TYPES OF TARGETS

• Minefield

• Suspected Hazardous Areas (SHA)

• Community Liaison Dangerous Area (CLDA)

• Booby Traps

MINEFIELDS

INTRODUCTION

1. The following are the types of minefields that have been recognized in the southern areas of Lebanon and have been allocated a specific Clearance Plan in National Technical Standards and Guidelines.

2. The assessment and analysis given to each type is in consideration of the minefield information given from the respective organizations within the region. The Clearance Plan used in regards to each type is as accurate as can be until the initial technical survey or clearance begins where the possibility of new information is found.

3. The progression of each target is influenced by the accuracy of the maps and information given at the initial commencement of the Level 2 Technical Survey or Clearance.

TYPES OF MINEFIELDS

Type No: 1

4. Recorded Israeli “military laid pattern minefield” with a minefield sketch map. The minefield has not been disturbed by previous clearance.

Type No: 2

5. Recorded Israeli “military laid pattern minefield” with a minefield sketch map. The minefield has been disturbed or partially cleared.

Type No: 3

6. The minefield is of an unknown type or origin with an unknown number of mines. It can also be a former militia position with no records.

Type No: 4

7. The minefield is of an unknown type or origin with an unknown number of mines. This is not a former militia position.

BASIC CLEARANCE PLAN FOR KNOWN MILITARY LAID PATTERN MINEFIELDS

Clearance Plan “Alpha”

8. Clearance Plan Alpha is a process in which the concentration of effort is focused on the threat, and is addressed in the following manner:
1. The mine rows once located will be followed and cleared manually.
2. Once all mines have been located and the rows cleared to the correct distances as per National TSG’s, the actual minefield will be marked and a second means used to confirm a minimum of 10% of this area.
3. All minefield fencing can then be removed and the surrounding areas cleared to the agreed distances as per National TSG’s using the most expedient, correct clearance tool.

BASIC OUTLINE OF EACH METHOD OF CLEARANCE FOR EACH MINEFIELD TYPE

9. The types of minefield areas that are mentioned require a specific Clearance Plan, which ensures that the Organisation contracted has a clearly defined plan to work from; any amendments can then be implemented as the task progresses.

Type No: 1

10. Recorded Israeli “military laid pattern minefield” with a minefield sketch map. The minefield has not been disturbed by previous clearance. The Clearance Plan will incorporate the following:
1. Break in points into the threat area by the shortest route.
2. Clearance Plan A is initiated once the mine rows are identified.
   1. The direction of clearance will be dependant on which way the mine fuze is laying (clear from back of mine, away from fuze end, fuzes are not to be uncovered).
      

11. Technical Survey is not normally required as the minefield is visibly defined. Therefore mine clearance is conducted straight away.

Type No: 2

12. Recorded Israeli “military laid pattern minefield” with a minefield sketch map. The minefield has been disturbed or partially cleared.
    The Clearance Plan will incorporate the following:
1. If Clearance records available:
1. Verification Operation.

2. Status changes to Full Clearance if mines are located and Clearance Plan Alpha is initiated.

2. If no Clearance records are available:
1. A Site Specific Clearance Plan is designed.

13. The minefield is of an unknown type or origin with an unknown number of mines. It can also be a former militia position with no records.
    The Clearance Plan will incorporate the following:

1. A reduced Level 2 Technical Survey process.

2. Clearance Plan Alpha is initiated if mines located.

Type No: 4

14. The minefield is of an unknown type or origin with an unknown number of mines. This is not a former militia position. The Clearance Plan will incorporate the following:
1. A reduced Level 2 Technical Survey process.
2. A Site Specific Clearance Plan is designed when mines are located.

Summary

15. In summary the types of minefields that have been identified is only a guide to the process of compiling the Clearance Plan, further development and amendments to the plan can only be recognized during the actual clearance.
16. NDO/MACC SL will adjust the clearance methodology and clearance plans for minefields as appropriate for the threat area on a site-by-site basis.

SUSPECTED HAZARDOUS AREA (SHA)

A Suspected Hazardous Area or SHA is exactly that; it is an area of land that is only “suspected” of containing a threat. These are normally areas of land that the community or landowner is not happy to use. This is normally because they have not been in the area during the period of conflict and have moved back into this area post conflict, and due to a lack of factual or reliable evidence from people who lived in the area during the period of conflict the landowner is afraid to move over this area, i.e. he/she is “assuming” every area is dangerous.

This is a normal occurrence in South Lebanon especially in the former occupied area. Therefore the terminology “Suspected Hazardous Area” was developed. Any SHA without any known or recorded history or visible evidence of signs of fighting undergoes a thorough “Risk Assessment” by the MACC SL Operations Team with assistance from the Community Liaison Team.

