Mine risk education training module - Avsi

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
This section defines terms that were used in the module and also gives
additional useful information on other terms commonly used by the
international community in MRE.
Anti-handling Device. A device fitted to an anti-tank or anti-personnel
mine that causes the mine to explode when it is handled or disturbed.
Anti-handling devices are intended to prevent the clearing of mines by
opposing forces.
Anti-personnel Mine (APM). A mine designed to injure or kill one or
more persons. Anti-personnel mines are usually detonated when they
are stepped on or when a tripwire is disturbed, but they can also be set
off by the passage of time or by controlled means. Differ from ATMs
only in the amount of explosives inside.
Anti-tank Mine (ATM). A mine designed to disable or destroy vehicles,
including tanks. Like anti-personnel mines, antitank mines can be
detonated by pressure (though normally much greater weight is needed)
or remote control, as well as by magnetic influence or through the
disturbance of a tilt rod (a sort of vertical tripwire). Differ from APMs
only in the amount of explosives inside.
Fuse. A mechanism which sets off a mine or munition.
Landmines. An older term for mines, “Landmines” can be misleading
because mines can also be laid in the water. Hence, the use of the
preferred term, “mines”.
Mine Ban Treaty. See Ottawa Treaty
Mines. Mines include all types of landmines and booby traps, come in all
shapes, sizes, and colors and can be made of wood, metal, or plastic.
They are explosives “created to be put under, on or by the ground or
any surface, and to be detonated by the presence, proximity or contact
with a person or vehicle.” (Landmine Monitor 2002, p.912).
Mine Marking. The organised marking of minefields. Standard, easily
recognisable mine warning signs are placed around the perimeter of the
minefield to alert people to the presence of mines.
Mine Risk Education (MRE). Refers to a series of activities aimed at
ensuring that communities are not only aware of the risks from mines
and UXO, but are encouraged to behave in a way that reduces the risk to
people, property and the environment. The term MRE replaces “mine
awareness.”
Ottawa Treaty. Also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, the Ottawa treaty
was adopted on 3 May, 1996 in Ottawa, Canada. It bans the use,
stockpiling, production, and transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and demands
that signatory countries destroy their existing stockpiles. The official title
of the treaty is “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling,
Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines, and on Their
Destruction.”
Safe Path. A road or path which is known to be free of mines.
Tilt Rod. A post or pole attached to a fuse mechanism on the upper
surface of a mine. Pressure exerted on the tilt rod sets off the mine.
Tripwire. A thin, non-reflective metal or coloured wire which can be
used as a mechanism to trigger an antipersonnel mine or a booby trap. A
tripwire is usually stretched low above the ground so that any passer-by
will ‘trip’ over it, thus setting off the explosive.
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). Explosive munitions which have not
yet been set off. UXO may already have been fired, dropped, or launched,
but it has failed to detonate as intended.