Container - mobile aides for Hamburg bomb disposal unit

The task of the Hamburg bomb disposal unit

When we hear bomb disposal, our first thought is: „Red wire or blue?“, but real life for the Hamburg bomb disposal unit looks very different. The Ministry of Interior and Sports is responsible for the disposal and destruction of all conventionally manufactured weapons, though they mostly deal with bombs from World War II. How the container fit in you can read at the end of this arcticle.

Inheritance from WWII

Even today, more than 70 years after the end of WWII, unexploded bombs are dug up regularly on construction sites. Explosive ordnance disposal defuses between 20 to 30 bombs in Hamburg each year. The initial contact with a bomb is especially critical. When an excavator shovel hits the weapon while digging, it can cause a detonation. There have also been instances of self-detonation without direct impact from external forces, but these are few and far between. In most cases experts arrive on the scene before anything happens.

The tools of explosive ordnance disposal

The the bomb disposal units most important tool is their water jet cutter. This specially made machines uses high water pressure to remove the detonator. To minimize danger for the operator, the equipment is controlled remotely. The sensitive detonator is the most dangerous part of the bomb, more dangerous even than the explosive.

The usual suspects

The bomb disposal unit usually encounters the same types of weapons – most are from the Allies – over and over again, so they know the detonators and their potential pitfalls. Every now and then though, they come across something different. Like when they were called to a WWII torpedo testing institute in Eckernförde. The weapons found there are often experimental and pose a special challenge. But explosive ordnance disposal is not only responsible for old weapons. They are also called when the police is dealing with defusing modern bombs.

The bomb disposal unit and container

Explosive ordnance disposal uses standard containers to store materials and tools. These containers are especially suitable for this usage because they’re flexible and can be locked safely. The staff also uses a special container as a bunker during the detonation. This specialized container can be placed at the operating site by using a so-called Hook & Roll system. This way members of the bomb disposal unit can safely control the bomb disposal from inside the container.

The container demonstrating its flexibility.

Several different kinds of standard containers for transportation and storage, as well as Hook & Roll containers can be found in iCONs vast container portfolio. Don’t hesitate to contact us in case of questions – or experts are happy to help.

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