If after a detailed “Risk Assessment” the SHA does not fulfill any of the criteria to confirm any threat then the area will undergo the procedure to have the area “Cancelled”. The Cancellation Process requires several key questions to be asked in the community and must be signed and agreed upon by the MACC SL, Lebanese Armed Forces Representative within the MACC SL and two Landowner Representatives. If all parties agree that the SHA does not warrant any further action, then it is removed from IMSMA as a SHA, but is maintained as a “Cancelled Area” for future record if required.

If the area fails to fulfill the “Cancellation” criteria then the area will require “Technical Survey” to ascertain or disprove any threat. All SHA’s are considered to be “Low Threat Hazardous Areas” (LTHA) until evidence proves otherwise. If positive evidence is found of mines or Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) then the area will be upgraded to a ‘High Threat Hazardous Area’ (HTHA) and cleared according to normal clearance methodology. “Site Specific” clearance methodology and clearance plans can be developed to suit if required.

COMMUNITY LIAISON DANGEROUS AREA (CLDA)

A CLDA is a Dangerous Area that has been reported through the MACC SL Community Liaison Team. It can be a SHA or a confirmed Dangerous Area (DA) with positive history of an accident of visible signs of contamination.
The terminology CLDA was only instigated for IMSMA to allow the MACC SL Operations to name and track additionally reported Dangerous Areas which where not part of the original data base.

A Clearance Plan will be written to suit the CLDA requirements based on the normal clearance methodology if it falls within the minefield types as mentioned above. If not then a “site specific” Clearance Plan will be written which may require a more conventional mine clearance approach.

BOOBY TRAPS (BT’s)

Within South Lebanon and in particular the former occupied zone there have been many Booby Traps laid by various occupying forces and resistant groups over a 22 year period.

Some of the Booby Traps located and destroyed during the two years of this Operation Emirates Solidarity Project have been well designed and professionally made devices whilst some have been improvised devices using Anti-Tank (AT) mines, mortars, RPG rockets or diesel oil based main charges attached to Anti-Personnel (AP) mines by explosive detonating cord as an initiation system.

The more professional Booby Traps have generally been the locally known “Rock Mine” which is normally a large directional or omni directional fragmentation charge of up to 25 kg which can be fitted with an anti-lift switch and connected to a number of AP mines by explosive detonating cord as an initiation system. The AP mines are spread around the main charge much like octopus tentacles out to a radius of up to 5 to 10m. Some of these “Rock Mines” have also been located attached to a tripwire initiation system and some have been found with all three forms of initiation.

Within the OES Project the MACC SL has developed a specific Booby Trap Clearance Methodology that is applied when clearing known recorded Booby Traps with a UTM or unrecorded Booby Traps located during clearance or without a UTM.

As a result of the field experience and lessons learnt by the United Nations Mine Action Centre in Kosovo the Mine Action Coordination Centre in Southern Lebanon developed a country specific “clearance methodology” which achieves the required end product whilst still adhering to the requirement of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

The Clearance Methodology for Lebanon has been developed for dealing with “military laid pattern” minefields, such as are the majority of minefields found in Lebanon. However, the methodology concept outlined below can also be applied to some “non-military laid” minefields. In these cases site specific clearance plans are developed and written to suit.
Where minefields or dangerous areas are encountered that fall outside this category then conventional mine clearance methods can be used such as technical survey followed by block clearance.

The general concept of operations adopted in Lebanon to clear known recorded minefields is to use mechanical and Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) assets for area reduction, and clearing access routes to the perimeter of the minefield.
Manual clearance assets are used to clear the known mine rows, and the area immediately surrounding them defined as the “Minefield Area Cleared” (MFAC)
Mechanical and MDD assets are then again used to clear the peripheral areas outside the MFAC, both inside and outside the minefield fence, as well as for conducting the 10% confirmation clearance over the MFAC.

Mechanical flail assets are NEVER used as a sole clearance tool and will always be followed by manual of MDD clearance. However, in a Low Threat Hazardous Area (LTHA), or Suspected Hazardous Area (SHA) where there is NO previous history or evidence of mines or UXO in the area and mechanical flailing is conducted simply as a verification/community confidence building operation then the MACC SL in cooperation with the NDO may authorise mechanical flailing without a second asset. This will be considered on a site-by site basis.

This clearance methodology has been refined over the period since May 2002 during which successful field operations has seen the clearance of more than 60,000 mines and 5,000 items of unexploded ordnance from over 500 minefields and dangerous areas.

It should be noted that all mines are normally located and destroyed in-situ by demolitions. Only in exceptional circumstances will mines be neutralized and removed for destruction at a different site. In all cases the mines are destroyed on the day they are located.

The clearance methodology is now contained within the Lebanon National Technical Standards and Guidelines (TSG’s). As with any national TSG this is a living document open to amendment or adjustment as new lessons are learnt.

The full complement of the Demining “Toolbox” has been used within the Operations Emirates Solidarity project.

Below is an introduction to the Manual Demining assets, Mechanical Assets and Mine Detection Dogs deployed within the project and how and what they are used for.

Additionally we have the Lebanese Armed Forces Survey/Sampling/EOD Team providing an excellent support, and a Community Liaison Team providing a necessary link between the deminers and the communities themselves.

