualsand collective performance

• accurate emulation of threats and rapidincorporation of new ttps andcapabilities in order to enable users tokeep ‘one step ahead’ of potentialadversaries

• detailed training records• process for testing and charaterising the

performance of ied counter measuresagainst evolving ied threats.

the new capability, system coherence anduser confidence, was successfullydemonstrated and scrutinised during aconcept capability demonstrated (ccd)using 2500 troops from 16 air assaultbrigade in September 2010. this lead to an

SAAB counter-IEDcollective trainer (CCT)by Don Johnstone miexpe

22

Feature

image above: Jordan eod & Search training exercise.

1 ecm and hhmd2 known in the uSa as c-ied clearance trainer

Dedicated SME supportSaab’s dedicated and operational currenttraining advisors are on hand 24 hrs a dayand can be deployed anywhere in theworld should a training organisation haveany special requirements.

the cct system consists of several keycomponents:

• Instrumented training instrumentedtraining uses specialised technology toenable the capture of individual andcollective performance data.

• Multi detector sensor (MDS) the mdSgathers performance data on a range ofhand held devices.

• Weapons effect simulator Saabs’ eye-safe, lightweight, laser Small armstransmitter (Sat) accurately simulatesthe characteristics of the weapon towhich it is paired, measuring thelethality of its use and vulnerability ofits user to enemy fire

• ECM when the electronic countermeasure simulator is used inconjunction with the ied advanced, theecm simulator accurately depicts theeffectiveness of ecm deployment.

• EXCON the exercise control exconsystem tool is a rugged, portablesystem used to capture, collate, analysisand playback key learning events,allowing the controller to generateobjective training evidence.

thetford training area in norfolk in supportof the exercises.

OPTAG – RSOI (Camp BASTION)Saab has a permanent presence in campbaStion in support of the optag Forwardtraining team at bastion 3. the companysupports the roSi package on training days2 and 5 and continuation training. inaddition, it supports other iSaF troops andanSF when requested. recently, thecompany also provided the objectivevalidation training exercise for about 700troops who received training on the newhand-held detector, via a third partycontractor who had received their training,instruction and course material fromdefence explosive munitions Search (demS)training regiment during the relief-in-placeperiod. the training gave the deployedbrigade a far better understanding of thesoldier’s level of performance, enablinghighly effective training simulations andafter action reviews.

29 EOD & Search Group – Jordana cct system is allocated to support twoeod & Search exercises conducted in Jordanannually. the remainder of the time thesystem supports 29 eod & Search group,which was originally allocated to supportdemS training regiment. the purpose of thesupport is the mission rehearsal exercise(mrx) of the taliSman route clearanceSquadron and consolidation of the eod &Search task Force special to arms capability.the main effort is the authorization of theeod and Search elements, with the latterbeing intimately supported by cct. theexercise is centered on Jabel batra a highplateau region some 45 kms north east ofaqaba with all activities conducted in anexpeditionary manner from a tented mainoperating base (mob).

Training Figuresup to october 2013 in excess of 90,000individual training serials have beenconducted by cct, these include personnelfrom: uk, auS, uS, danish, estonian, iSaFand anSF.

• Specialist training advice/delivery atthe heart of the cct capability is thededicated training advisor. havingcredible and recent operationalexperience, the training advisor canassist in exercise setup and design.

CCT training footprintcurrently cct is providing training supportin uk, europe, afghanistan and australia.the mod contract is split over four areasacross the training cycle. in addition, thecompany provides the manpower to theaustralia cct contract and trains them bothin australia and afghanistan.

In Barracks Training (IBT) cct provide two systems to support the ibtphase for units in their base locations. thecommanding officer owns the training andthe company generally provides a trainingsupport/ training delivery package over theweek in support. this includes a round robintraining cycle (ground sign awareness, teamdrills, confirmation and detector refresh) andis later followed by individual and teamconfirmation exercises. the company thenleaves behind a copy of all the aars as atraining record, a training programme andthe innovative Saab designed ‘golf ballcollimator’ dry trainer.

Operational Training Group (OPTAG).Saab use two systems to support theconfirmatory Field exercise (cFx) twice ayear. the team is split on two sites on

training advisor.

baStion training centre.

ecm bubbleon excom.

23

Feature

cct worldwidefootprint.

unique Saab golf ball collimator.

