CIRCULAR 45/2000

SUB; NEW TYPE OF IED

1. A new type of composite fragmentation type hand grenade was detected during
X-ray screening recently at one of the airports.

2. The explosive device is approximately one & half times the size of golf ball and
composed of two different materials. The lower bowl – section containing the
explosive material is a metallic material and smaller upper portion, which
contains the detonator, is a plastic composite material. The screener did not
detect the object as a grenade, though metal pin and spoon component appeared to
resemble the trigger section of a handgun.

3. The overriding factor in determining the object’s true identity was the orientation
of the grenade as it passed, through the X-ray Unit. When the grenade was on its
side it was easily identifiable. But when the grenade was sanding on end, top or
bottom, the image presented was that of a round to slightly oval object. There
were no distinguishing features that would identify the object as an explosive
device.

4. A Motorola cellular flip phone, with 2 large, sturdy paper clips bent in to
improvised hand cuff keys and a 3 ¼ inch razar sharp, single edge blade possibly
from a wall paper were detected during X-ray recently.

5. In another case a .22 caliber pistol, hidden inside a cellular telephone were found
by inspectors at Hidalgo.

6. Photo copies of the device are enclosed herewith. The personnel engaged in
security be briefed accordingly, instructed to be more vigilant / watchful towards
such concealment while discharging duties on X-ray BIS.

(R.K.Singh)
ADDL.COMMISSIONER OF SECURITY (CA)

NO.CAS-15(12)/2000-DIV-II, Dated : 01.01.2001

 CIRCULAR

SUB; SPECIFICATION FOR X-RAY BIS

Attention is invited to this Bureau’s Circular No. 8 /98 dated 13.04.98 laying
down minimum standards for X-Ray Baggage Inspection system and Explosive Detection
Equipment. Subsequent to the above circular some user new agencies / equipment
manufactures / dealers have brought to our notice some discrepancies in the standards.
After a meeting with those agencies and on the basis of discussions held with them the
minimum standards for X-Ray Baggage Inspection Systems have been revised and issued
as per the enclosure. There is no change in respect of standards laid down for explosive
Detection Equipment.

2. While the minimum standards are to be met, further improvement in technology

and operational efficiency would be advantageous.

3. The contents of the circular may be shared with those concerned on need to know
basis.

This issues with the approval of Commissioner of Security (CA)

(P.Mohanan)
OFFICER ON SPECIAL DUTY (INT)

NO.CAS-2 (15)/97-DIV-II Dated : 03.02.2000

ANNEXURE

BUREAU OF CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY

SPECIFICATIONS FOR X-RAY BAGGAGE INSPECTION SYSTEMS

1. The machine should operate on 230V AC 50 Hz power supply and should be able
to withstand voltage fluctuations in the range of 170V to 250 V.

2. Tunnel size of the machine should conform to one of the three options given
below depending upon the purpose for which the machine is used.
 FOR CARRY ON BAGGAGE SCREENING

Tunnel Size - 600 mm–700 mm x 400 –500 mm

Belt Height - 600 mm – 850 mm
Conveyor load capacity - 100 Kgs.
(distributed)
Bag orientation - lying flat or standing up.

FOR CHECKED BAGGAGE SCREENING:

Option –I Option-II
Tunnel Size - 900 mm–1000 mm X 1000 mm – 1200 mm X
650 mm-850 mm 800 mm – 1000mm
Belt Height - Not more than 400 mm Not more than 400 mm
Conveyor load - 150 kgs 150 kgs
capacity(distributed)
Bag orientation- lying flat or standing up. lying flat or standing up

3. PENETRATION:

25 MM Thickness of steel.

4. RESOLUTION :

The machine should be able to display single insulated tinned copper wire of 38
SWG.

5. The system should be able to produce clear images on monochrome and colour on
separate monitors with minimum of 800 X 600 pixels.

6. Zoom facility should be available to magnify the chosen area of an image two
times or four time (X2 or X4). Image features shall be keyboard controllable.

7. The machine shall be film safe. In other words photographic films shall not be
damaged due to X-ray examination.

8. The machine should have features of multi energy X-Ray imaging facility where
materials of different atomic number will be displayed in different colours to distinguish
between organic and inorganic materials. With this method it should be possible to
distinguish high-density organic materials such s explosives. Approximately 200 gms.
Of explosives present in any baggage should be detected. Machine should have variable
colour or material stripping to facilitate the operator to monitor images of organic
materials for closer scrutiny and detection of explosives.
9. The radiation level should not exceed accepted health standard (0.1 m R/Hr. at a
distance of 5 Cm. From external housing).