Manual

Mechanical

Mine Detection Dogs (MDD)

Survey

Community Liaison Team

LESSONS LEARNT

Clearance Plans and their regular review

The preparation and agreement of a Clearance Plan in advance of each task being started has proved to be an invaluable lesson of the OES project.
The Clearance Plan forms part of the documentation on the Task Dossier that is compiled and handed to the demining contractor in advance of them commencing the task. The Clearance Plan clearly defines the boundaries and demining assets to be used to complete the task. It is a flexible plan that can be reviewed and reassessed as necessary once clearance progresses should the threat be found to be different to what was originally anticipated.
Example of a Clearance Plan

Integrated Mine Action

The integration of the tools in the “Demining Tool Box” is vital to ensure the threat is located quickly. This not only makes for efficient clearance rates but also keeps the motivation and concentration levels of the deminers high.
The presence of Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) and Mechanical assets has made the processes of confirmation and verification quick and efficient.
The availability of all the tools in general has been important as there are some areas where terrain dictates the use of MDD in preference to Mechanical assets, and vice versa.

Manual Clearance of mine rows

The use of Manual clearance methods for mine rows has proven to be the most effective and time/cost efficient method of clearance in this theatre. The nature of the No. 4 mine is such that over time the striker plate near the detonator can become depressed making it very sensitive to touch or movement. Hence all mines of this type are excavated at the non-detonator end and blown in-situ so that contact with the striker plate is completely avoided. Manual demining is by far the slowest method however it has been found to be the best way of clearing the mine rows. This allows confirmation of what is being located against what the minefield record indicates. Once manual clearance is conducted of the mine rows, between the mine rows and a certain distance outside the mines rows (Minefield Area Cleared) the manual asset can move onto the next target and the remaining peripheral areas can be cleared by Mechanical and MDD assets.

Mechanical assets as a primary clearance tool

Mechanical clearance assets are not found to be suitable as a primary clearance tool of the mine rows in this project theatre. It was found that mechanical primary clearance of the No4 AP mines fitted with the No.9 fuse resulted in a far more unstable mine to clear for follow up assets such as manual or MDD. It also tended to scattered unstable mines over a much larger area and sometimes into previously uncontaminated areas. Mechanical clearance is being used as a tool to assist manual or MDD clearance only.

Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) are best used for Area Reduction and Confirmation/Verification functions

In this theatre since we are dealing with high concentrations of mines MDD has not been used as a primary clearance tool inside “military pattern minefields” as generally within the known minefields we are locating up to 4 Anti-Personnel mines per square metre. The presence of too many indications in a small area only confuses the MDD. Once the first mine row is located by survey cut lanes the location of the mines and remaining mine rows is a straightforward process best handled by manual clearance teams.

Ongoing Quality Control (QC) is essential for an overall effective Quality Assurance (QA) system

The ongoing QC system has ensured that any issues or problems encountered are dealt with on a timely basis and rectified on a similar footing minimising disruption to operations and any unnecessary duplication of effort.
In conjunction with the ongoing QC on each operational site is the need for the regular referral, and if necessary, reassessment of the Clearance Plan. All clearance assets in country receive one external QA assessment per week by the MACC SL QA Section. This occurs on every site no matter how short the duration of time spent on the site by each clearance asset. Even during Survey Operations the team will receive an external QA visit.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Access lane

A marked passage leading through a mined area that has been cleared to provide safe movement to a required point or area.

Acceptance

The formal acknowledgement by the sponsor that the equipment meets the stated requirements and is suitable for use in mine action programmes. An acceptance may be given with outstanding caveats

Accident

An undesired event, which results in harm

Accreditation

The procedure by which a demining organization is formally recognised as competent and able to plan and manage mine action activities safely, effectively and efficiently.
For most mine action programmes, the national mine action authority will be the body which provides accreditation. International organizations such as the United Nations or regional bodies may also introduce accreditation schemes.
ISO 9000 usage is that an “Accreditation” body accredits the “Certification or Registration” bodies that award ISO 9000 certificates to organizations. The usage in IMAS is completely different to this, and is based on the main definition above, which is well understood in the mine action community.

Accreditation body

An organization, normally an element of the national mine action authority, responsible for the management and implementation of the national accreditation system.

Ammunition

See munition

Anti-handling device

A device intended to protect a mine and which is part of, linked to, attached, or placed under the mine and which activates when an attempt is made to tamper with or otherwise intentionally disturb the mine. [Mine Ban Treaty]

Anti-personnel mines (APM)

A mine designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity, or contact of a person and that will incapacitate, injure, or kill one or more persons. Mines designed to be detonated by the presence, proximity or contact of a vehicle as opposed to a person, that are equipped with anti-handling devices, are not considered anti-personnel mines as a result of being so equipped.

