UNMAS Produces New Smart Phone Application to Assist With Mine Action and Explosive Hazard Safety

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has extended its reach to the global community by producing a free (available to all) smart phone application entitled 'Landmine and ERW Safety Brief." Its ultimate aim is to provide general Landmine and Explosive Remnant of War (ERW) awareness and safety information to organizations and individuals working and living in or near areas affected by these devices in order to minimize the risk of accidents.

Initially produced as a natural extension to the "Landmine and ERW Safety Handbook (2005) and the" Landmine and ERW Safety Training" (2006) CD, this application contains various training sections pertaining to landmines and ERW as well as basic safety protocols, emergency procedures and recommended actions when assisting landmine or ERW victims. On completion of the various sections, users are able to take the test, and if they pass, will be issued the UNMAS Landmine & ERW Safety Brief Certificate.

The application has the advantage of being able to be used as a teaching tool for schools and local communities by providing the background on how to recognize landmine and ERW warning signs, how to avoid these areas and what basic safety measures to adopt when travelling in these areas. It also explains what to do (and more importantly  what not to do) if an individual inadvertently finds themselves in a minefield.

Another innovative aspect of the app is that it allows users to report hazardous items directly to UNMAS. A photograph of an item can be sent to UNMAS Headquarters prior to being directed to the respective UNMAS programme or National Mine Action Authority for appropriate action. The location is automatically calculated through the application. All that is required in this process is the photo and a short summary.

The application also contains links to current UNMAS News and a resource library with links to other mine action related documents and an extensive glossary of mine action related terms.

The application is compatible with iPhone and Android smart phones and is currently available in English, French and Spanish. The application is being translated into Arabic and Kurdish, with plans to produce it in Chinese, and Russian (making it available in all six official languages of the UN) as well as Japanese and Portuguese.

The UNMAS links are available at:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.eigo.unmas [1]

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/unmas-landmine-erw-safety/id720063438?ls=1&mt=8

Online course: http://1155627.sites.myregisteredsite.com/lsp/unmas/#!

Online pdf version of Landmine safety handbook is at: