Sources:
1 - Glossary of UN Peacekeeping Terms
2 - Hidden Killers 1994: The Global Landmine Crisis
3 - Hidden Killers 1998: The Global Landmine Crisis
4 - International Standards for Humanitarian Mine Clearance Operations (1999)
5 - International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) 4.10 Glossary Edition 1
6 - North Atlantic Treaty Organization Definition
7 - UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE (UXO) An Overview.
8 - U.S. Government Humanitarian Demining Strategic Plan, May 1997
2 - Hidden Killers 1994: The Global Landmine Crisis
3 - Hidden Killers 1998: The Global Landmine Crisis
4 - International Standards for Humanitarian Mine Clearance Operations (1999)
5 - International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) 4.10 Glossary Edition 1
6 - North Atlantic Treaty Organization Definition
7 - UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE (UXO) An Overview.
8 - U.S. Government Humanitarian Demining Strategic Plan, May 1997
#
Term
Source
Definition
1
Absolute emergency
1
When calling the medevac chopper, the call can be "priority" (for non-mortal wounds), "(absolute) emergency" (for mortal wounds or ailments) or "tactical emergency" (casualties of a seriousness or on a scale such as to endanger mission).
225
Acceptance
5
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
224
Access Lane
5
A marked passage leading through a mined area that has been cleared to provide safe movement to a required point or area.
226
Accident
5
An undesired event that results in harm.
227
Accreditation
5
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.
228
Accreditation Body
5
An organization, normally an element of the national mine action authority, responsible for the management and implementation of the national accreditation system.
229
Advocacy
5
Public support, recommendation or positive publicity with the aim of removing, or at least reducing, the threat from, and the impact of, mines and UXO.
2
Aeromedical Evacuation (AE)
1
The movement of patients under medical supervision to and between medical treatment facilities by air transport; the evacuation can be inter-theatre or intra-theatre.
230
Alienation
5
The transfer of ownership or property rights following the handover of cleared land.
3
Ambush Mine
A general term referring to directional mines such as Claymore and the MON series, actuated by remote control or tripwire and used to ambush vehicle convoys or foot patrols.
231
Amended Protocol II
5
Amended Protocol II (APII) to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW).
4
Ammunition
4
Ammunition is anything that contains an active ingredient such as explosives, or a chemical, smoke, pyrotechnical or an incendiary composition.
5
Anti-Clearance Device
A device attached to, or integral to, a mine which will explode or cause the mine to explode and designed to slow down the clearance of a minefield by making disturbance of the mine extremely dangerous and neutralization difficult.
6
Anti-Handling Device
4
A device fitted to, added on. placed under, attached to or near that acts as part of a mine or munitions mechanism, which can be electrically or mechanically operated when the mind or munition is disturbed.
7
Anti-Materiel
7
Designed to cause deterioration of or damage to selected material.
8
Anti-Personnel
7
Designed to kill, wound, or obstruct personnel.
9
Anti-Tank Mine
4
A mine which is designed to disable or destroy vehicles and tanks. The explosive can be activated by many types of fuse mechanism normally by pressure, tilt rod, influence or command detonated.
232
Applied Research
5
Research focused at clearly defined problems and market opportunities.
10
Area Reduction
4
The act of defining and marking the extent of a mined area, usually undertaken as a part of a Level 2 survey.
12
Armed Delay Device
4
A device which has been fitted to the mine or fuse in order to prevent activation for a set period after being activated. Normally used to ensure that the person or laying equipment has been able to withdraw from the immediate area.
13
Armed Period
4
The period in which a mine or munition is electrically and/or mechanical armed and active.
11
Arming Device
7
A device designed to perform the electrical and/or mechanical alignment necessary to initiate an explosive train.
14
Azimuth
1
Azimuth is the horizontal angle, measured clockwise between a reference direction and the line to an observer or designated point. True azimuth is reference to north. Grid azimuth is referenced to a grid north. Magnetic is reference to a magnetic field.
15
Ballistic Protection
4
Protection from projectiles, often referred to for protection against sniper or small arms ammunition but in demining terms is used for protection against fragmentation and blast.
16
Base Line
4
The line which is used to initiate all demining operations and is the point from which all clearance lanes start. Also know as the start line.
17
Battle Area Clearance
4
The term used for the clearance of all mines and UXO from an area of land.
18
Belleville Spring
4
A metal or plastic disc-shaped diaphragm, with a metal striker on the concave side, which inverts when pressure has been exerted to one side. This causes the metal striker to come into contact with a detonator causing an explosion.