"The Saab [CCT] system removes thesubjectivity of human judgement fromthe important task of high risk assurance,replacing it with fact and science."[Lt Col Adam McRae, CO EOD&S TF H18, 21May 2013]

whilst it is difficult to gauge the overallsuccess of cct accurately, the introductionof the deployability of both the system andthe team optimizes the training resources byfocusing on enhancing skills of theindividual and the coherence of thecollective unit. indeed, by focusing theeffort on the 60 % of tactics and proceduresto improve user use of the 30 % ofequipment, as illustrated by the c-iedpyramid, the company can leveragesubstance improvements and thus increasethe c-ied effectiveness by investing inpersonnel. when a map is made of theintroduction of cct across the uk modoperational training cycle 2010 – 2013 it canbe seen that from the chart below a markeddrop in uk fatalities were sustained inafghanistan. the project would not credititself solely for this reduction but has beenpart of the great solution or ‘onion skin’ c-ied capability approach to improve the

operational capability and drive to reducecausalities due to ieds.

Enduring Capabilitythere is a danger of not ‘learning the lessons’of past operations when a peace dividendmeant a wholesale reduction of capability.therefore, retention of an enduring crediblec-ied capability must be an operationalnecessity, especially when ieds are thepreferred weapon of choice. it is clearlyessential that any training must provide anobjective output to provide both aperformance measurement and justifiedcost analysis of the training benefit.

Awardsin october 2011 Saab cct won the britishministerial defence award. mr luff, theminister responsible for all mod equipment,support and technology, awarded Saab thehighest honour, which can be presented toindustry by the mod. the honour wasbestowed in recognition of the significantimprovements to improvised explosivedevice (ied) detection in afghanistan thathave been delivered by  mix of cutting edgetraining technologies, combined with aworld leading training delivery service. it isthe quickest urgent operationalrequirement (uor) ever delivered onoperations. 

Summarythe concept of outsourcing training tocredible contractors has developed overmany years and cct programme hassuccessfully demonstrated the advantagesof contractor delivered c-ied training,providing the mod with an attractiveflexible option which manages their risk.cct is unique in that it offers the very besttraining and validation coupled with beingdelivered at the point of need.

Any view expressed are those of the author, and donot necessarily represent those of SAABhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z9f_ BP89rA

This paper is an edited version of a paper submittedto The Institute of Explosive Engineers JournalAwards Competition 2014.

Donald Johnstone is Countering Threats SeniorConsultant at Explosive Learning Solutions, Oxford

Further information:DJohnstone@explosivelearningsolutions.com

24

Feature

‘IEDs have caused the majority ofcasualties in theatre and are expected tobe an enduring threat in the future.’ UK MoD 2012

"Saab have provided an excellent serviceto Bastion Training Centre inAfghanistan. The availability ofequipment and flexibility of the staffhave been particularly impressive." [Lt Col Steve Long, Comd BTC, 12 May 13]

"CCT brings a capability that allows us tomake an assessment and validation ofour own C-IED search training TTPswhich in turn reinforces our owninstructors' subjective assessments. Ithas to be said that due to the experienceand excellent training they deliver theIED strikes against us have remainedrelatively low and the team have playeda huge part in that – the men deploy withthe skills and confidence to do the job. Itis my opinion that this capability must beretained beyond Op HERRICK to train inan enduring capacity."UK MoD Spokesman 22nd May 2013.

hugh ward, roger lenffer, bjorn lindero, markFranklin, alan roan and members of the JbtSeipt collecting the minister for defenceequipment, Support and technology prize fromthe rt hon peter luff mp – oct 2011.

cct training figures as october 2013.

c-ied pyramid.

number of uk fatalitiesin afghanistan(source uk mod)

arabian explosives company llc (arex) isbased in the united arab emirates supplyingpackaged explosives to the uae andneighbouring gcc countries. arex wasformed in 1978 as joint venture betweenlocal partners and the epc-groupe. due toarex’s geographical location within theepc-groupe it has always operated underslightly different rules and cultures. healthand Safety and environmental (hSe)therefore has always been viewed slightlydifferently compared with the rest of thegroup’s operations within europe.

the philosophy within arex is that safety isa priority, not an after-thought or bolt-onaddition which restricts efficiency andproductivity. the different hSe challengesfaced at arex compared to most of otherexplosives companies is mainlycommunication related.

we are operating in the middle east wherethe uae’s spoken and written language isofficially arabic; therefore all of ourpaperwork related to the police and otherauthorities is conducted in arabic. nationallaws and regulations are published in arabicwithout “official” translations into otherlanguages, which can often create confusionand misinterpretation. we operate understrict police supervision due to the sensitivenature of our business and geographicallocation. this supervision includes 24 hourarmed police guards at our factory, armedpolice escorts for raw material imports aswell as explosives deliveries. we have policetechnicians supervising our magazinestorage and authorising all of our deliveries.the police all speak in arabic, with very fewspeaking little english and even less in otherlanguages.

