TNAG-2533-FCO40-3703-Application-of-Aviation-and-Maritime-Security-Act-1990-to-Ho-1992 — Page 25

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ecurity rests on the awareness and credibility of staff; on that Asis it was similar to and seemingly as secure as similar areas at other airports.

15.

Passengers and Cabin Baggage. Passengers are screened by metal detection equipment; both Archway Metal Detectors (AMDs) and Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs) are used. The AMDs are ASTRO 200 units: they are not yet at every screening point. HHMDS are used both where there are no AMDS, and to supplement' screening by AMDS. While most weapons are likely to contain some metal, and HHMDS used for

for supplementary searches were being handled effectively, I judged that in the absence of another medium (for example explosive vapour detectors) a percentage of hand searching is merited to provide the possibility of discovering non-metallic weapons or their components.

16. Access Control. Access control is based upon an airport pass system, or a permit to enter a tenant controlled area. Airport passes bear

bear a photograph, and number to indicate the areas to which they afford access. A limited number of senior managers may sponsor the access of people they will escort. I noted people displaying their passes in restricted areas, and the arrangements appeared to be orthodox and sound. The turn-over of personnel was said to be relatively high, and the issue and recovery of passes clearly has to be monitored. The Airport Security Sub-Committee addresses the problems.

17.

Persons entering the restricted area in the terminal building are screened in the same manner as passengers. Aircrew are also screened. Persons entering restricted areas through external access points are liable to be screened, but I saw screening being undertaken during the brief periods I was at these points. Vehicles are also liable to be screened. In the cargo terminal (a tenant controlled area) Securair Staff patrol the line delineating the restricted area. The arrangements are reasonable screening everyone entering the restricted area would be desirable, but clearly a considerable undertaking.

18. Perimeter fencing is of expanded metal, topped by spiked metal on a horizontal pole: it is an effective security barrier. Gates are similarly sound. Access to the apron and runway where it abuts the sea, is inhibited by the sea. The Air Traffic control interest in supervising the runway visually and keeping it clear of debris, contributes to the security of these areas. Restricted areas are also patrolled by the police. The arrangements are sound.

19. Security of Aircraft. The security of aircraft is the responsibility of their operators, supplemented by the security controls in respect of restricted areas. BA operate 23 flights each week from Kai Tak. Most aircraft are on the ground there for about 2 hours, when they are attended by crew (who may be changing) or agents. When occasionally the aircraft are on the ground for longer they should be closed up and sealed. On the evening of 15 March I inspected a BA 747 (City of Exeter) in the vicinity of stand No 8. The doors were closed and the steps withdrawn. The arrangements are satisfactory, and they were being implemented effectively when I visited.

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