10. Lead impregnated safety screens should be available at either end of the tunnel.
Idle rollers to be provided at either end of the tunnel to facilitate placing of baggages at
the input and output points.

11. The X-ray beam divergence should be such that the complete image of maximum
size of bag is displayed without corner cuts.

12. Facility for variable contrast must be incorporated to allow enhancement of

lighter and darker portion of the image.

13. If the machine fails to penetrate a particular item them an alarm (visual or
audible) should be generated to notify the operator.

14. Control desk with security housing and locking provision should be available.
The Operator personal identification number can be entered through keyboards. Bi-
directional atonal scanning facility should be provided.

15. Facility of edge enhancement should be available.

16. Conveyor belt speed should be upto 0.3 mtr. / second.

17. The operating temperature should be 0*C to 40*C and storage temperature –20*C
to 50*c.

18. Ant rodent and dust proof cover must be provided.

19. The company manufacturing the equipment should have ISO certification for
manufacturing and servicing of X-Ray screening machines.

20. The machine should be so designed that software enhancement can be easily
implemented to take care of new technique in image processing and pattern recognition.

21. Through put shall be 300 bags per hour.

22. SAFETY:

The machine must comply with requirements of health and safety regulations with
regard to mechanical, electrical and radiation hazards. Before installation of the machine,
the supplier / manufacturers should furnish NOC from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
of India regarding radiation safety.
23. TRAINING:

Supplier shall provide operational training to two operators per machine at

customers site. One operator manual shall be provided wit every machine.

24. MAINTENANCE:

Maintenance training shall be provided to one technician per machine. The

supplier shall also provide one maintenance manual per machine. The supplier must
undertake regular preventive maintenance. Fault reports shall be attended to within 24
hours of lodging complaints. Supplier should have enough infrastructure facilities to
provide post warranty maintenance support.

25. COMBINED TEST PIECE (CTP):

The manufacturer shall provide one set of CTP per location for checking
serviceability of the machine by the operator. The details of CTP are enclosed.

COMBINED TEST PIECE REQUIREMENTS

1. SINGLE WIRE RESOLUTIAON (TEST No.1)

A set of insulated tinned copper wire of size 25 SWG, 30, 35, 38 and 40 SWG are
placed on a Perspex sheet. The wires are laid out in S shaped curves. The wires
are placed behind varying thickness of aluminums. The requirement is to display
38 SWG wire not covered by step wedge. A tick will indicate the visibility of
appropriate wire.

2. USEFUL PENETRATION (TEST NO. 1)

Defines what level of details can be seen behind a thickness of known material.
The requirement for this test is that the 24 SWG wire is seen under second step wedge
(5/16”). (Note: This is equivalent to FAA, USA and DOT UK requirement). Tick on log
sheet will indicate what wires are visible.

3. MULTI ENERGY X-RAY (TEST No.2)

With multi energy X-Ray it should be possible to distinguish between materials of

different average atomic number. The use of sugar and salt samples encapsulated on the
test piece and various materials used in the construction of CTP will check the material
discrimination facility. A tick will indicate that the sugar / salt samples are shown in
different colour.
4. SIMPLE PENETRATION (TEST No.3)

This test defines what thickness of steel the machine should be able to penetrate.
The steel step wedge on the CTP has steps of 2 mm from 16 mm to 30 mm with a
lead strip to check that the machine is above or below the requirement. The
requirement is that lead is visible beneath 24 mm steel. A tick in log sheet will
indicate where a difference between the lead strip and the step wedge is visible.

5. SPATIAL RESOLUTION (TEST No. 4)

This test defines the ability of the system to distinguish and display objects, which
are close together. The CTP has 16 copper gratings at right angles to each other.
The requirement is that a vertical horizontal grating can be seen. A tick in the log
sheet will indicate that gaps in the gratings are visible.

6. METHOD:

6.1. The CTP is to be used as a quick routine test carried out daily to ensure
that equipment is working properly and satisfactory image is obtained.
The results of the tests should be recorded.

6.2. The CTP should be placed on the belt and passed through the belt at least
once in a day before the baggage is screened or after the X-Ray equipment
is switched on to ensure that the equipment is working properly. If the
image is satisfactory the equipment may be used.

6.3. The CTP may be viewed by using image enhancing facility till the
operator is satisfied that the machine is working properly. The optimum
position of CTP on the belt will depend on X-Ray source and detector
arrangements. This may be ascertained from the service engineer, if need
arises.

7. RESULTS:

7.1 The best results taking both colour and Black & While images into
account may be recorded for a particular machine.

7.2 The results of test should be recorded giving information like date, time,
machine number and type, supervisors name and other remarks.