Area reduction

The process through which the initial area indicated as contaminated (during the general mine action assessment process) is reduced to a smaller area.
Area reduction may involve some limited clearance, such as the opening of access route and the destruction of mines and UXO, which represent an immediate and unacceptable risk, but it will mainly be as a consequence of collecting more reliable information on the extent of the hazardous area. Usually it will be appropriate to mark the remaining hazardous area(s) with permanent or temporary marking systems.
Likewise, area reduction is sometimes done as part of the clearance operation.

Area confirmed

“Previously cleared Minefield or Hazardous Areas Cleared that has been physically and systematically processed by a second demining asset type after mine/UXO contamination was located and cleared during the clearance phase of operations”.
The percentage of area in m2 to be confirmed will be applied over the area of the known mined area i.e. Minefield Area Cleared (MFAC). The percentage of area to be confirmed will be calculated by the MACC SL based on the following factors:
The land use requirement (LU1, LU2 or LU3).
Minefield Area Cleared, High Threat Hazardous Area Cleared and Low Threat Hazardous Area Cleared in m2.

Area worked

“Is the combined total area in square meters (m2) of the following areas:
Minefield Area Cleared.
High Threat Hazardous Area Cleared.
Low Threat Hazardous Area Cleared.
Surveyed Areas.

Back to Glossary

Benchmark

In the context of mine action, the term refers to a fixed point of reference used to locate a marked and recorded hazard or hazardous area. It should normally be located a short distance outside the hazardous area. A benchmark may not be necessary if the reference point is sufficiently close to the perimeter of the hazardous area.
A bench mark will also be used to mark a cleared area, this bench mark may be a natural or manmade feature which is unlikely to be moved.

Bomblet

See sub-munition

Booby trap

An explosive or non-explosive device, or other material, deliberately placed to cause casualties when an apparently harmless object is disturbed or a normally safe act is performed.

Boundary lane

A cleared lane around the perimeter of a hazardous area.

Briefing area

In the context of clearance operations. A clearly identifiable control point intended to be the first point of entry to a demining worksite.
The briefing area contains a plan of the minefield and its current level of clearance, at a scale large enough for briefing purposes, showing the location of control points (car park, first aid point, explosive storage areas, the areas where mine clearance work is progressing and distances), and where safety equipment is issued to visitors.

Box

A squared area that is developed for the purpose of being searched by mine detection dogs during the license test. A box normally measures 10m x 10m, but other sizes may be preferred.

Burning ground

An area authorised for the destruction of ammunition and explosives by burning.

Back to Glossary

Cancelled area

An area previously recorded as a hazardous area, which subsequently is considered, as a result of actions other than clearance, not to represent a risk from mines and UXO. This change in status will be the result of more accurate and reliable information, and will normally only be authorised by the national mine action authorities, in accordance with national policy. The documentation of all cancelled areas shall be retained together with a detailed explanation of the reasons for the change in status.

Cleared lane

The generic term for any lane, other than a boundary lane, cleared by a survey or clearance team to the international standard for cleared land. This may include access lanes outside the hazardous area or cross/verification lanes inside a hazardous area.

Cluster Bomb Unit (CBU)

An expendable aircraft store composed of a dispenser and sub-munitions.
A bomb containing and dispensing sub-munitions, which may be mines (anti-personnel or anti-tank), penetration (runway cratering) bomblets, fragmentation bomblets etc.

Community Liaison Dangerous Area (CLDA)

An area reported to a Community Liaison Team member which, following further General Survey has been confirmed for Technical Survey.

Control area or point

All points or areas used to control the movements of visitors and staff in a demining worksite.

Back to Glossary

Decontamination

A process of removing undesired contamination from test items, tools and accessories that are used when preparing a field test. (Definition for Mine Detection Dog use only).

Deflagration

The conversion of explosives into gaseous products by chemical reactions, at or near the surface of the explosive (detonation).

Demilitarisation

The process that renders munitions unfit for their originally intended process.

Deminer

A person, including a public servant, qualified and employed to undertake demining activities or work on a demining worksite.

Demining

Activities, which lead to the removal of mine and UXO hazards, including technical survey, mapping, clearance, marking, post-clearance documentation, community mine action liaison and the handover of, cleared land. Demining may be carried out by different types of organizations, such as NGOs, commercial companies, national mine action teams or military units. Demining may be emergency-based or developmental.
In IMAS standards and guides, mine and UXO clearance is considered to be just one part of the demining process.
In IMAS standards and guides, demining is considered to be one component of mine action.
In IMAS standards and guides, the terms demining and humanitarian demining are interchangeable.

Demining accident

An accident at a demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard.

Demining accident response plan

A documented plan developed for each demining workplace, which details the procedures to be applied to move victims from a demining accident site to an appropriate treatment or surgical care facility.

Demining incident

An incident at a demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard.

Demining organization

Refers to any organization (government, NGO, military or commercial entity) responsible for implementing demining projects or tasks. The demining organization may be a prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant or agent.