trainer/translator our employeesunderstanding and implementation hasincreased beyond recognition. the SaFexincident reports are also extremely useful asa classroom tool. we use the lessons learntfrom these in our training programs andthey always create discussions. theseincident reports are incidents to which ouremployees can relate, this material isabsorbed and often referred to at a laterdate when creating a permit to work orcarrying out a risk assessment.

we have found that people are willing tolearn, if we give them the necessary toolsand understanding they will progress andgrow as individuals. the company benefitsin increased hSe performance andultimately in the bottom line profitability,the employees are now working safer,staying healthier with better attendancerecords, as the hSe culture expands andpositive actions create further positivereactions, all concerned benefit from theimprovements.

our employees are our greatest investment,but also our greatest asset. let’s look afterthem and lead our industry forward in a safeand professional manner.

This article first appeared in the SAFEXNewsletter series entitled “This is your Captainspeaking”, No.38, 3rd Quarter, 2011 and isrepublished here with permission.

Further information: paul.clark@arabex.ae

none of our workforce is emirati, or hasarabic as their first language. like allcompanies within the uae and most gcccountries in general, our workforce consistsof immigrant workers from india, pakistan orbangladesh amongst others. their ownlanguages vary considerably within theirnative country, also the standard ofeducation in these countries is limited attimes, resulting in certain individualsreading and writing skills been poorcompared to europe and other developedareas. most of these people do notunderstand hSe initially; their culturedoesn’t recognise hSe as a fundamentalvalue. you can see examples of a lack of hSein business and culture everyday on thenews or internet from these areas.

the countries and their citizens are stilldeveloping and hSe is still a luxury to themat times. we try to educate our employees tochange their culture regarding hSe andapply best practice and awareness at workand at home.

at arex we try to adopt and maintaineuropean standards regarding hSe. wefollow the epc-groupe procedures andimplement their policies. we frequentlytranslate site signage, documentation andsafety data sheets for all materials intodifferent languages for ease of use.whenever possible we use pictorial signageso employees, police, contractors andvisitors can understand them more easily.we carry out annual hSe training in bothenglish and various indian languages withtests to confirm understanding. Sinceintroducing a neboSh qualified hSe

25

Feature

Case study: Arabian Explosives Company (AREX),Ras Al Khaimah, UAEby Paul Clark ba FiQ miexpe, general manager arex

26

The Bennett file

27

it is now over thirty two years since i beganto produce Fireworks, the magazine forfirework enthusiasts and the trade. thedifferences between that first issue and thelast could scarcely be greater, but moresignificant is the difference in the fireworktrade. there was a british manufacturingindustry where the largest – Standard,brock’s, astra, pain’s, benwell to the smaller,kimbolton – thrived – most makingfireworks for the shop trade. the contrast ishighlighted by the words of rev ronaldlancaster of his kimbolton Fireworks in thelatest issue of the magazine: ‘2017 will comesoon enough and we may have to decidewhether it is worth carrying on’. i think he isreferring to manufacturing, the fireworkworld without displays by kimbolton wouldbe inconceivable, but it is particularlysignificant since kimbolton are the lastmajor british manufacturer – and then nolonger of shop goods.

the reasons are not difficult to determineand are little different from those affectingbritish, and indeed western, industry as awhole. cheap imports are the primaryreason - particularly from the Far east wherecheaper labour costs pertain and lessrigorous control is exercised. there is also aperception that the chinese can offer arange of fireworks more imaginative thanthat sourced at home. many apparentlymodern effects have been seen in thiscountry – ground spinners, missiles andmultiple effect bangers for instance havebeen seen here and have emanated frombritish factories. there is even the story, toldby chris pearce in the latest issue ofFireworks, of the Standard pyro-pak, acomplete display in a box and the fore-runner of its modern equivalents lit by onlyone fuse and supplying a range of effectswith minimum effort. John woodhead, adirector at Standard at the time of the pyro-pak, has told me that the firework wasmagnificent when it worked – but there wasa good chance that it might not – a factwhich resulted in its abandonment before itwas put into wide-scale production. nodoubt more effort would have been put intofine tuning if economics could havesustained its sale.