19
Benchmark
4
A fixed point of reference outside the minefield. This point has known coordinates that have been either ascertained by survey, resection or use of DGPS.
20
Biochemical Neutralization
Some organisms feed on certain elements of explosive chemical, thus rendering them inert, and therefore could theoretically be used in demining.
21
Black Widow
4
A name given to the Russian PMN mine so called because of its effectiveness and color of the pressure plate.
22
Blasting Cap
4
See detonator
23
Blind
4
Any ammunition that has been thrown, projected at or placed upon a target and which fails to function completely at the point of delivery or placement.
25
Blow in place
4
See blow in situ
24
Blow in situ
4
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. Sometimes referred to as Blow in Place (BIP).
26
Body Armor
4
In demining, the term protective armor normally refers to the flak jacket, but for EOD work this refers to the full body ‘Bomb Suit’.
27
Bomb Disposal
6
The act of disposing of UXO and IED.
28
Bomblet
4
A term used to describe types of sub-munitions especially those packed within cluster bombs. Bomblets are designed to explode on contact with the target or the ground.
29
Booby Trap
4
Any device or material which is designed, constructed or adapted to kill or injure and which functions unexpectedly when a person or object (vehicle) disturbs or approaches an apparently harmless object or performs an apparently safe act.
30
Booster Charge
4
The addition of explosives in order to increase the detonation capability of the detonator in order to detonate the main charge. Sometimes used in order to increase the explosive content. This can be done by stacking mines and or adding explosives.
233
Boundary Lane
5
A cleared lane around the perimeter of a hazardous area.
31
Bounding Mine
A fragmentation anti-personnel mine that employs a primary charge to elevate the mine to a predetermined height before the main charge is initiated. Designed to kill. Sometimes called a "Bouncing Betty".
235
Box
5
A squared area that is developed for the purpose of being searched by mine detection dogs during the license test.
33
Box Mine
4
A mine normally manufactured from plastic or timber, containing the explosive charge and the activating mechanism. Mainly used for AP mines but has also been used for some AT mine models.
32
Branch Line
In mine clearance using the main line method, the length of detonator cord connected at one end to the explosive charge and at the other to the main line.
34
Breaching
4
Operations which clear a path though a mine filed using a variety of military equipment, manual means, Mine Detecting Dogs, or mechanical means.
234
Briefing Area
5
A clearly identifiable control point intended to be the first point of entry to a demining worksite.
35
Bund Walls
4
Earth protections generally surrounding explosives storage.
236
Burning Ground
5
An area authorised for the destruction of ammunition and explosives by burning.
36
Butterfly Mine
Nickname given to scatterable air-dropped anti-personnel mines used by Soviet forces in Afghanistan. The PFM-1 gained notary when they attracted children who mistook them for toys.
37
Caliber
7
The diameter of a projectile or the diameter of the bore of a gun or launching tube. Caliber is usually expressed in millimeters or inches.
39
Call Signs
4
Names or means of identification assigned to specific personnel used when communicating by radio.
237
Cancelled Area
5
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.
38
Casing
7
The fabricated outer part of an ordnance designed to hold an explosive charge and the mechanism required to fire this charge.
40
Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
1
Evacuation from the point of injury to the next suitable level of care.
238
Certification Committee
5
A committee appointed by UNMAS to regularly review compliance of the impact component of the general mine action assessment process with the UN certification guidelines based on the reports of the UN quality assurance monitor from the field.
41
Check Clearing
When little or nothing is know about the mine situation in a given area, the area has to be check-cleared to establish whether it is mined and warrants a full fledged mine clearing operation.
42
Claymore Mine
4
A directionally AP mine, the claymore consists of a curved outer case containing a huge number of fragments. Behind the fragments is a layer of explosive. The mine can be initiated by either pull or command detonation.
46
Clear Lane
4
A lane that has been cleared of all mines and UXO.
43
Clearance
4
Clearing an area of all mines, UXO and IED to a predefined standard.
44
Clearance Site
4
The site where demining activities (the removal of mines and/or UXO) are being conducted.
45
Clearance Standards
4
The standards that are to be applied to clearance operations. Normally specified in the contract document or clearance plan. In the UN it is normally achieved to a clearance standard of 100 per cent with a tolerance error of not more than 0.4 per cent.
47
Cluster Bomb Unit (CBU)
1
A thin-walled canister containing and dispersing submuntions, anit-personnel or anti-tank mines, runway cratering bomblets, fragmentation bomblets, etc. Opened by a burster charge.
48
Cluster Munition
4
A number of sub-munitions in one container that is aerially delivered.
