What are the full capabilities of x-ray machinery, and how do they form part of an ideal security solution for airport security?
Airports are an incredibly busy and difficult place to monitor, and yet it is a place where security is of the highest importance. Airports contain a vast selection of security measures to ensure safety. For example, video surveillance, biometrics, access control barriers, facial recognition and so much more. So, aside from people, what is the most accurate way of eliminating threat in baggage and cargo? We are going to take a look at x-ray machinery and determine what capabilities they have when it comes to preventing terrorism, drugs and other crimes.
Saying X-ray machines are effective security tools is only stating the obvious as it has proven to accurately detect several potentially harmful items locked away in numerous bags. The truth is X-ray machines offer numerous benefits for security applications when comparing different security equipment. However, you need to understand how the X-ray machine works to appreciate its efficiency and why it is preferred at airports and other public spaces for detecting security threats.
X-ray machines use radiation to detect the presence of harmful or illegal objects in parcels and closed compartments without opening them. This use of radiation often makes some individuals fearful, knowing the impact of some types of radiation on human health. However, X-ray machines release very low doses of radiation when compared to other radiation-emitting equipment like the dentist’s scanner. Metal detectors at airports release about a tenth of the radiation emitted by a dental scanner.
Also, bags don’t retain any radiation after scanning, and people don’t spend more than a few seconds passing through metal detectors which makes it safe. Only prolonged exposure can be harmful to human health.
Security applications of X-ray machines are numerous, and both governmental bodies, as well as private organisations employ the capabilities of X-ray machines for their security needs.
The rise in aeroplane hijacking and attacks at airports over the years have made it necessary to increase the security at airports. Security X-ray machines are very accurate at detecting both metals and non-metallic material that can be a source of harm to passengers.
Introducing X-ray machines to detect harmful and illegal substances hidden in bags at the airport has reduced these activities’ occurrences. Also, transportation of narcotics and other banned drugs through the airport has significantly reduced since using X-ray machines for inspecting baggage at airports.
Understanding how security X-ray machines work is the first step to choosing the suitable X-ray machine for your security challenges. It helps you to know the most critical factors to identify when choosing your X-ray machine manufacturer. It also helps you know the capabilities of the security X-ray machine to ascertain the extent of inspection you should carry out.
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Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@securitybuyer.com