however, the chinese have learned all thereis to learn about such fireworks –reproduced them and improved upon them.but the chinese industry is itself changing.wages are rising, expectation among thepopulation of a more satisfactory life-style isincreasing and safety legislation isbecoming more stringent; perhaps it willeventually lead to similar productiondifficulties experienced in the west. but thatwill be a long time coming. even so, some,particularly smaller, british firms have lookedat the possibilities of manufacturing on asmall scale, in niche markets such asportfires. and been successful; wells(dartford) and dean Fireworks being buttwo. and others have looked at thepossibility of producing a small range ofshop goods which could be marketed as,more expensive perhaps, but high-qualitymerchandise. there is the suspicion thatthese are romantics and sadly that may bethe case.

certainly the press has always been quick tojump on fireworks as a source of dangerinstead of pleasure and that has not helped.the recent case of the m5 crash, whatever itsrights and wrongs, has shown theauthorities to be very quick to blamefireworks for incidents where this has notbeen borne out by investigation. there havebeen ludicrous examples, too, of litigiousculture which has resulted, in uSa, in manycompanies adding a cost to their customerswhich covers claims – however bogus – andmany are. examples are those whodeliberately park cars near display sites sothat claims may be made. the cost ofdefending is just too great – compensationbeing cheaper.

authorities have been quick to takemeasures to ensnare firework companies –particularly trading standards authoritiesemploying under-aged ‘purchasers’ to trapretailers selling to those not entitled to buyfireworks because of their age. the dutchgovernment even have a Fireworks taskForce and this has had some success;although there is no criticism of this body’sexposure of firms selling illegal fireworks. itemployed a strategy, in the 2013 fireworkseason, of luring potential buyers to

purchase from websites located in poland.over five hundred fell into the trap. thecampaign achieved its aim of spreadingunease amongst purchasers who believed itwas safe to order illegal fireworks online. it isone entrapment campaign that wouldprobably receive the support of legitimatefirework suppliers.

it is not easy being a ‘firework man’ and it isgetting harder all the time. it is sad to report– returning to ron lancaster – that he hasadmitted discouraging enthusiastic youngpeople from starting their own concerns – ashe did so successfully many years ago.

John Bennett is editor of Fireworks, a magazine forenthusiasts and the trade. It is obtainable, by creditcard on the website www.fireworks-mag.org or, bypost, from Fireworks, PO Box 40, Bexhill TN40 1GX Telephone: 01424 733050; email: editor@fireworks-mag.org. £10 annual subscription payable to FireworksMagazine.

The Bennett fileOur columnist John Bennett tells of the demiseof the Standard Pyro-Pak and others

the Standard pyro-pak (from chris pearce’scollection. photos copyright chris pearce).

28

Sidney Alford Column

the vulcan – a small user-filled shapedcharge, injection moulded in plastic, loadedwith varying amounts of plastic explosiveand provided with a projectile selected fromseveral of various shapes and materials –serves widely as a tool for the disruption ofmainly conventional munitions1, but it isalso a convenient tool for experimentingwith new explosives or innovativeprojectiles, such as a marshmallow on oneoccasion. its sales attest to its usefulness.

in one recent shot using the vulcan i usedabout twenty grams of plastic explosive tofire a conventional copper cone normal tothe surface of a large steel cylinder, some185mm in outer diameter and with a wallthickness of 6.4mm. the result wasabsolutely characteristic of the charge thusused: a small entry hole 8.6mm in diameterand an exit hole on the opposite side of5mm diameter.

that shot had been preceded by what wasintended to be an identical shot against thesame cylinder but that result amazed me. if icould ascertain the difference and repeatthe first shot i could certainly patent aninvention describing a new class of shapedcharge and i would become rich and at leastinfamous.

the wonder shot had proceeded thus: uponpressing the button the target wasinstantaneously obscured by an intensewhite cloud which disappeared almost asquickly as it had formed. when i examinedthe target i saw that the round entry holewas an astonishing approximation to 50mmin diameter and the exit hole a no lessimpressive 35mm. thus the amount ofobvious damage to the target wasapproximately thirty times greater than i

had ever inflicted with such a charge before.the edges of the hole were not rough andsmeared with copper but showed clean,shiny steel. the cylinder suffered no otherdistortion.

my brain whirled – or, at least, ticked faster.explosive charges are thermally prettyinefficient tools but it is the remarkableconcentration of a small part of that energythat endows shaped charges with their quiteremarkable properties. had i unwittinglyincreased the proportion of useful energy?had my charge gone nuclear? then the sadtruth dawned on me.