239
Collaboration
5
An activity which applies solely to the procurement of common equipment by two or more organizations.
49
Command-destructing Mine
A mine that can be detonated by a remotely delivered command.
240
Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS)
5
Equipment that is available direct from the manufacturer and requires no further development prior to introduction into service apart from minor modifications.
241
Commonality
5
A state achieved when groups of individuals or organizations use common procedures and/or equipment.
242
Community Liaison
5
A process designed to place the needs and priorities of mine affected communities at the centre of the planning, implementation and monitoring of mine action and other sectors.
50
Compartment Syndrome
Treatment and rehabilitation of mine victims; secondary damage caused by the inflammation and swelling of injured muscles an by the pressure which builds up as a result within each muscle compartment, to surrounding tissue and nerves.
243
Compatibility
5
The capability of two or more components or sub-components of equipment or material to exist or function in the same environment without mutual interference.
244
Concept Formulation
5
The first stage in the procurement process, and covers the period of the emergence of the idea to the initial statement of the operational need.
51
Confidence Charge
A small explosive charge used to familiarize trainees with the handling of explosives.
245
Control Area or Point
5
All points or areas used to control the movements of visitors and staff in a demining worksite.
52
Corner Point
In minefield surveying, the point in the perimeter trace in the minefield at which the perimeter line changes direction and where a new leg begins.
246
Cost-effectiveness
5
An assessment of the balance between a system’s performance and its whole life costs.
53
Countermine
Military operations concerned primarily with rapid breaching of mined barriers rather than mine clearing through the use of ploughs, rollers, flails, etc., and not concerned with area clearance.
54
Crimp
4
The act of fixing (crimping) the open end of a non-electric detonator to a length of safety fuse.
55
Crimper
4
The tool used to crimp.
247
Critical Non-conformity
5
The failure of a 1.0m2 unit of land during inspection to meet the stated clearance requirements.
56
Danger Area
1
A specified area above, below, or within which there may be potential danger (UXO/UXB).
57
Datum Point
4
A point on the perimter of a mine field that has been surveyed in from the benchmark. It is a point that has known coordinates and can also be the start point, turning point and intermediate points of a lane.
58
Decontamination
1
The process of making any person, object, or area safe by absorbing, destroying, neutralizing, making harmless, or removing chemical or biological agents, or by removing radioactive material clinging or to around it.
248
Deflagration
5
The conversion of explosives into gaseous products by chemical reactions at or near the surface of the explosive (cf detonation).
59
Delayed Primary Closure
In the treatment and rehabilitation of mine victim, refers to the wounds after an amputation being closed only after a few days to avoid infection and slower healing.
249
Demilitarisation
5
The process that renders munitions unfit for their originally intended process.
60
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ, DZ)
1
Area between the forward line of the parties, into which they have agreed not to deploy military forces and which may be placed under the control of a PKO.
250
Deminer
5
A person, including a public servant, qualified and employed to undertake demining activities or work on a demining worksite.
61
Demining
4
Term used to describe all aspects of mine clearance.
251
Demining Accident
5
An accident at a demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f mine accident).
252
Demining Accident Response Plan
5
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.
62
Demining Debt
Used to describe the phenomena occurring when the uncleared landmines proliferate at a rate faster than adequate funds and technologies allow for as a rate of clearance.
253
Demining Incident
5
An incident at a demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f mine incident)
254
Demining Organization
5
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.
255
Demining Sub-Unit
5
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.
256
Demolition (DML)
5
Destruction of structures, facilities or material by use of fire, water, explosives, mechanical or other means
257
Demolition Ground
5
An area authorised for the destruction of ammunition and explosives by detonation.
63
Demolition Pit
4
A hole in which mines and UXOs are placed for destruction.
64
Density
4
The amount of mines in the minefield divided by the minefield length. This is normally referred to as mines per meter of minefield frontage.
258
Destruction
5
The process of final conversion of ammunition and explosives into an inert state that can no longer function as designed.
65
Destruction in Situ
4
Destruction of the mine of UXO normally by explosives, without moving the item. See also Blow in Situ.
259
Detection
5
The discovery by any means of the presence of mines or UXO.
260
Detonation
5
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).
67
Detonation Wave
4
A shock wave which passes through high explosive as a uniform front, from the point of ignition, breaking the chemical bindings at molecular level. (>3000m/s)
66
Detonator
6
A sensitive explosive item that can be initiated by either electrical or non electrical means. The first item in the explosive chain, used to initiate the main or booster charge.
