Certain Aspects of the Assessment Procedure of Machines for Humanitarian Demining

Abstract

The article examines the problems of mine clearance in areas contaminated by explosive ordnance. International experience in this area shows that demining procedures should be based on an integrated approach, using both manual demining and technical means to maximise efficiency and reduce the risk of operations. In turn, the safe use of machines and mechanisms for demining requires their testing and assessment of compliance based on the application of relevant legal documents. The need to assess the conformity of humanitarian demining machines in Ukraine is very important for the safety and effectiveness of their intended use. This is due to the fact that the world community does not leave the fact of contamination of the territory of Ukraine without attention and provides modern demining machines as part of international aid, the correct use of which also requires attention, and Ukrainian manufacturers modernize equipment for the urgent needs of demining. Assessment of the level of technical perfection of demining complexes, which are equipped with units of the Ukrainian relevant services, based on the domestic experience of their use by military specialists, shows that they are outdated. A fairly detailed description of the features of design, production and testing of machines for humanitarian demining based on global experience is presented in foreign studies. It has been established that the conformity assessment of humanitarian demining machines should be based on the main criteria of personnel safety, survivability and productivity of the equipment, based on the NATO military standards implemented in Ukraine, the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and the Methodology for Testing and Evaluation of Demining Machines. The article also identifies the need to develop national regulatory documents in this area, given the lack of experience in this area. In the context of the ever-increasing attention to demining and the reduction of the risk of human casualties, it is appropriate to introduce a certification system for humanitarian demining machines.