Demining sub-unit

An element of a demining organization, however named, which is licensed to conduct one or more prescribed demining activities, such as technical surveys, manual clearance, EOD or the use of mine detection dog teams.

Demolition

Destruction of structures, facilities or material by use of fire, water, explosives, mechanical or other means

Demolition ground

An area authorised for the destruction of ammunition and explosives by detonation.

Destruction

The process of final conversion of ammunition and explosives into an inert state that can no longer function as designed.

Destroy (destruction) in situ

Blow in-situ or blow in place. The destruction of any item of ordnance by explosives without moving the item from where it was found, normally by placing an explosive charge alongside.

Detection

In the context of demining, the term refers to, the discovery by any means of the presence of mines or UXO.

Detonator

A device containing a sensitive explosive intended to produce a detonation wave.

Detonation

The rapid conversion of explosives into gaseous products by means of a shock wave passing through the explosive (c.f. deflagration). Typically, the velocity of such a shock wave is more than two orders of magnitude higher than a fast deflagration).

Disarm

The act of making a mine safe by removing the fuze or igniter. The procedure normally removes one or more links from the firing chain.

Disposal site

An area authorised for the destruction of ammunition and explosives by detonation and burning.

Drill

An inert replica of ammunition specifically manufactured for display or instructional purposes.

Back to Glossary

Ensemble

The group of protective clothing designed to be worn as a protective measure.

Equipment

A physical, mechanical, electrical and/or electronic system, which is used to enhance human activities, procedures and practices.

Environmental factors

Factors relating to the environment and that influence the transportation of scent from the mine, the detection of the target scent or the ability of people and dogs to work safety and effectively. (i.e. Wind, rain, temperature, humidity, altitude, sun and vegetation). (Definition for Mine Detection Dog use only).

Evaluation

The analysis of a result or a series of results to establish the quantitative and qualitative effectiveness and worth of software, a component, equipment or system, within the environment in which it will operate.

Explosives

A substance or mixture of substances, which, under external influences, is capable of rapidly releasing energy in the form of gases and heat.

Explosive materials

Components or ancillary items used by demining organizations, which contain some explosives, or behave in an explosive manner, such as detonators and primers.

Explosive ordnance

All munitions containing explosives, nuclear fission or fusion materials and biological and chemical agents. This includes bombs and warheads; guided and ballistic missiles; artillery, mortar, rocket and small arms ammunition; all mines, torpedoes and depth charges; pyrotechnics; clusters and dispensers; cartridge and propellant actuated devices; electro-explosive devices; clandestine and improvised explosive devices; and all similar or related items or components explosive in nature.

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)

The detection, identification, evaluation, render safe, recovery and disposal of UXO. EOD may be undertaken:
As a routine part of mine clearance operations, upon discovery of the UXO.
To dispose of UXO discovered outside mined areas, (this may be a single UXO, or a larger number inside a specific area).
To dispose of explosive ordnance which has become hazardous by damage or attempted destruction.

Back to Glossary

Fragmentation hazard zone

For a given explosive item, explosive storage or mine/UXO contaminated area, the area that could be reached by fragmentation in the case of detonation.
Several factors should be considered when determining this zone; the amount of explosive, body construction, type of material, ground conditions etc. See also [secondary fragmentation].

Fuze

A device, which initiates an explosive train.

GIS

Geographical or geospatial information system.
An organised collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyse, and display all forms of geographically referenced information."
GIS allows a user to graphically view multiple layers of data based on their geographic distribution and association. GIS incorporates powerful tools to analyse the relationships between various layers of information.

Handover

The process by which the beneficiary (usually the national mine action authority) accepts responsibility for the cleared area. The term 'alienation' is sometimes used to describe a change of ownership of the land, which accompanies the handover of a cleared area.

Handover certificate

Documentation used to record the handover of cleared land.

Hazardous area

Contaminated area.

Hazard marker

Object(s), other than hazard signs, used to identify the limits of a mine and UXO hazard area. Hazard markers shall conform to the specification established by the national mine action authority.

Hazard Sign

A permanent, manufactured sign which, when placed as part of a marking system, is designed to provide warning to the public of the presence of mines.

Hazard marking system

A combination of measures (signs and barriers) designed to provide the public with warning and protection from mine and UXO hazards. The system may include the use of signs or markers, or the erection of physical barriers.

High Threat Hazardous Area Cleared

“An area that has been physically and systematically processed by a demining organisation to ensure the removal and/or destruction of all mine and UXO hazards to a specified depth. High Threat Hazardous Areas shall be subject to all internal and external QA checks in accordance with TSG’s and IMAS. All High Threat Hazardous Areas will be marked and recorded in the Minefield Completion Report.
The High Threat Hazardous Areas shall include the following:
All area contained within the minefield fencing which includes the “minefield area cleared”:
For those minefields without fencing; fifteen (15) meters from the outer boundaries of the “Minefield Area Cleared” perimeters on all boundaries.
The clearance depth for the HTHA in Lebanon is 20 cm.

