NEWS

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)/Improvised Explosive Device Defeat (IEDD)  hook and line kits are remote opening tools comprised of rigging kits, pulleys, clamps, poles, probes, mirrors, tools, etc. These kits are used by specially trained hazardous device technicians to remotely access and/or open suspect items, vehicles, or building doors, and to perform render-safe procedures.

THE PRINCIPLE OF HOOK & LINE

UOS has developed an extensive range of Hook and Line equipment to ensure that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Operator is able to safely, quickly and efficiently conduct semi-remote actions whilst on operations.

Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Operators often find themselves trying to carry out semi-remote tasks using equipment which has not been specifically designed for that purpose, leading to the task failing, and the Operator having to make additional unnecessary manual approaches.

NIC Instruments work closely with British Army, High Threat, Bomb Disposal Operators, who fully understand the principles of IEDD and are able to design and extensively test equipment to ensure that all conceivable hook and line tasks can be achieved.

UOS is aware of the diverse environments and situations in which EOD and IEDD Operators work today. These range from arduous dismounted operations in desert conditions, to high profile vehicle borne operations in urban areas. For almost every scenario, UOS can offer a range of Hook and Line equipment to ensure that the task can be completed safely and effectively.

The first principle of IEDD – “Preservation of Life”, led to the development of the Hook & Line system by UOS.

Depending on the situation and the Threat Assessment, an EOD Operator may not wish to move an item or gain access to a location by hand. In such cases the movement may be achieved by an attached line and ancillaries.

Due to the dangerous nature of bomb disposal work, safety and safe working practices are key to any operation. Safe working distances can vary between 60–200 metres depending on the task but generally, the standard safe working distance from a briefcase sized object in a permissive environment is 100m.

Any object when moved should be achieved in a controlled manner, as the Operator will always have to revert to manual operations once the semi-remote phase of the operation is complete. As such the equipment must be of the correct strength and design to allow the Operator as much control as possible during the “pull”. The Operator must be confident that their actions at the safe working area are consistent with what will occur at the target end, especially if he is conducting a pull out of line of sight.

Before conducting a semi-remote action the Operator must plan their actions fully at a safe distance. They should not leave the safe working area unless they are confident they have all the equipment necessary to set up a successful “pull” in one manual approach.

The route to the target must also be planned and where necessary direction changes and access points must be secured to ensure the line is free to move during the “pull”. This is achieved using various pulleys and karabiners. If an object is to be removed from a room or a building completely, then an automatically opening snatch block can be used to ensure the object follows the line out, snag free.

Coupled with the line and anchor tools UOS has designed and produced a number of Secondary Tools which facilitate the use of the Hook & Line equipment in situations where normal attachments are difficult to achieve, or where experience has shown that without them a successful pull is sometimes less likely. These tools include the telescopic pole to aid attachments out of the operator’s reach, and a “skid pan” which assists in the unhindered passage of an item through a number of potential “snag” risks.

UOS’ Hook & Line kits come complete with a number of well thought out and designed anchor applications to ensure that the operator can always achieve a secure and strong pulley point. These include Rope Slings, Sticky Eyes, Suction Pads, Karabiners, Hooks, Clamps, Grips & Stakes.

Once the line has been laid the final task for the Operator is to attach the line to the suspect object. The final attachment will often be completed in a Bomb Suit. UOS has designed the Hook & Line tools taking into account the reduced dexterity and manoverability of a Bomb Suit, by producing tools which are easy to use and quick to deploy.

Hook & Line has saved many IEDD Operators, Law Enforcement and Search Operators lives by separating them from danger during a positive action and by allowing them not to set patterns which are easily exploitable by criminal or terrorist groups. UOS will strive to innovate new systems which will aid the survivability of these personnel and add to the capability of those that place themselves in harm’s way when trying to eradicate the explosive threat.

THE 3 CAPABILITIES