261
Development
5
The stage of the project (and its associated costs) prior to production concerned with developing a design sufficiently for production to begin.
68
Differential GPS
4
A GPS which can provide reading to an accuracy of + 5cm.
71
Disarming
4
The act of making safe by removing the fuse or igniter. The procedure normally removes one or more links from the firing chain. See also neutralization.
69
Dispenser
7
An item designed to be mounted, but not permanently fixed, on aircraft to carry and eject small ordnance.
262
Disposal Site
5
An area authorised for the destruction of ammunition and explosives by detonation and burning.
70
Disposal Work
4
EOD work.
263
DNT (Dinitrotolulene)
5
An impurity product of TNT. As the vapour pressure of DNT is much higher than that of TNT itself, it may prove easier to characterize a mine by detecting the vapour from DNT rather than TNT.
72
Donor
3
Any government, individual, foundation, or other philanthropic entity that provides funds and/or non-monetary resources for the specific purpose of alleviating the effects of the landmine problem.
73
Double Impulse Mine
4
A mine, normally an Anti-Tank, that is filled with a Double Impulse fuse which requires two separate pressures on the fuse in order to initiate the detonation chain.
74
Dragon Teeth
1
Wedge-shaped concrete anti-tank obstacles laid in multiple rows.
264
Drill
5
An inert replica of ammunition specifically manufactured for display or instructional purposes.
75
Dumb Mine
A mine that is actuated by simple mechanical means and is not equipped with seismic, infrared or magnetic sensors. Also commonly used to describe a mine which is not equipped with a self-destructing, self-deactivating or self-neutralizing feature.
265
Durability
5
The ability of an item or material to continue to perform its required function under stated conditions as time progresses. Durability is a function of reliability with time.
76
Electrical Initiation
4
Initiation of an electrical detonator.
77
Electromagnetic Induction
7
Transfer of electrical power from one circuit to another by varying the magnetic linkage.
266
Ensemble
5
The group of protective clothing designed to be worn as a protective measure.
268
Environmental Factors
5
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).
78
Environmental Restoration
The process of cleaning up areas that have experienced military action or armed conflict eliminating munitions, explosives, and harmful by-products to restore the area to peaceful civilian pursuits.
267
Equipment
5
A physical, mechanical, electrical and/or electronic system which is used to enhance human activities, procedures and practices.
269
Evaluation
5
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.
270
Expert Opinion
5
Existing information on the location of mine impacted communities at a level higher than the second administrative level in a given country, (eg: higher than district level).
79
Exploder
4
A device used to safely produce an electrical current through electrical cable in order to initiate electric detonators or safety fuse ignitors. Also known as a blasting machine or firing device.
80
Exploratory Breach
4
A method of breaching the suspect mined area in order to identify the actual location of the mine strips or rows and obtain mines information.
81
Explosive
6
A substance or mixture of substances which under external influences, is capable of rapidly releasing energy in the form of gases and heat.
82
Explosive Detector Dogs (or Explosive Sensing Dogs)
4
Dogs specifically trained to detect the vapors emitted by explosives. Some dogs are also trained to detect tripwires and non-explosive booby traps. Known as explosive or mine-detecting dogs.
271
Explosive Materials
5
Components or ancillary items used by demining organizations which contain some explosives, or behave in an explosive manner, such as detonators and primers.
83
Explosive Ordnance (EO)
4
Munitions that contain explosives, nuclear fission or fusion material, or biological and chemical agents. Includes bombs, warheads, missiles, artillery, mortar, small arms ammunition, mines and more.
84
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
4
The detection, identification, field evaluation, render safe, recovery and disposal of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). EOD may be undertaken:A.
85
Extraction Drill
4
The immediate action undertaken in response to an uncontrolled detonation which has caused injury to personnel. It involves team members in the recovery of injured personnel and the provision of first aid. Also known as man down drill.
272
Failure
5
An event in which any system, equipment, components or sub-components does not perform as previously specified.
273
Feasibility Study
5
A study to establish the feasibility of the Statement of Tasks and Output (STO) in terms of technology, costs and time.
87
Field Ambulance
1
All terrain vehicle, equipped as an ambulance.
274
Field Editor
5
An individual whose main responsibility is to ensure accuracy, consistency, readability and clarity of the information gathered by enumerators in the field.
88
Firing Device
4
A device such as an exploder, used to produce an electrical current in order to initiate an electrical detonator. See exploder.
86
Flail
Rotary flail devices are typically composed of cylindrical drum structures housing a collection of chains on a horizontal bar which spins beating the ground ahead of tanks to detonate anti-tank mines.
