MODULE 11
Searching
and
Securing a Sterile Holding Area
1
Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module you will be
able to:
1. List the three basic types of “sterile”
passenger holding area.
2. Conduct a physical search of a holding
area for prohibited items.
2
Module Objectives
3. Take response action to deal with suspect
items located in a holding area in
accordance with Standard Operating
Procedures.
4. Maintain the sterility of a holding area.
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The Three Basic Types Of Holding Areas
1) Concourse plan
2) Holding area plan
3) Boarding gate plan
All plans require that they are “sterile” before
screened passengers are allowed into the area
prior to boarding.
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Concourse Plan
1 2 3
Concourse
TERMINAL
PIER 4
7 6 5
Screening Boarding Gates
Point
5
Boarding Gate Plan
TERMINAL
1 2 3
Concourse Pier 4
7 6 5 Screening
Points
Boarding Gates
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Holding Area Plan
Screening
Points
TERMINAL 1 2 3 Mobile
Lounge
Concourse Pier
4
7 6 5
Boarding Gates
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Consequences of Failing To Search and
Secure A Holding Area
Incident occurred at a European airport
which was using a pier holding lounge
Attackers travelled as passengers and
arrived at same pier where passengers
were waiting to board departing flight
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Consequences of Failing To Search and
Secure A Holding Area
By prior arrangement attackers collected
weapons secreted in toilet cisterns in the
basement of pier
Aim was to hijack targeted aircraft
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Consequences of Failing To Search and
Secure A Holding Area
Prevented from hijacking primary targeted
aircraft and indiscriminately attacked
passengers and crew of secondary
targeted aircraft and killed over 40 people.
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Techniques for Searching a Holding Area
Levels of search
1. Floor to waist level:
Under desks, seats, furniture fittings,
waste bins and floor ash cans.
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Techniques for Searching a Holding Area
2. Waist to head level:
Tops of desks, counters, coat racks,
interior of cupboards, fire hose cabinets
and fire extinguishers.
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Techniques for Searching a Holding Area
3. Head to ceiling level:
Tops and interiors of high level wall
cabinets, light fixtures and removable
panels.
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Special attention should be given to
Holding Area Toilets
Search individual toilet cubicles, including
water cisterns, bowl, linen and paper towel
holders, toilet goods dispensing machines,
waste bins and storage containers/closets.
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Holding areas may contain airport
facilities as follows:
Concourse area plan may involve large
area containing shops, bars, restaurants,
toilets and duty free shops.
Pier holding plans may involve areas with
limited facilities but will include toilets.
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Holding areas may contain airport
facilities as follows:
Boarding gate plans may contain only
toilets.
The greater the facilities –
the more difficult to secure
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Action on locating prohibited/suspect
item in holding area
If item detected is a WEAPON
– Immediately safeguard the item
– Notify the supervisor
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Action on locating prohibited/suspect
item in holding area
If item detected appears to be an explosive
device:
– DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT
– Mark the location
– Notify the supervisor
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Screening Point Log
Record the following details when an item is
found:
Location of holding area
Time and date searched and by whom
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Screening Point Log
Result of Search
– Details of item(s) detected
– Action taken on finding the
item(s)/object(s)
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Screening Point Log
– Name of person notified of find
– Time and date of notification
– Action taken for safeguarding/disposal
of item(s)/object(s)
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Sterility of Holding Area maintained by:
Effective screening of passengers and baggage
Preventing unauthorized access to holding area
The ASG /APSU is responsible for sterility of the
Security Hold Area
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Sterility of Holding Area maintained by:
Screening authorized personnel such as
airport and airline personnel entering the
holding area
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Sterility of Holding Area maintained by:
Ensuring doors and entry points to the
holding area are physically protected by
locks and windows barred
Inspection/screening of goods and
supplies taken into the holding area
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Airport Visit Programme
Observing operational holding area
Demonstration of search techniques by
using different levels of search
Practical hands-on searching by trainees
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