7.3 Supervisory officer should carry out the tests once in a week and compare
the results with daily test sheets. In case the images are not upto the
standard, service engineer must be asked to rectify the fault. The machine
may not be used when its performance is in doubt or not satisfactory in the
opinion of the supervisor.
 7.4 The record mast be kept by the operator for one year after final entry. The
records may be checked by the inspecting officers of BCAS during airport
inspection and report be submitted to Commissioner of Security (CA).

CIRCULAR

SUB; DISPOSAL OF FILE BY BCAS OFFICERS

Commissioner of security (CA) has observed that a number of files / references

involving routine matters which can be sorted out at other levels are also being put up to
him unnecessarily which consume much of his precious time, which could otherwise be
utilized more productively. It has therefore been decided that hence forth except policy
matters and those which require approval of Commissioner of Security (CA) , all other
routine matters be disposed off at the level of DCOS / ACOS. Accordingly all Divisions
are requested to identify their items of work and decide the levels at which these should
be disposed off in consultation with the respective DCSOS/ ACOS and submit the same
for the perusal of COS (CA).

As regards follow up of cases with outside agencies, two reminders at a gap of one-
week may be issued at the level of Assistant Commissioner of Security. Third reminder
may be issued at Dy. Commissioner of Security level. In case there is still no response, a
D.O. reminder may be put up for issue at the level of ACOS.

(L.INDUMATHY)
Director (Adm.)

Case No.G-26038/8/2000-Admn. Dated .06.06.2000

CIRCULAR

Subject: Carriage of Wooden staff by religious heads as part of hand

baggage

It has been brought to the notice of this Bureau that some religious heads insist on
carrying a wooden staff on board which could be part of their faith. The matter has been
examined at length and it has been decided that the security staff on case-to-case basis
may deal such cases, especially when the known head of a religious sect is involved and
no security implication or threat is apprehended. However, any concession granted in this
regard should be with the specific permission of In-charge, Airport Security and it should
not be left to the discretion of the checking staff. Besides, the Airlines staff should be in a
position to secure the wooden staff in the aircraft taking flight safety into consideration.

(R.K. Singh)
Addl. Commissioner of Security (CA)

No. CAS-7 (8)/84-DIV-I (Vol. II) Dated 18.10.2000

CIRCULAR

SUB; CARRIAGE OF PROHIBITED ITEM BY PASSENGERS

In exercise of powers conferred by the Central Government under Section 5A of

the Aircraft Act, 1934 (XXII of 1934), the Commissioner of Security (Civil Aviation),
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security directs that in order to prevent weapons, ammunitions,
explosives / explosive devices or any other dangerous devices which may be used to
commit an act of unlawful interference, the carriage or wearing of which is not
authorized, from being introduced, by any means whatsoever, onboard an aircraft
engaged in civil aviation, no passenger shall be allowed to board an aircraft unless it is
ensured by the concerned airline operator that such passenger has been frisked and his
hand baggage screened by the Airport Security Unit.

2. It is further directed that:

(i) Frisking of passenger and screening of his hand baggage shall be done by
Airport Security unit and his boarding card and hand baggage tag duly
stamped and signed by the concerned person of APS unit on duty for security
check. If any prohibited item mentioned in Para – 1 above, at any stage after
security check of the passenger is found on person or in his hand baggage, the
person of APS Unit who as security cleared such passenger shall be
responsible for the lapse and shall be liable for punishment under Section 11
(a) of Aircraft Act, 1934.
(ii) During the course of frisking of a passenger and screening his hand baggage if
any prohibited item mentioned in para – 1 above is detected, such passenger
shall not be allowed to board the aircraft and legal action shall be taken
against him by the APS Unit / local Police.
(iii) Checking of boarding card of a passenger and tag of his hand baggage for the
presence of stamp and signature as notified in para 2 (i) above to ensure that
the passenger has been frisked and his baggage screened by the APS Unit
shall be the responsibility of the concerned Airline Operator. At any stage
after the Airline Operator collects the boarding card stub from the passenger
till he disembarks flight, if it is established that the passenger was not frisked
and his baggage was not screened the Airline Operator shall be responsible for
 such a lapse and shall be liable for punishment under Section 11 A of Aircraft
1934.

a. The above AVSEC order shall be enforced with immediate effect.

(VEERANNA AIVALLI)
COMMISSIONER OF SECURITY (CA)

NO.CAS-7(2)/2000-DIV-I Dated : 17.05.2000

CIRCULAR
Sub: Secondary Security Checks at the Ladder Point of Aircraft at
airports in India

1. Please refer to this Bureau Circular No.24/99 dated 30.12.2000 and letter of even
number dated 10.01.2000 on the subject cited above.