the high quality steel target had come froma scrap yard and was none other than a largegas cylinder which had originally containedoxygen. the dealer had assured me that itwas empty but he told me that suchcylinders needed a visible perforation beforehe could pass them on for melting down. inreturn for some useful, high quality andconsistent targetry, i returned them suitablyperforated for further processing.

the dealer was quite right about its originalcontent but he was less correct – indeed, hewas downright wrong – about the cylinderbeing empty: despite its rusty outside, it wasas full of high pressure oxygen as regulationspermit. thus the impact of the hot jet ofcopper from the shaped charge no doubtpierced no more than the 8mm holeexpected. about one square centimetre ofthe impacted steel was instantaneouslyraised to a temperature at which it wouldoxidize superficially quickly in oxygen at oneatmosphere pressure and, not surprisingly,ignites and burns with remarkable rapidityat about two hundred atmospheres. iremember that the divers used thermiclance rods to burn through the hull of hmSedinburgh in order to recover its cargo ofgold. the ship had been sunk in 800 feet ofwater. they initially found that their lanceswere violently consumed in about twoseconds, obliging them to feed them with, ibelieve, ordinary air which, at the ambientpressure at that extreme depth, had a more

appropriate partial pressure of oxygen forburning steel at a manageable rate.

the initial shot holes in my cylinder (one onentry and one on exit) grew rapidly as theirperipheries burned away in a flash in theoutrush of oxygen, allowing the compressedgas to leave the cylinder extremely quicklyand adiabatic cooling upon expansioncaused the transient dense, white cloud.once the oxygen had escaped, the ambientair could no longer sustain the combustionand the conduction of heat from theburning surface cooled the burning surfaceto an extent that it was left shiny anduntarnished.

the morals of this story are, first, that themost spectacular of unexpectedobservations do not automatically lead tofame and riches and, second, that redundantoxygen cylinders should be disposed ofwhile full rather than empty and madeavailable to inquisitive explosives engineersand their children at a reasonable price. ____________________________

the company which recently blew down thefirst batch of didcot’s cooling towersannounced a demolition time between 3amand 5am “in the hope of keeping the gawpersaway”2. about 500 people neverthelessturned up. one wonders what thedemolition company feared might befallthem.

the event reminded me of the felling of thehuge piper alpha platform3. when i wasasked by the press whether i knew at whattime it would be demolished, i replied that,knowing that six tons of plastic explosivewere being sought for the operation, aspectacular splash was to be expected and awealth of dead fish would be floating on thesurface and resting on the seabed for thegathering up. if they were going to hire ahelicopter to film the event they would bewell advised to turn up at least an hourearlier than whatever time they had beengiven and just hover because the companycarrying out the operation would surely notwish it to be broadcast on that evening’stelevision. my advice was not taken butoccidental kindly provided them with filmshowing a row of gentle splashespresumably resulting from the small chargesused to separate the twin towers standingon the seabed before the “real” charges werefired._________________________

1 Ibid. September 2004

2 The Independent , 28th July 2014

3 Explosives Engineering, Summer 1989

The views expressedare those of the author:Our columnist Sidney Alford MSc PhD

recounts the story of the 'wondershot'....

29

the through and throughperforation of the cylinder.the insert shows the size ofthe charge behavingnormally.

IndustryNews

The Explosive Regulations, 2014.the hSe explosive legislative review team have confirmed that the newregulations (Statutory instrument 1638 of 2014) have been made. havingbeen laid before parliament on July 1st and managed the 28 days withoutbeing prayed against, they are now confirmed. you can find a copy ofthese regulations at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1638/contents/made and this document can be downloaded as a pdf.

the regulations come into force on 1st october, 2014 with the exceptionof regulation 33(7) - repackaging of a civil explosive and regulation 36 –record keeping in relation to civil explosives, together with theenforcement of these two provisions, which come into force on 5th april,2015.  this is in line with the present timescale for these provisions in theidentification and traceability of explosives regulations 2013 which willthen be no more.

on the operative dates, the new regulations revoke and will replace :• the control of explosive regulations, 1991(coer)• the placing on the market and Supervision of transfers of explosives

regulations, 1993 (pomSter)• the marking of plastic explosives for detection regulations 1996

(mopedr)• the manufacture and Storage of explosives regulations 2005 (mSer)• the identification and traceability of explosives regulations 2013 (itoer).• the security of explosives requirements made previously under

Section 23 of the explosives act, 1875.