Humanitarian demining

See demining. (In IMAS standards and guides, the terms demining and humanitarian demining are interchangeable.)

Back to Glossary

IMSMA

The Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA).
This is the United Nation's preferred information system for the management of critical data in UN-supported field programmes and at the UN headquarters in New York. IMSMA consists, essentially, of two modules: the Field Module (FM) and Global Module (GM). The FM provides for data collection, information analysis and project management. It is used by the staff of the MACC SL and NDO at national and regional level, and by the implementers of mine action projects - such as demining organizations. The GM refines and collates data from IMSMA FMs (and other field-based information systems) and provides the MACC SL and NDO and others with accurate, aggregated information for the strategic management of mine action.

Inert or Free from Explosives (FFE)

An item of ammunition that contains no explosive, pyrotechnic, lachrymatory, radioactive, chemical, biological or other toxic components or substances.
An inert munition differs from a drill munition in that it has not necessarily been specifically manufactured for instructional purposes. The inert state of the munition may have resulted from a render safe procedure or other process to remove all hazardous components and substances. It also refers to the state of the munition during manufacture before the filling or fitting of explosive or hazardous components and substances. Any inert or FFE item used for training or display purposes must be marked “INERT” or “FFE” in a visible position on the item. All such inert or FFE items should also be recorded in a proper register.

Incident

An event that gives rise to an accident or has the potential to lead to an accident.

Inspection

In the context of mine action, the term refers to …the process of measuring, examining, testing or otherwise comparing a sample of cleared land with the clearance requirements

Inspection body

An organization which conducts post-clearance QC on behalf of the national mine action authority by applying random sampling procedures, or other appropriate and agreed methods of inspection.

Insurance

An arrangement for compensation in the event of damage to or loss of (property, life or a person). Insurance should include appropriate medical, death and disability coverage for all personnel as well as third party liability coverage.

Intended use (land)

The use of land following demining operations.

Intermediate point

Survey markers used between start and finish markers, or between turning points that are more than 50m apart.

International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)

Documents developed by the UN on behalf of the international community, which aim to improve safety and efficiency in mine action by providing guidance, by establishing principles and, in some cases, by defining international requirements and specifications.
They provide a frame of reference, which encourages, and in some cases requires, the sponsors and managers of mine action programmes and projects to achieve and demonstrate agreed levels of effectiveness and safety.
They provide a common language, and recommend the formats and rules for handling data, which enable the free exchange of important information; this information exchange benefits other programmes and projects, and assists the mobilisation, prioritisation and management of resources.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

A worldwide federation of national bodies from over 130 countries. Its work results in international agreements, which are published as ISO standards and guides. ISO is a NGO and the standards it develops are voluntary, although some (mainly those concerned with health, safety and environmental aspects) have been adopted by many countries as part of their regulatory framework. ISO deals with the full spectrum of human activities and many of the tasks and processes, which contribute to mine action, have a relevant standard. A list of ISO standards and guides is given in the ISO Catalogue.

Back to Glossary

Lachrymatory ammunition

Lachrymatory ammunition contains chemical compounds that are designed to incapacitate by causing short-term tears or inflammation of the eyes.

Level 2 survey

The term previously used for a technical survey.

Licence

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to a certificate issued by a national mine action authority to a demining organization which indicates an endorsement of the organization's demining capabilities such as survey, manual clearance or the use of mine detection dogs. (see also accreditation)

Lot size

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. an area (comprising a number of 1.0m2 units of cleared land) offered for inspection.

Low Threat Hazardous Area (LTHA)

“A Low Threat Hazardous Area is an area that has been physically and systematically processed using a single demining asset type and no mine/UXO contamination was located or cleared”. Low Threat Hazardous Areas to be cleared will be agreed upon by the MACC SL and the Clearance Organisations during the initial recon to establish the operational clearance plan; however this maybe amended as the clearance operation progresses. All requests to check and/or clear Low Threat Hazardous Areas shall be in writing and shall remain in the Task Dossier.
The Low Threat Hazardous Areas shall include the following:
A two (2) meter area around the outside of any minefield fencing on all boundaries.
A two (2) meter around the outside of the HTHA if there is no minefield fencing.
Any areas that have been recorded with a history of an accident or incident that are not considered as part of a known fenced or unfenced minefield.
Any areas deemed to be suspected of containing a mine or UXO hazard.
Control points, admin areas and access lanes.

Manual and MDD clearance of Low Threat Hazardous Areas shall be to 20cm, Mechanical clearance of Low Threat Hazardous Areas is acceptable to 10cm, however if a detonation occurs in a Low Threat Hazardous Area, then the site of detonation plus a 10m x 10m area centred over the point of detonation shall be cleared to 20cm manually. If further evidence of mines or UXO is located within this box then the whole area will be upgraded to a High Threat Hazardous Area and cleared accordingly to 20cm. Changes to an areas status will be confirmed and agreed too by the MACC SL/NDO Plans Officer in writing, this written instruction will then be placed in the Task Dossier.