90
Fragmentation
7
Term applied to ordnance indicating that it is primarily intended to produce a fragmentation effect.
91
Fragmentation Mine
Above ground anti personnel mine containing fragments, stell balls, pellets, or a fragmented outer casing which is dispersed by the mine becoming the primary cause of injury.
92
Fragmentation Zone
4
Area covered by a mine's primary injury causing material. Notes of importance are amount of explosive, body construction, type of material, ground conditions, etc. See also "Secondary Fragmentation".
89
Free From Explosive (FFE)
4
The state of a particular manufactured munitions which has had all the explosive removed. All mines or munitions being used for training and demonstrative aids should have the explosives removed and be marked ‘FFE’.
275
Full Development (FD)
5
The procedure containing all of the engineering processes, trials and tests necessary to establish the final detailed design to enable full production to commence.
93
Full Width Clearance
4
Clearance of a lane to the total vehicle width. This normally includes a small margin at each side. Associated with mechanical mine clearance equipment such as flails, rollers in tandem, sifter and full width ploughs.
94
Fuse or Fuze
4
Mechanism to activate a mine or munition. May be electrical, chemical, or mechanical; by push, pull, pressure, release and time activation, singly or in combination. Usually consists of ignitor and detonator.
95
Fuze, Delay
7
Any impact fuze incorporating a means of delaying its action after contact with the target. Delay fuzes are classified by the length of time of the delay.
96
Fuze, Impact
7
A fuze in which detonation is initiated by the force of impact and that usually functions instantaneously or after a short delay.
97
Fuze, Proximity
7
A fuze wherein primary initiation occurs by remotely sensing the presence, distance, and/or direction of target through the characteristics of the target itself or its environment.
98
Fuze, Self-Destruct
7
A fuze designed to burst a projectile before the end of its flight.
99
Gap Sensitivity
The distance beyond which a sympathetic detonation between two explosives becomes improbable.
276
General Mine Action Assessment
5
The process by which a comprehensive inventory can be obtained of all reported and/or suspected locations of mine or UXO contamination, the quantities and types of explosive hazards, and information on local soil characteristics, vegetation and climate; and assessment of the scale and impact of the landmine problem on the individual, community and country.
277
Generic Requirement
5
The performance and environmental characteristics which will be common to all planned uses of the proposed equipment.
278
Georeferencing
5
A process whereby graphic coordinates or other indirect referencing codes are added to tabular data in order to allow simple comparison, compilation and analysis of disparate datasets based on common locations.
279
GIS
(geographical (or geospatial) information system)
5
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."
100
Gradiometer
7
Magnetometer for measuring the rate of change of a magnetic.
101
Ground Penetrating Radar
7
A system that uses pulsed radio waves to penetrate the ground and measure the distance and direction of substance targets through radio waves that are reflected back to the system.
280
Group Interview
5
The conduct of a formal interview with a group of key informants in an impacted community on what to survey within that community.
281
Guide
5
An IMAS Guide provides general rules, principles, advice and information.
102
Gunpowder
An explosive that must be confined in order to create an low order explosion. It decomposes through a combustion reaction at a very fast rate. This reaction takes place on the surface of the composition and burns layer by layer.
103
Hand Clearance
4
The act of clearing hazardous areas manually. Normally refers to clearance teams using mine detectors an probes.
282
Handover
5
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.
283
Handover Certificate
5
Documentation used to record the handover of cleared land.
284
Hardware
5
Equipment with physical size and mass; as opposed to software.
285
Harm
5
Physical injury or damage to the health of people, or damage to property or the environment [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)].
286
Hazard
5
Potential source of harm [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)].
288
Hazard Marker
5
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.
290
Hazard Marking System
5
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.
289
Hazard Sign
5
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.
287
Hazard(ous) area
5
A generic term for an area not in productive use due to the perceived or actual presence of mines, UXO or other explosive devices.
291
Health
5
In relation to work, indicated not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, it also includes the physical and mental elements affecting health, which are directly related to safety and hygiene at work. [ILO C155]
104
Hollow charge
See shaped charge.
105
Horizontal Action Mine
An Anti-Tank/Vehicle mine placed at the side of the track or road which will normally be activated by a vehicle. The Horizontal Action Mine will propel a shaped charge warhead into the side of the vehicle or tank. See also Off Route Mine.
106
Host Nation
A mine-plagued country within which demining activities are anticipated or occurring.
107
Host Nation Support (HNS)
1
Country requiring civilian and military personnel to assist in the removal of mines, medical support, resource and infrastructure maintanence, etc.
