8. Search teams should be briefed to look for unidentified objects or anything:
a) that should not be there;
b) that cannot be accounted for; or c) that is out of place.
GUIDANCE FOR SEARCHING AIRCRAFT
9. The large number of aircraft in service throughout the world makes it impossible to provide in this manual recommended aircraft inspection procedures that will be adequate in all cases.
10. Aircraft operators should develop an aircraft search procedure checklist for each type of aircraft in service and include this checklist as part of the flight crew security kit. (Refer to Appendix 7 for assistance in this process.) Use of such a checklist will be particularly helpful at locations where the only persons familiar with the aircraft are flight deck and cabin crew members.
11. The designated isolated parking position will likely prove to be the best location on the airport at which an aircraft subjected to a specific threat can be searched, but contingency plans should recognize that it may not always be possible to reach this position.
12. Aircraft searches should be carried out in good lighting conditions; this may require the use of auxiliary power units or the attachment of ground power lines to the aircraft. It will be necessary to impose and maintain control of access to the aircraft before starting the search, which should be carried out with the minimum number of persons on board.
13. To avoid duplication of effort, the search of an aircraft should be conducted systematically by staff familiar with the particular aircraft, provided with a checklist and assigned to specific areas of the aircraft. Attention should be given to those areas to which passengers have had access, such as main cabins, galley areas and toilets, but the search should also include the flight deck exterior of the aircraft and cargo holds.
14. If a suspect explosive device is found either within or in the immediate vicinity of an aircraft, the initial action should be to withdraw all personnel to a safe distance and await the arrival of explosive disposal experts. Any further decision to move the aircraft away from the device or the device away from the aircraft should take into account the main priority which is the preservation of life. Moving the aircraft will involve putting at risk additional personnel, such as the ground engineers, marshalling staff and aircraft tug drivers, whereas leaving the aircraft in situ and evacuating all personnel to a safe location may result only in damage to the aircraft and terminals or facilities, should the suspect device explode.
Appendix 9. Search and evacuation guidelines A9-3 GUIDANCE FOR SEARCHING TERMINAL BUILDINGS
Search plans
15. It is vital to have search plans prepared in advance and staff trained in them. The objective is to make sure that the whole terminal building is checked as quickly and effectively as possible.
16. Search plans must be readily available at all times. Architects’ drawings, checked for accuracy and appropriately adapted, are suitable for this purpose. Sufficient spare copies should be available for use during search operations. Searchers and the coordinator can then eliminate sections from the plan as they are declared clear.
Search sectors
17. The first step in preparing a search plan is to divide the terminal building into sectors. The building may already be segregated into various zones and therefore it may be convenient to make these the sectors. Each sector must be of manageable size for the number of searchers nominated to it. Remember that effective and systematic searching takes time.
18. The sector may be one large room, such as a check-in area, concourse or baggage reclaim area, or perhaps a number of small aircraft operator operations offices in an office suite. It is most important that cloakrooms, stairs, corridors and elevators be included in the search plans as well as car parks and other areas outside the building.
Search teams
19. Search teams should be formed from staff nominated to search those areas with which they are most familiar. The numbers required will depend upon the size of the search task. Reserves should be appointed in case of absence. Staff should be trained and rehearsed.
Search priorities
20. Those areas that will be used as evacuation assembly areas, together with those areas where the greatest number of the public or staff are likely to be vulnerable, should be searched first. Consider also, as a priority, those public areas to which the perpetrator may have had easy access such as restrooms, elevators, stairways and hallways.
Those areas to which access is normally controlled may be searched last. Do not overlook car parks, the outside area of the terminal building and the perimeter.
How to search
21. The conduct of searches will depend on local circumstances and local knowledge. The overriding principle is that they should be conducted in a systematic and thorough manner so that no part is left unchecked. The searchers need to practise in order to get a feel for the logical progression through their area (whether it be in a terminal building, baggage reclaim area or administrative or operations office suite) and the length of time it will take.
22. With this in mind the method outlined in this example is of a room search in a sector. It should be adapted to reflect the peculiarities of the actual area being searched.
23. A search should begin at the entrance to the room. Each searcher or team should first stand still and look around the room. They should note the contents of the room and make a quick assessment of those areas that will need special attention. They should look for any unusual lights (including small light sources known as light emitting diodes which are often used in the arming circuits of improvised explosive devices). They should also listen carefully for any unusual noises, particularly ticking or whirring sounds. If nothing unusual is seen, the search should begin.
24. If anything unusual is seen, the searcher or team should alert the coordinator who will decide whether to evacuate the building.
25. The search should be conducted methodically, moving in one direction around the area to be searched. It should be carried out in three sweeps.
26. The first sweep is to work around the edges of the room, taking in the walls from top to bottom and the floor area immediately beneath the wall. Look inside fireplaces, behind curtains and window blinds, behind and beside furniture around the edges of the room. The sweep should finish at the doorway where it began.
27. The second sweep should take in the furniture and the floor. Furniture should not be removed but drawers should be opened and searched and gaps in and under furniture should be explored. If the floor covering shows signs of recent disturbance, it should be lifted.
28. The third sweep should cover the ceiling if it is of a kind in which objects might be concealed. Start at one corner and systematically search the whole surface.
29. After the search has been completed, and if nothing has been found, the coordinator should be informed immediately so that the sector can be marked “clear” on the search plans.
30. Searching should continue until the whole area has been cleared. Do not forget that secondary devices are not unknown.
31. If a suspicious object is found, follow the golden rules:
a) do not touch or move the device;
b) if possible leave a distinctive marker near (not touching) the device;
c) move away from the device to a designated control point, leaving lights on;
d) inform search team leader or coordinator;
e) the coordinator should implement the evacuation plan;
f) stay at the control point and draw an accurate plan of the location of the suspicious package or device for the assistance of the police and explosive disposal experts; and
g) the person finding the object should be immediately available for interview by the police or security services.
EVACUATION
32. The purpose of evacuation is to move people from an area where they might be at risk to a place of safety.
This may be achieved by:
Appendix 9. Search and evacuation guidelines A9-5
a) internal movement to a safe area;
b) partial evacuation (where large buildings are involved and only a suspect letter bomb or small device has been found); and
c) full evacuation.
33. In all cases where a bomb threat is received, the coordinator should immediately inform the airport security officer and police and advise them of what action is being taken.