Back to Glossary

Magazine

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to any building, structure or container approved for the storage of explosive materials.

Marking

Emplacement of a measure or combination of measures to identify the position of a hazard or the boundary of a hazardous area. This may include the use of signs, paint marks etc, or the erection of physical barriers.

Marking system

An agreed convention for the marking of hazards or hazardous areas.

Mechanically-assisted clearance

The use of appropriate mechanical equipment to augment other procedures in humanitarian demining such as manual clearance and mine detection dogs (MDDs).

Medical support staff

Employees of demining organizations designated, trained and equipped to provide first aid and further medical treatment of demining employees injured as a result of a demining accident.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

A document used to facilitate a situation or operation when it is not the intention to create formal rights and obligations in international law but to express commitments of importance in a non-binding form.

Mine

Munition designed to be placed under, on or near the ground or other surface area and to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person or a vehicle. [Mine Ban Treaty]

Mine accident

An accident away from the demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard.

Mine action

Activities, which aim to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of mines and UXO.
Mine action is not just about demining; it is also about people and societies, and how they are affected by landmine contamination. The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from landmines to a level where people can live safely; in which economic, social and health development can occur free from the constraints imposed by landmine contamination, and in which the victims’ needs can be addressed. Mine action comprises five complementary groups of activities:

Minefield Area Cleared (MFAC)

“An area that has been physically and systematically processed by a demining organisation to ensure the removal and/or destruction of all mine and UXO hazards to a specified depth. The minefield area cleared shall be subject to all internal and external QA checks in accordance with TSG’s and IMAS”.
The Minefield Area Cleared shall include the following:
Area of known mined rows, plus
Three meters (3) each end of each mine row, plus
One (1) row width either side of the outer mine rows, taken from the mine row centre line outwards. This distance is taken as the widest distance between any two rows and is cleared to ensure that no mines have been placed outside the mine row or additional mine rows have been laid outside the normal mine row pattern.
The clearance depth for the MFAC in Lebanon is 20 cm.

Mine Action Coordination Centre (MACC)

An organization that coordinates mine action activities within a specified area in south Lebanon.

Mine Risk Education (MRE)

A process that promotes the adoption of safer behaviours by at-risk groups, and which provides the links between affected communities, other mine action components and other sectors. Mine risk education is an essential component of Mine Action.

Mine Clearance

The clearance of mines and UXO from a specified area to a predefined standard.

Mine Detection Dog (MDD)

A dog trained and employed to detect mines, UXO and other explosive devices.

Mine incident

An incident away from the demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard.

Mine sign

A sign which, when placed as part of a marking system, is designed to provide warning to the public of the presence of mines.

Mine threat

Mine and UXO threat

Mined area

An area, which is dangerous due to the presence or suspected presence of mines.

Minefield

An area of ground containing mines laid with or without a pattern.

Monitoring

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to the authorised observation by qualified personnel of sites, activities or processes without taking responsibility for that being observed. This is usually carried out to check conformity with national TSG’s, standard operating procedures or standard practice and often includes recording and reporting elements.

Monitoring body

An organization, normally an element of the national mine action authority (NDO/MACC SL), responsible for management and implementation of the national monitoring system.

Munition

A complete device charged with explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, initiating composition, or nuclear, biological or chemical material for use in military operations, including demolitions.

Back to Glossary

National Demining Office (National mine action authority)

The government department charged with the regulation, management and coordination of mine action in Lebanon.

Neutralise

The act of replacing safety devices such as pins or rods into an explosive item to prevent the fuze or igniter from functioning.
It does not make an item completely safe as removal of the safety devices will immediately make the item active again.
A mine is said to be neutralised when it has been rendered, by external means, incapable of firing on passage of a target, although it may remain dangerous to handle.

Permanent marking system

A marking system having an indefinite period of use, usually requiring maintenance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All equipment and clothing designed to provide protection, which is intended to be worn or held by a employee at work and which protects him/her against one or more risks to his/her safety or health.

Public education

The process aimed at raising general awareness of the mine and UXO threat; through public information, formal and non-formal education systems.
Public education is a mass mobilisation approach that delivers information on the mine/UXO threat. It may take the form of formal or non-formal education and may use mass media techniques.

Public information

Information, which is released or published for the primary purpose of keeping the public fully informed, thereby gaining their understanding and support.

Primer

A self-contained munition which is fitted into a cartridge case or firing mechanism and provides the means of igniting the propellant charge.

Procurement

The process of research, development and production or purchase which leads to an equipment being accepted as suitable for use, and continues with the provision of spares and post design services throughout the life of the equipment.

Prodding

A procedure employed in the process of demining whereby ground is probed to detect the presence of sub-surface mines and/or UXO.