108
Humanitarian Demining
The safe, effective and cost efficient clearance of landmines from land and littoral areas in order that life can return to normal.
109
Humanitarian Mine Clearance
The removal of mines and UXO under the auspices of a humanitarian organization in order to allow the land to be returned to the local community.
110
Illumination
7
Term applied to ordnance indicating that it is primarily intended to produce light of high intensity. Such ordnance usually contains a flare and may contain a parachute for suspension in the air.
292
Impact
5
The level of social and economic suffering experienced by the community resulting from the harm or risk of harm caused by mine and UXO hazards and hazardous areas.
111
Impact Area
1
An area having designated boundaries within the limits of which all ordnance will detonate or impact.
293
Impact Survey
5
An assessment of the socio-economic impact caused by the actual or perceived presence of mines and UXO, in order to assist the planning and prioritisation of mine action programmes and projects.
112
Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
4
An improvised device is normally of local manufacture and is often associated with booby traps. It has all the elements of a mass manufactured mine or booby trap.
113
Incendiary
7
Any flammable material that is used as a filler in ordnance intended to destroy a target by fire.
294
Incident
5
An event that gives rise to an accident or has the potential to lead to an accident [ILO C155].
115
Indiscriminate Effect
Caused by the inherent time lag between the laying of mines and their explosion, mines often present an unknown danger for the future.
114
Inert
6
Describes a mine or munition without explosives. May be identical to actual live object. Used for training and should be marked "inert". See also "FFE".
116
Influence Fuse Mine
4
A mine with a fuse which has been designed to be activated by the actual magnetic or other influences such IR, radar, seismic or combination thereof.
295
Inspection
5
The process of measuring, examining, testing or otherwise comparing a sample of cleared land with the clearance requirements
296
Inspection Body
5
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.
297
Insurance
5
An arrangement for compensation in the event of damage to or loss of (property, life or a person).
298
Intended Use (land)
5
Use of land following demining operations.
299
Interchangeability
5
A condition which exists when two or more items of equipment possess such functional and physical characteristics as to be equivalent in performance and durability, and are capable of being exchanged for one another without alteration of the items themselves, or of adjoining items, except for adjustment, and without selection for fit and performance.
117
Intermediate Lane
4
A lane forward of the start or base line where all cleared lanes finish and successive lanes commence. Intermediate lanes are numbered successively forward of the start line.
118
Intermediate Marker
4
A marker used between the start and finish markers or between turning points on the perimeter of a mine field to indicate an intermediate point.
300
Intermediate Point
5
Survey markers used between start and finish markers, or between turning points that are more than 50m apart.
301
International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)
5
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.
119
International Organizations (IOs)
8
Organizations with a global charter and influence such as the United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross.
302
Investment Appraisal
5
The process of defining the objectives of expenditure, identifying the alternative ways of achieving those objectives and assessing which way is likely to give best value for money.
120
Irregular Outer Edge
4
Short mine strips in an irregular manner or pattern in front of minefields, facing the enemy, to deceive them as to the shape and density of the main minefield. It consists of both AT and AP mines.
121
Kevlar
1
A synthetic (aramid) fiber of very high tensile strength, woven into bulletproof vests, molded into solid sheets of lightweight armor (from aircraft to helmets).
303
Key Informants
5
Individuals who have relatively good knowledge on the hazardous areas in and around their community.
304
Lachrymatory ammunition
5
Lachrymatory ammunition contains chemical compounds that are designed to incapacitate by causing short-term tears or inflammation of the eyes.
122
Landmark
4
A permanent feature or object that has known coordinates and is easy to identify on the ground. Used in conjunction with a benchmark to locate the start point of a mine field perimeter. Also called a reference point.
123
Landmine
2
Any munition designed and manufactured to be detonated after it has been laid by the presence, proximity, or contact of a person or vehicle.
124
Landmine- affected Country
3
A country in which landmines and/or UXO present a hazard to human life and the health and safety of the population living, working, or traveling in their vicinity.
125
Lane
3
A route through a minefield that provides safe passage.
305
Level 2 Survey
5
The term previously used for a technical survey.
306
Licence
5
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)
307
Local Requirement
5
The performance and characteristics of the proposed equipment which reflect local environmental conditions, operating procedures and operational requirements.
308
Logistic Disposal
5
The removal of ammunition and explosives from a stockpile utilising a variety of methods, (that may not necessarily involve destruction). Logistic disposal may or may not require the use of RSP.
403
Lot Size
5
An area (comprising a number of 1.0-sq m units of cleared land) offered for inspection.