as the new regulations come into effect, the existing hSe guide topomSter and the approved code of practice to mSer are also to bewithdrawn. hSe have been working with interested parties in theexplosive sector and the other regulators on appropriate guidance to theexplosive sector. these consultations have resulted in the compiling of anoverarching safety guidance document and a separate overarchingguidance document specifically addressing the security features in theregulations. to assist the different sub-sectors, guidance documents onthe regulations as they apply to that sector have also been prepared.there are about 7 which include areas such as manufacture and Storage,Fireworks, Shooting etc. and it is the intention these guides will be madeavailable over the summer, before the regulations are in operation.

given the new regulations, of necessity, have re-arranged how wepresently relate to the legislation in the above areas, we are planning tocompile explanatory notes. these will focus on what the changes, both interminology and in approach, have been made during the consolidationof the above pieces of legislation. these will be placed in both futurecopies of Explosives Engineering and on the institute website.

hSe have added a ‘landing page’ for the new regulations to their websiteat www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/news/new-regulations.htm. it has links tothe legislation and published guidance as well as a description of how theguidance framework is expected to fit together and be used.

it is safe to say that much in the new regulations will be familiar both inrequirements and the words used. there is a need to make the transitionas problem free as possible and the legal and procedural sub-committeewill be fielding any queries that may arise from the regulations andsubsequent guidance.

Tony Slate aiexpe legal and procedural Sub-committee

30

Industry News

The review of standardsfor thermal protectionPPE in theExplosivesIndustrythis review (research reportrr1002), {http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1002.htm},by peter watkins of hSl is awelcome and important additionto the explosives operators’ library.For the first time in a long time itaddresses the issue of a massivethermal dose delivered to a worker over probably anextremely short period of time. this is a vastly differentregime from the lower dose delivered over a significantlylonger time, which forms the basis of the selectioncriteria for many ppe items. the report shows that thethermal output from a fairly small amount of propellantis several times larger than the standard thermal doseused in ppe assessment for routine industrial use.

burn injury severity is typically estimated by the medicalprofession as a baux score, in which age plus percentageof body burn area equals likelihood of mortality. So, a 40year old worker with 10% area of his body havingsuffered burns will have a 50:50 chance of survival.Significantly the report has also recognised theimportance of an assessment of the inhalation of hot orburning combustion products. it cites an importantreference which shows that this often-neglected effect isresponsible for a 17% increase in burn severity. it makesit clear in the review that previous work shows thatwhen inhalation injury is present, as little as 30% burnarea can result in a 50% mortality rate. the review compares the explosives industry workerwith workers in the offshore oil industry, where athermal dose lethality criterion has already beensuggested. there is a comparison made betweenoffshore workers and explosives workers - thiscomparison serves to show just how carefully anyassumptions about one’s own work force must be made,especially if the selection of ppe is based on theseassumptions.

the deadline for sugggestions is by 20th october2014.the important recommendations which peterwatkins makes are that ppe, whether made fromtraditional materials or newer ones such as semi-carboncomposites, should be carefully tested against the threatwhich they are intended to mitigate. the test resultsshould then be examined in the light of the humanvulnerability data and the explosives processingconditions so that an informed decision may be maderegarding the selection of appropriate ppe for the task.

Ian McKay ceng mphil bSc diph&S Fimm Fiexpe

Ammunition Technical Officers Course – invitation for project titleseach year the ammunition technical officers’ (ato) course, at thedefence academy, conducts mSc level projects in Syndicate. the allocated projects are funded (just £1500 each) and supervised by cranfield university and military instructors.

the course leader requires challenging and interesting project suggestions,preferably with a real defence or civil requirement which will inspire thestudents to ‘make a difference’ by the results of what they do. the projects often,but not always, include live explosive or ballistic trials (of their own design) and may include:

• the design, build and test a new complete munition,warhead, pyrotechnic or propulsion system.

• investigate explosive phenomena.• design/test novel armour.• build and assess a munition design (possibly

historical).• devise and test new render safe or demil’ techniques.• test and/or enhance explosive safety or mitigation systems.

in principle, the projects should be interesting and inspiring. those suggestinga project will receive an invitation to the project presentations on 10 Jun 2015and will usually receive a copy of the project report and relevant data. nofunding is required, although some sponsors may offer guidance and assistanceof some kind. the output quality has been very high in recent years: in 2014, allfour projects led to inspire further work in dStl and defence.

already this year we are already considering explosive related projects in thefields of a civil aviation protection and maritime smoke screening, which may beof interested to some. if you are interested in offering assistance or suggesting aproject title please contact ian Scattergood (iscattergood.cmt@da.mod.uk).

the deadline for sugggestions is 20th october 2014.