2. Keeping in view of the climatic conditions prevailing in different parts of the

country, the matter was reviewed in consultation with the airlines operators. The
following revised instructions on the subject are issued for strict adherence:

I Airports which have facilities for aerobridges and the aircraft is docked to
the aerobridge, the passengers will board the aircraft directly form the
security hold area and no secondary check is required. It will, however, be
ensured that the gate opening to the aerobridge from service ladder is kept
locked at the time of boarding and to ensure the segregation of arrival
passengers / employees in the corridor connecting the aerobridge and
security hold area, a security / man is physically present to ensure that no
contamination takes place.

II. In case of parking of aircraft at the remote bay (even at airports which
have aerobridges facility), at international and domestic airports, the
departing passengers will have to be taken to aircraft by bus and similarly
the arrival passengers will be brought to the arrival hall by bus only. This
will ensure that no mixing up of arrival and departing passengers take
place on apron. In such cases, the buses so used will be checked in
advance by the airport security staff for its sterility and the passengers will
be physically escorted by the airport security police man while proceeding
to the aircraft for boarding. The arrival passengers will be escorted up to
the terminal building by the security staff of airlines concerned.
 III. At all airports catering for commercial flights, all employees of concerned
airlines and also all authorized government functionaries gaining entry in
to aircraft will be frisked and item if any carried by them will be inspected
at the ladder point by the security staff of the concerned airlines and the
register maintained at the ladder point for the purpose will have a suitable
entry to this effect.

IV. Till such time the buses are provided at all airports for ferrying the
passengers from terminal building to aircraft and vice versa by the
airlines, the present arrangement of second ladder point check of
passengers along with their hand baggage will continue

V. A portable screen for frisking of lady passengers should be provided near

the ladder point to ensure privacy and to avoid embarrassment.

3. There will be no change in the arrangements made at J & K airports in

undertaking secondary ladder point check and apron checks by multiple agencies.

4. The basic object of this Circular is to ensure that the comfort and convenience of
the passengers is given utmost consideration and priority without compromising the
security requirements. The Airport Directors will prepare airport-wise plan of action and
will get it approved by the BCAS.

(VEERANNA AIVALLI)
COMMISSIONER OF SECURITY (CA)

REF CAS No. 7(20)/2000-DIV-I DATED 10.05.2000

ANNEXURE – I

CICULAR
No .CAS-7 (2)/98-Div-I Dated : the 7th August, 1988

SUB: EXEMPTED CATEGORY OF PASSENGERS

In super session of this Bureau circular Nos 2/98 dated 02.02.98 and 10/98 date
08.05.98 on the above subject, the following VVIPS/VIPS are exempted from pre-
embarkation security checks at civilian airports in the country;-

1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Prime Minister
 4. Former Presidents
5. Speaker of Lok Sabha
6. Chief Justice of India
7. Judges of Supreme Court
8. Union Ministers of Cabinet Rank
9. Governors of States (not of UTs)
10. Chief Ministers of States (not of Uts)
11. Ambassadors, Charge D Affairs an High Commissioners and their
spouses.
12. Cabinet Secretary
13. Visiting foreign dignitaries of the same status as at Sl. No 1 to 3, 5,6, and
8 to 10 above.
14. SPG protectees.

1. It is reiterated that except the categories specified above all other categories of
passengers traveling by Air through the civilian airports in the country are to be
subjected to pre-embarkation security checks without making any exception in
any particular case.

This issues with the approval of Commissioner of Security (Civil Aviation).

(J.P.Verma)
Officer on Special Duty (Int)
For Commissioner of Security (Civil Aviation)

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security vide circular No. 17 98 dated 07.08.1998 with the
approval of Government of India have exempted the following categories of
persons from pre-embarkation security check at the civil airports in the
country.

1. President
2. Vice President
3. Prime Minister
4. Former Presidents
5. Speakers of Lok Sabha
6. Chief Justice of India
 7. Judges of Supreme Court
8. Union Ministers of Cabinet Rank
9. Governors of States (not Uts)
10. Chief Ministers of States (not Uts)
11. Ambassadors, Charge D Affairs and High Commissioners and their
spouses.
12. Cabinet Secretary
13. Visiting foreign dignitaries of the same status as at Sl. No. 1 to 3,5,6, 8 to
10 above.
14. SPG Protectees

Ø All other persons are required to undergo proper security check.

Ø Passengers are requested to co-operate with the security personnel.

(J.P.Verma)
Officer on Special Duty (Int)
For Commissioner of Security (Civil Aviation