126
Low Order Technique
4
A specific EOD technique which uses a small explosive to disrupt a UXO without initiating the main charge.
310
Magazine
5
Any building, structure or container approved for the storage of explosive materials.
127
Magnetometer
7
An instrument for measuring the intensity and direction of magnetic fields.
128
Main Charge
4
The main and normally the largest explosive charge of a mine or munition. Normally initiated by either the detonator or a booster charge.
311
Maintainability
5
The ability of an equipment, component or sub-component under stated conditions of use, to be retained or restored to a specific condition, when maintenance is performed by personnel having specific skill levels, under stated conditions and using prescribed procedures and resources.
312
Marking
5
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.
313
Marking System
5
An agreed convention for the marking of hazards or hazardous areas.
129
Materiel
7
All items necessary for the equipment, maintenance, operation, and support of military activities without distinction as to their application for administrative or combat purposes; excludes ships or naval aircraft.
314
Mechanically-Assisted Clearance
5
The use of appropriate mechanical equipment to augment other procedures in humanitarian demining such as manual clearance and mine detection dogs (MDDs).
315
Medical Support Staff
5
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.
316
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
5
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.
130
Mine
6
An explosive or other material, normally encased, designed to destroy or damage vehicles, boats, aircraft, and people. May be detonated by the action of a target, time, or remote controll.
317
Mine Accident
5
An accident away from the demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f demining accident)
131
Mine Action
4
All aspects at a national program to address the mine problem in a country.
132
Mine Action Center
4
Mine Action Center usually refers to a facility, containing personnel who coordinate and assist the national mine action activities in a country.
134
Mine Awareness
4
Informing, teaching, and/or relaying messages about landmines to the public. It is intended to modify behavior patterns to reduce casualties
135
Mine Awareness Training
2
Program to assist dealing with landmines until mines can be removed. Teaches detection, identification, marking, avoidance, reporting, mapping, rudimentary extrication, and first aid skills.
136
Mine Clearance
4
The clearance of Mines and UXO from a specified area to a predefined standard.
137
Mine Clearance Training
Program to train in the techniques of locating and permanently clearing landmines. Includes mine detection and disposal techniques emphasizing destruction of the located mine on site.
138
Mine Cluster
4
Anti Tank or Anti Personnel mines are often laid in groups or clusters. They can consist of one or several mines of one or various types.
139
Mine Database
4
Houses information on land mines and UXO, used for determining national plan priorities, collating and analyzing the mine information, surveys, performance, and other mine clearance related details.
318
Mine Detection Dog (MDD)
5
A dog trained and employed to detect mines, UXO and other explosive devices.
319
Mine Incident
5
An incident away from the demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f demining incident)
143
Mine Intelligence
Information collected from hospitals, aid workers, the local population, warring factions, and governmental sources regarding the location, types and density of know minefields present in the area.
144
Mine Investigation
4
An investigation into a mine related accident or incident.
145
Mine Protected Vehicle
4
An investigation into amine related accident or incident.
320
Mine Sign
5
A sign which, when placed as part of a marking system, is designed to provide warning to the public of the presence of mines.
321
Mine Threat
5
An indication of the potential harm from the number, nature, disposition and detectability of mines and UXO in a given area.
146
Mine Verification
4
The act of verifying that an area or road is clear of mines and munitions. Normally undertaken when roads have been frequently used but actual mine clearance operations have not taken place.
133
Mined Area
6
An area declared dangerous due to the presence or suspected presence of mines.
140
Minefield
6
In land warfare, an area of ground containing mines laid with or without a pattern.
141
Minefield Density
The average number of landmines detected per square meter of minefield or the number of mines in a known "pattern".
142
Minefield Survey
4
One of three disciplines in demining which involves gathering intelligence in order to identify, mark, and reduce suspect or known minefield areas. See "Survey".
147
Minimum Metal Content
4
Term used for AT and more importantly AP mines that contain limited amounts of or mixes of metal content with the intent of avoiding detection.
148
Misfire
4
The failure of a munition or explosive charge to fire or explode as intended.
149
Monitoring
4
The authorized observation, by qualified personnel, in order to report on a clearance or demining activity, without taking responsibility for the quality or effectiveness.
322
Monitoring Body
5
An organization, normally an element of the national mine action authority, responsible for management and implementation of the national monitoring system.
150
Multi-Sensor Mine Detector
Detection using combinations of technologies such as magnetic, infrared, microwave, chemical, radar and biosensor detectors to correlate their respective accuracy’s into a more accurate detection resolution.
