UXO Clearance Methods and Measures

טקסט עליון

When ammunition was used or fired, but did not explode, it is defined as an 'Unexploded Ordnance' (UXO). Staying near a UXO involves a huge risk, as it may explode following any slight movement, even for no apparent reason. UXOs must be cleared with great caution strictly adhering to a structured and orderly process, to ensure the removal of the UXO and the detection of additional UXOs in the area.
Unlike minefields, of which past information is available (including location and size), it is more difficult to locate and discover UXOs - and sometimes the initial information about it them is obtained only due to a passerby who happened to come across it by chance. For this reason, upon the discovery of a UXO, a very organized clearance plan is required, which also includes scanning the entire area, to ensure that the area does not contain additional UXOs.

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The UXO's clearance process includes the following steps:

Data survey to understand the risks on scene;
Dividing the UXO area into plots;
Removing vegetation - trees, bushes and any vegetation that interferes with the scanning operations on the ground;
Visual scanning of the entire specified area, preparing a list of all unnecessary objects (iron waste, ammunition parts without dangerous residues, piping, signage, and the like); and marking UXOs on the ground.
Removal of non-dangerous objects - removal of all objects which were listed as non-dangerous objects in the scanning stage;
Detection activities - manual, electromagnetic and mechanical scanning of the entire area according to the division which was carried out, including marking targets on the ground;
Exposing targets buried at a low or shallow depth using a manual de-miner;
Exposing deeply buried targets - if there are deeply buried targets they should be exposed by a protected mechanical tool;
Destruction of all explosive or pyrotechnic objects found on scene;
Post-clearance inspection of cleared land;