31

Fake bomb detectorsa couple face jail after being found guilty ofmaking bogus bomb detectors in their gardenshed. husband and wife Samuel and Joan treemade “outlandish claims” that their devices couldtrack down explosives and drugs. alpha 6,marketed through company keygrove, were simplyplastic boxes made in china with an antennaestrapped onto them and torn-up pieces of paperinside, and sold for uS$2000 ( £1,171). about 1500devices were made in their back garden and sold toagents, suppliers and to police and securityservices around the world. they claimed that thealpha 6 could detect substances as small as 15billionths of a gram at a range of up to 500 metres,powered simply by static electricity from the user’sbody.

they were found guilty at the old bailey on 1staugust 2014 for making an article for use in a fraudbetween January 2007 and July 2012 and havebeen released on bail prior to sentencing. theyhave been warned they face a custodial sentence.

this follows a long line of british con artists makingfake bomb detectors which include garry bolton,James mccormick and anthony williamson, allbrought to justice.

Didcot power stationtowers demolishedthree enormous cooling towers at the disused didcot a powerstation in oxfordshire were demolished on 27th July 2014. theblast conducted with more than 180kg of explosives, flattened36,000 tonnes of material in seconds and was streamed liveonline. the coal-fired power station had ceased generating inmarch 2013 and had dominated the skyline around the townsince 1970. the towers stood at 375 ft (114m) and weredesigned to cool 9 million gallons of water per hour.

hundreds of people had gathered to watch the towers comedown at 05.01 bSt, despite warnings of a huge dust cloud. the decision to carry out the demolition before sunrise wascriticised by some residents. the hSe, thames valley policeand network rail had advised that the demolition should take place at an early time as safety had to come first.

mark coleman, managing director of demolition firm colemanand company said well done to all involved and thanked thelocal citizens.

Further information:www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire

Industry News

recruitment

Project Engineer – Defence Manufacturing Sector

Munitions/Pyrotechnics/EOD“Strong focus on design, product development,

project management & troubleshooting”Based - Lincoln C£40,000 - £45,000 + benefits

Our client, is an accredited ISO 9001/ ISO 14001 business. The role focuses ondesigning, developing and qualifying existing/new products in-line with thecommercial expectations of the business. Providing support across all key areas ofthe business from Production to the Sales.

The successful candidate will hold a minimum HNC in Engineering (mechanical),alternatively Materials/Science discipline with relevant manufacturing/engineering exposure. You will demonstrate general and specific knowledge ofworking in a technical environment and aligned product category and will have“hands on” experience of taking manufacturing based projects from designconcept into production.

In addition you will display a strong knowledge of design, product development,project creation, problem solving and project management within a highlyresponsive SME environment. You will be confident in front of customers and showan appreciation of business demands. You will also have strong troubleshootingskills, a “common sense” approach to problem solving and be highly IT literate, inparticular with MS Excel and Solidworks.

please view the full body of the requirement online athttp://iexpe.org/notices/project-engineer-defence-manufacturing-sector or send your cv quoting ref 14/1837 to david Smalley at daniels Smalley partnership, pencoedtechnology centre, pencoed cF35 5hemail david@dspsearch.co.uk

blast mitigation trial usingdyed blastsax©

ConferencesExhibition Diary

ORDNANCE MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES SYMPOSIUMDefence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, 30th September to 1st October, 2014on behalf of the Sector Skills Strategy group (SSSSg) of the explosives industry andcranfield defence and Security, the theme will be “design for safety of ordnance,munitions and explosives and their associated facilities”. there will be four strands tothis theme: equipment, facilities, people and policy.Further information: www.symposiaatshrivenham.comSee details on page 28.

A SAFER FUTURE: INNOVATION IN MINE ACTION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCELondon, Royal Geographical Society, 15th September 2014Further information: nigel ellway, co-ordinator all party parliamentary group on explosive weapons of conflict including landmines, email: nigel@appglandmines.co.uk

ICAO 2014 SYMPOSIUM ON INNOVATION IN AVIATION SECURITYInternational Civil Aviation Organisation Headquarters, Montreal, Canada, 21st to 23rd October 2014Further information: www.icao.int/meetings/SiaS

TRANSPORT SECURITY EXPOOlympia, London, 2nd and 3rd December 2014Further information: info@nineteen-events.com

IMEMTS INSENSITIVE MUNITIONS & ENERGETIC MATERIALS TECHNOLOGYSYMPOSIUMSheraton Roma Hotel and Conference Centre, Rome, Italy, 18th to 21st May 2015Further information: www.imemts2015.com

In a flash:Bob WoolleybSc miQ miexpe

32

your age: 51

Occupation: employed at epc-uk

Current position: Services manager north

Responsibilities in job/work activities:i am responsible for maintaining anddeveloping the business across the region,including the utilisation of bulk explosivestrucks, drilling rigs and personnel.

