Smiths security equipment selected for trial on the Tube

Smiths Detection explosives detectors provided for trials at Greenford station

London, 21 June 2006 - Smiths Detection, part of the global engineering business Smiths Group, today announced it is providing security equipment to the UK Department for Transport as part of the third phase of a pilot programme on the London Underground, starting today.

Smiths Detection is supplying explosives detectors that will be used to test passengers and Tube tickets for traces of explosives.
The trial starts today at Greenford station in North London and will run for about one month. It is not intended to enhance security at the station but to assess the impact on passengers and how the equipment has performed.

The trial will involve passengers being selected at random and their participation will be entirely voluntary. The trial will be monitored carefully to ensure no disruption or delay is caused to passengers.

At the end of trial the results will be analyzed and used to inform how the Department for Transport approaches security arrangements in the future. No decisions have yet been taken.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide equipment that can contribute greatly to the identification of threats against the travelling public. The selection of Smiths Detection equipment for high profile trials on rail networks in the US and now in the UK is recognition of our technological leadership in the global drive to secure transport systems.”

For the previous phase of the pilot programme Smiths Detection supplied a document scanner that was used to test Tube tickets for traces of explosives and an advanced technology x-ray machine that was used to scan passengers’ bags for dangerous items at Canary Wharf station in East London.

Smiths Sabre 4000
The Smiths Sabre 4000 is a hand-held trace explosives detector that can identify traces of over 40 substances in approximately 15 seconds.

Smiths IONSCAN 400B
The Smiths IONSCAN 400B is an explosives detector that can detect and identify traces of more than 40 substances in 8 seconds. A simple swab over items such as a handbag or briefcase results in a sample which is then placed into the IONSCAN for analysis. In eight seconds, the colour-coded display presents results to the operator – red for a detection and green for the “all-clear”. If a dangerous substance is identified, the specific name is identified on the display. A detection of trace explosives indicates that an explosive device may be present or that the person may have been handling explosive material and further investigation is necessary.

Smiths IONSCAN 500DT
The Smiths IONSCAN 500DT is an explosives detector with enhanced multiple-threat capability that can detect and identify traces of more than 40 substances in eight seconds. A simple swab over items such as a handbag or briefcase results in a sample which is then placed into the IONSCAN for analysis. In eight seconds, the colour-coded display presents results to the operator – red for a detection and green for the “all-clear”. If a dangerous substance is identified, the specific name is identified on the display. A detection of trace explosives indicates that an explosive device may be present or that the person may have been handling explosive material and further investigation is necessary. The 500DT combines the best detection capability of the 400B series with Smiths Detection’s continuing investment in research and development to meet ever-changing threat scenarios.


Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband, plus specialist applications for life sciences and food manufacturing industries. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths-Heimann x-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides security solutions for customers in homeland security and defense markets worldwide.

The choice of Greenford as a location was announced by the Secretary of State for Transport Douglas Alexander on May 16, 2006. To see the announcement go to:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_611666.hcsp