Prodders
Development responsibility:
HARC
  An
important aspect of the demining project at UWA has been the deveopment
of new prodders for the safer, easier and cheaper use of deminers. One
of our designs is shown here (HARC #3 prodder). This design emerged from
deminers in response to earlier prototypes which
we showed them. HARC conducts field
trials (picture at left, full-sized image: /image/HARC/risalpur-11.jpg)
at Risalpur, Pakistan where Afghan deminers carry out routine demining
operations with our engineers. They discuss and test different tools.
The number 3 prodder (right, full-sized image: /image/HARC/HARC-prod-3b-s.jpg)
has a T - shaped handle for comfort during prolonged use, a polycarbonate
blast shield to protect the hand from accidental mine explosions, and
a hard and tough steel blade about 250mm long. The edges of the blade
have serrations which make it much easier to cut through roots. It is
a combination probing and digging tool.
We can supply samples of these prodders for evaluation.
More details of recent developments are in the following pages:
Andy Smith - Associate
 The
trowel probe above was developed in response to Afghan problems, but is
being used in Africa. Made of mild steel, the working edge is welded to
harden it and then ground sharp. (full-sized image: /image/smith/trowprob.jpg).
A polycarbonate disc provides some hand protection. This is primarily
a digging tool. The extra length is vital to keep the hand at least 300mm
away from an accidental mine explosion - far enough to avoid the worst
injuries. The handle is long enough to be used with both hands.
 Prodder
(or Probe) for soft ground
Development responsibility: HARC
Andy Smith has developed
a U-ended prodder for probing in soft ground. (For Afghanistan - this
ground condition is classified as "hard" in other countries!)
.
prodders/u-prodder-1-s.jpg
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