151
Munition
7
1. Ordnance. 2. Any and all supplies and equipment required to conduct warfare.
323
National Mine Action Authority
5
The government department(s), organization(s) or institution(s) in each mine-affected country charged with the regulation, management and coordination of mine action.
152
Neutralization
4
The act of replacing safety devices, such as pins or rods into an explosive item to prevent the fuse or ignitor from functioning. It does not make the item completely safe as removal of the pins or rods will immediately make the item active again.
153
NG Based Explosives
4
Nitro-Glycerine based explosives.
154
Night Vision
1
Device using passive light or image intesifiers. Instances may include googles, rifle scopes, or periscopes, and may include laser aiming lights (laser illuminators or designators, target markers, spot projectors).
404
Non-governmental organization (NGO)
8
Transnational organization of private citizens that maintains a culsultative status with Economic and Social council of the UN. May have common interest in humanitarian assistance activities (development and relief).
156
Non-Metallic Mine
4
A mine that contains no metal content but is a title often used incorrectly for mines that have minimum metal content.
157
Non-Reconstitutable Mine
A self-deactivating, self-neutralizing, or command-neutralizing mine that cannot be reactivated by means available outside its manufacturing plant or comparable facility.
324
Non-Sparking Material
5
Material that will not produce a spark when struck with other tools, rocks, or hard surfaces
158
Nuisance Minefield
4
The term used for a few mines placed randomly around locations that will disorganize or demoralize an enemy.
159
Off-Route Mine
4
A mine that fires a projectile into the side of a tank or vehicle, the mine sensor or fuse normally being activated by the vehicle. Sometimes referred to as the Horizontal Action Mine.
325
Operational Analysis
5
A field of research that applies scientifically based quantitative and qualitative analysis to assist management decisions.
160
Ordnance
7
1. Military weapons collectively, along with ammunition and the equipment to keep them in good repair. 2. Explosives, chemicals, pyrotechnics, and similar stores, e.g., bombs, guns and ammunition, flares, smoke, napalm.
326
Organizer
5
The person or organization charged with setting up an equipment trial to meet the Sponsor’s requirements. The organiser is responsible for the design and planning of the trial.
161
Osteomyelitis
4
The infection of the bone cortex and marrow which occurs if metal, explosive fragments, or other foreign bodies are not removed from an amputees wound.
327
Particle Board
5
A composition board made of small pieces of wood, bonded together.
162
Patterned Minefield
4
An Anti-Tank, Anti-Personnel or mixed minefield where the mines are laid out in known mine clusters, rows or mine strips. Can be laid by hand or mechanical means.
163
Perimeter Marking
4
The outer visible marking of a minefield, consisting of normally wire tape and/or mine field warning signs.
328
Permanent Marking System
5
A marking system having an indefinite period of use, usually requiring maintenance. (c.f. temporary marking system).
329
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
5
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.
165
Phony Minefield
4
A area of ground prepared using fences, mine boxes and other minefield identification material to give the impression of a live minefield without it containing any landmines. Used to deceive.
337
Pilot Test
5
A process ahead of the commencement of wide range data collection to ensure that all survey project elements, such as team deployment, data collection, reporting and administration, are functioning as planned.
164
Plastic Explosive
4
A moldable form of high explosive.
330
Policy
5
Defines the purpose and goals of an organization, and it articulates the rules, standards and principles of action which govern the way in which the organization aims to achieve these goals.
331
Post Design Service (PDS)
5
Further services such as ongoing development and modification of equipment, subsequent to the acceptance of the equipment.
334
Preliminary Development (PD)
5
The planning, design and engineering work necessary to explore areas of technical uncertainty and to provide detailed estimates of duration and cost before the decision to proceed to full development is made.
335
Preliminary Study
5
A study to give an indication of the practicability of the idea in terms of technological possibilities and cost.
336
Pre-Test
5
A process at the start of a survey to validate clarity and appropriateness of the selected survey instrument.
338
Primer
5
A self-contained munition which is fitted into a cartridge case or firing mechanism and provides the means of igniting the propellant charge.
401
Priority
1
See Absolute Emergency
166
Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs)
8
Non-profit humanitarian assistance organizations involved in development and relief activities. Often used synonymously with "nongovernmental organizations".
167
Probe
4
A tool, consisting of one or more pointed rods or tines is used to probe the subsurface of the ground at a predetermined angle in order to locate buried ordnance. Also known as a prodder.
339
Procurement
5
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.
168
Prodder
4
See Probe (above).
169
Prodding
Location of individual mines by prodding the ground with a thin rod or blade inserted at an angle every 4-<