Zimbabwe National Mine

Action Standards – 01

First Edition February 2013

The Application of Demining

National Standards for Mine
Action in Zimbabwe

Director ZIMAC,
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 703530
Email: zimacaction@gmail.com

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WARNING

This document is current with effect from the date shown on the cover page. As the Zimbabwe
National Mine Action Standards (ZNMAS) they are subject to regular review and revision, users
should consult the ZIMAC (zimacaction@gmail.com) in order to verify its current status.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This document is a Zimbabwe National Mine Action Standard (ZNMAS) and is compiled by the
National Mine Action Authority of Zimbabwe (NAMAAZ) on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.
This document is written in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and
upholds the same conventions advocated by IMAS relating to all Mine Action activities governed
and supported by IMAS.

Neither this document, nor any extract from it, may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any
form, or by any means, for any other purpose without prior written permission from ZIMAC.

This document is not to be sold.

Director
Zimbabwe National Mine Action Centre
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +263 4 703530
Email: zimacaction@gmail.com

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AMENDMENT RECORD

Management of ZNMAS amendments

As amendments are made to this ZNMAS by the NAMAAZ they will be given a record number,
and the date and general details of the amendment will be added in the table below. It is the
responsibility of the holders of the ZNMAS to record and place the amendment into the
appropriate part of this document and to further insure that the copy held is fully up-to-date with
the copy held by ZIMAC.

Number Date Amendment Details Signature

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Contents
Amendment Record ............................................................................................................. Page 2
Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction …………………………………………… .............. ………………………………..4
2. Application of Zimbabwe National Mine Action Standards (ZNMAS) .................................. 4
3. Terms and definitions........................................................................................................... 4
4. Mine Action .......................................................................................................................... 5
5. Purpose of National Standards ............................................................................................ 6
6. Guiding principles ............................................................................................................... 6
7. National responsibilities and obligations .............................................................................. 6
8. Capacity building.................................................................................................................. 7
9. Other international standards .............................................................................................. 7
10. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ........................................................... 7
11. The Application of National Mine Action Standards ............................................................ 7
12. Quality and Risk Management ............................................................................................. 8
13. Conformance ....................................................................................................................... 8
14. Legal Requirements ............................................................................................................. 8
15. Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 8

Annex A Abbreviations, Terms and Definitions ...................................................................... A1

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1. Introduction

1.1 These Zimbabwe National Mine Action Standards (ZNMAS) are essential to enable the
staff of the ZIMAC to plan and assess mine action operations in Zimbabwe. The purpose of this
document is to provide demining agencies with a reference to conduct field operations. It has
been produced in Zimbabwe applying the revised International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) to
the local conditions, using experiences gained locally over several years, and also incorporating
lessons and best practices learned in other mine action programs world-wide.

1.2 The document is not intended to replace or replicate demining agency Standing
Operating Procedures (SOP) nor does it absolve mine action organisations from the
responsibility to produce their own SOP. The ZNMAS are intended to be used as an aid to
develop SOP, by detailing the minimum standards and guidelines for conducting mine action
operations in Zimbabwe.

1.3 Conformance to these standards is a prerequisite to be accredited to conduct demining

operations in Zimbabwe irrespective of the contractual relationship with ZIMAC. This document
is designed to be a living document. The document will be updated on a regular basis through a
review process that will be established by ZIMAC.

2. Application of Zimbabwe National Mine Action Standards (ZNMAS)

2.1 This Guide defines the role of ZNMAS, and establishes the guiding principles for their
proper and appropriate use by international and national mine action organisations, national
authorities, donors and organisations involved with the planning and implementation of mine
action activities in Zimbabwe. This series of ZNMAS is in compliance with IMAS, International
Mine Action Standards.

3. Terms and Definitions

3.1 In addition, to the IMAS, the ZNMAS define National Standards and Standing Operating
Procedures as follows:

a) ZNMAS are a combination of Standards and Guidelines that are used

consistently to ensure that mine action activities, processes and materials are fit for their
purpose and carried out in such a manner to ensure the desired output. Included are
also guidelines that provide general rules, principles, advice and information on how to
carry out certain activities. The ZNMAS aims to improve safety, productivity and
efficiency in mine action by promoting the preferred procedures and practices at both
headquarters, ZIMAC and field level, MA Organisation.

b) Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) are instructions, which define the

preferred or currently established method of conducting an operational task or activity.
Their purpose is to promote recognisable and measurable degrees of discipline,
uniformity, consistency and commonality within a demining organisation, with the aim of
improving operational effectiveness and safety. SOP should reflect local requirements
and circumstances. All organisations applying for accreditation to ZIMAC must submit
one SOP in English as part of the agency desk assessment application. The SOP must
specify what type of activity the organisation will be conducting, how they propose to
accomplish that goal and their collective qualifications to conduct such an operation.