Protective measure

Means used to reduce risk [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

Back to Glossary

Quality Management

Coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to quality. [ISO 9000:2000]

Quality Control (QC)

Part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements. [ISO 9000:2000]
QC relates to the inspection of a finished product. In the case of humanitarian demining, the 'product' is safe cleared land.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be met.
The purpose of QA in humanitarian demining is to confirm that management practices and operational procedures for demining are appropriate, and will achieve the stated requirement in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Internal QA will be conducted by demining organizations themselves, but external inspections by an external monitoring body should also be conducted.

Random sampling

Selection of samples by a process involving equal chances of selection of each item. Used as an objective or impartial means of selecting areas for test purposes.

Reference point

A fixed point of reference some distance outside the hazard (ous) area. It should be an easily recognised feature (such as a cross-roads or a bridge), which can be used to assist in navigating to one or more benchmarks.
Internationally these are often also referred to as Geodetic Points when the refer to a pre-surveyed location such as a trig point.

Render Safe Procedure (RSP)

The application of special EOD methods and tools to provide for the interruption of functions or separation of essential components to prevent an unacceptable detonation.

Residual risk

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to, the risk remaining following the application of all reasonable efforts to remove and/or destroy all mine or UXO hazards from a specified area to a specified depth.

Back to Glossary

Sample

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to, one or more 1.0m2 units of land drawn at random from a lot.

Sample size

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to, the number of 1.0m2 units of land in the sample.

Sampling

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to, a defined procedure whereby part or parts of an area of cleared land are taken, for testing, as a representation of the whole area.

Sampling plan

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to, a specific plan that indicates the number of 1.0m2 units of land from each lot which are to inspected (sample size or series of sample sizes) and the associated criteria for determining the acceptability of the lot (acceptance and rejection numbers).

Sapping

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to; a procedure employed in the process of demining whereby, in conjunction with other procedures, ground is cleared by digging forward to a specified depth from a safe start point.

Scent

A distinctive odour.

Secondary fragmentation

In an explosive event, fragmentation which was not originally part of the mine/UXO.

Self-neutralisation

Action generated by means of a device integral to a mine, which renders the mine inoperative, but not necessarily safe to handle. In landmines, this process may be reversible.

Specified area

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to, that area for which mine clearance activity has been contracted or agreed, as determined by the national mine action authority or an organization acting on its behalf.

Specified depth

In the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to, the depth to which a specified area is contracted or agreed to be cleared of mine and UXO hazards, as determined by the national mine action authority or an organization acting on its behalf.

Standard

A standard is a documented agreement containing technical specifications or other precise criteria to be used consistently as rules, guidelines, or definitions of characteristics to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose”.
Mine action standards aim to improve safety and efficiency in mine action by promoting the preferred procedures and practices at both headquarters and field level. To be effective, the standards should be definable, measurable, achievable, and verifiable.

Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Instructions, which define the preferred or currently established method of conducting an operational task or activity.
Their purpose is to promote recognisable and measurable degrees of discipline, uniformity, consistency, and commonality within an organization, with the aim of improving operational effectiveness and safety. SOPs should reflect local requirements and circumstances.

Standards

Requirements, specifications or other precise criteria, to be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.
Mine action standards aim to improve safety and efficiency in mine action by promoting the preferred procedures and practices at both headquarters and field level.

Stockpile

In the context of mine action, the term refers to, a large accumulated stock of EO.

Stockpile destruction

The physical destructive procedure towards a continual reduction of the national stockpile.

Sub-Munition

Any munition that, to perform its task, separates from a parent munition.
Mines or munitions that form part of a cluster bomb, artillery shell or missile payload.

Survey Marker

A durable and long lasting marker used to assist in the management of marked and cleared land demining operations.

Suspected Hazardous Area (SHA)

An area suspected of containing a contamination hazard.

Back to Glossary

Task identification number (ID)

A unique number used to designate a hazardous area. Task identification numbers shall be allocated by the national mine action authority.

Technical survey

Previously referred to as a Level 2 survey
The detailed topographical and technical investigation of known or suspected mined areas identified during the planning phase. Such areas may have been identified during the general mine action assessment or have been otherwise reported.

Temporary marking system

A marking system having a stated finite period of use.

Turning point

A fixed point on the ground, which indicates a change in direction of the perimeter of the hazardous area or perimeters of a cleared area that has been documented in the IMSMA completion report.

Back to Glossary

Undesirable scent

Factors related to the environment and that influence the transportation of scent from the mine, the detection of the target scent or the capability of people and dogs to work safely and effectively. Such factors can be, wind strength, temperature, humidity, rain, altitude, sun and vegetation

Unexploded ordnance (UXO)

Explosive ordnance that has been primed, fuzed, armed or otherwise prepared for use or used. It may have been fired, dropped, launched or projected yet remains unexploded either through malfunction or design or for any other reason.

Victim

An individual who has suffered harm as a result of a mine or UXO accident.

Victim assistance

Refers to all aid, relief, comfort and support provided to victims (including survivors) with the purpose of reducing the immediate and long-term medical and psychological implications of their trauma.

Back to Glossary

TSGs Ed2