Why are you involved in IExpE? i work inthe explosives industry and being amember was the natural thing to do.

What are the benefits for you of theIExpE? For me the main benefits arekeeping abreast of new developments andtechnology. it also helps me to maintain mycpd and keep in touch with others in theindustry.

What alternative career might you havefollowed? as a child i always wanted to bea pilot in the royal air Force.

Who do you most admire on the currentworld stage and why? i admire all theindividuals who travel to the world’s troublespots and disaster areas to care for refugeesand other displaced people.

Who would you most like to meet fromany century and why? i would like to meetsome of the early geologists from the 18thand 19th centuries. this was a time of greatdiscovery when the accepted teachingsabout the history of the earth were startingto be challenged and overturned.

What are your favourite activities/hobbies? when time and weather permits ienjoy a round of golf.

What is your ideal holiday? Staying withfriends in the ras al khaimah, where youhave the mountains, the beach and thedesert all within a few minutes drive.

What is your favourite type of food?indian, but i also enjoy a traditional Sundaylunch.

Conference / Exhibition Diary

The Institute of ExplosivesEngineers, IExpE, JournalAwards Competition 2015

competition prize categories l Student members and

non-members of iexpel associate members of iexpel members of iexpe l Fellows of iexpe

Be a Winner and have your paper/article published

£500cash prizes!

write on anyexplosive-

related topic,papers/articlesto be no more

than 3500words as word

document

Four cash prizes of £500plus an engraved tankardeach

deadline for submission forthe Journal awards: 14thnovember 2014

Further information:www.iexpe.org

IExpE Journal calls for papersDeadline for December 2014 issue is October 31st.

1500 - 3000 word articles and papers will beconsidered for publication

and should be accompanied by digital illustrations eg. photographs, drawings and tables.

E mail the Editor: editor@iexpe.org

Rock Fall Co. LtdTel 01563 851302Fax 01563 851063

E-mail:info@rock-fall.comDrilling and Blasting Contractorspecialising in executing harbour

and channel deepening, foreshore trenching and

marine drilling and blasting

works throughout the world

R J Blasting (Scotland) Ltd

Tel 01290 552121Fax 01290 552930

E-mail:enquiries@rjblasting.co.ukDrilling and Blasting forQuarrying, Open Cast and Civil Engineering projects To advertise your

company's productsand services in the

Journal please contact Gordon Hunt

Telephone: +44 (0)1726 832594

Email: design@gordon-hunt.co.uk

A JOHNSTONETel: 01461 500 567

Email:johnstone3611@btinternet.com

Rock Drilling and Blasting ContractorQuarries, Opencast Mines,

Controlled Blasting, Presplitting,Civil Engineering Projects

the trust was formed in 1982 toadvance the theoretical and practicaleducation and training of personsengaged in the explosives engineeringindustry by the provision of trainingcourses and the publication of technical,educational and informative materialtogether with the financing of researchand the provision of scholarships toassist with courses of study in the fieldof explosives engineering.

For more information and how to applyfor a grant visit:info@explosivesengineerstrust.com

Explosives EngineersEducational andResearch Trust

A Safer Future:Innovation in Mine-ActionInternational ConferenceRoyal Geographical Society, London

Monday 15th September 2014

"Millions of people live with the fear of landmines. And every daypeople die or suffer horrific injuries from abandoned weaponsleft behind after conflict".

mine-action is at the bedrock of delivering a safer environmentfor communities blighted by conflict and creates an environmentin which reconstruction and development can then take place.no millennium development goal can be achieved without thepeace and security that mine-action delivers.

with new conflicts and new usage of weapons the environmentin which mine-action takes place is changing.

this conference will bring together mine-action and associatedorganisations, academics, victim support and internationaldevelopment groups to discuss and plan for a safer and fasterway to deliver the pillars of ‘mine-action’.

Ticket prices entrance to conference and evening reception hosted by Find abetter way. delegates £150, Students & members of the instituteof explosive engineers £75Places are strictly limited - to book your place please visit:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-safer-future-innovation-in-mine-action-tickets-12414751857