3.2 These SOP will be gauged for compliances with ZNMAS and IMAS. A list of terms and
definitions used in this Guide is given in Annex A. A complete glossary of all the terms and
definitions used in the ZNMAS are given in ZNMAS 04; it contains the relevant definitions
applicable for use in Zimbabwe.

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4. Mine Action

4.1 Mine action refers to those activities that aim to reduce the social, economic and
environmental impact of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) Mine action is not
just about demining; it is also about people and societies, and how they are affected by
landmine contamination. The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from landmines to a
level where people can live safely; in which economic, social and health development can occur
free from the constraints imposed by landmine contamination, and in which the victims’ needs
can be addressed.

4.2 Mine action comprises five complementary groups of activities:

a) Mine Risk Education (MRE).

b) Humanitarian demining, i.e. mine and ERW survey, mapping, marking and, when
necessary, clearance.

c) Victim assistance, including rehabilitation and reintegration.

d) Stockpile destruction.

e) Advocacy against the use of Anti-Personnel Mines (APM).

4.3 A number of other enabling activities are required to support these five components of
mine action, including: assessment and planning, the mobilisation and prioritisation of
resources, information management, human skills development and management training,
quality management and the application of effective, appropriate and safe equipment.

4.4 Under the directive of the Zimbabwe Government, the National Mine Action Authority of
Zimbabwe (NAMAAZ) has the authority and responsibility for the following components of mine
action:

a) Strategic management and implementation of the objectives of the Ottawa

agreement on behalf of the government of Zimbabwe.

b) Development and implementation of five (5) year plans.

c) Allocation and management of annual work plans for demining agencies.

d) Tendering and management of commercial demining contract within ZIMAC’s

authority.

e) Accreditation of all demining agencies irrespective of their relationship with

ZIMAC.

f) Quality assurance of all demining activities.

g) Manage the national database in order to provide a management tool for ZIMAC
and demining agencies in order to implement the strategic plans.

h) Liaison and technical advice to the Ministry of Education for mine and ERW
awareness and risk reduction education (MRE).

i) Humanitarian demining, i.e. mine and ERW survey, mapping, marking and
clearance.

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j) Victim assistance, including rehabilitation and reintegration.

5. Purpose of ZNMAS

5.1 ZNMAS have been developed to improve safety, productivity and efficiency in mine
action by providing guidance, by establishing principles and, in some cases, by defining local
requirements and specifications. They provide a frame of reference that encourages, and in
some cases requires, the managers of demining agencies and demining projects to achieve
and demonstrate agreed levels of effectiveness and safety.

5.2 They provide a common language, and recommend the formats and rules for handling
data, which enable the free exchange of important information; this information exchange
benefits other programmes and projects, and assists the mobilisation, prioritisation and
management of resources. ZNMAS also provides a suitable medium for informing the national
authorities, and the mine action community of existing international regulations and local
standards which impact on mine action, particularly those referring to basic human rights,
clearance requirements, hazard marking and general safety issues.

5.3 ZNMAS should assist international and local demining agencies in developing their
SOP. ZNMAS are not themselves SOP. They do not define the way in which mine action
requirements are to be achieved in the field - that is covered in the SOP of the individual mine
action organisations.

6. Guiding Principles

6.1 The preparation and application of these ZNMAS is shaped by five guiding principles:

a) The responsibility of the ZIMAC mine action programme to develop and apply
ZNMAS to the mine action programme in Zimbabwe.

b) By protecting those most at risk.

c) Building a national capacity to develop, maintain and apply appropriate

standards for mine action.

d) Maintaining consistency and compliance with IMAS.

e) Compliance with international conventions and treaties.

6.2 These guiding principles have been applied throughout the ZNMAS.

7. National Responsibilities and Obligations

7.1 Under the Zimbabwe Government directive, ZIMAC has been assigned the responsibility
and authority for the implementation of the mine action programme in Zimbabwe. In this
capacity it is appropriate and necessary for ZIMAC to assume the responsibilities, and to fulfil
the majority of the functions, of a national mine action authority.

8. Capacity Building

8.1 The development and promulgation of ZNMAS are consistent with the building of the
local capacity, as there is a long term need to address mine action in Zimbabwe. Capacity
development is the process by which individuals, institutions and societies (individually and
collectively) perform functions, solve problems and set and achieve objectives. These
standards have laid part of the foundation for the Zimbabwe strategic development plan.

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9. Other International Standards

9.1 ZNMAS are written to be consistent with other international standards, and to comply
with international regulations, conventions and treaties. Precedent and norms already exist at
international level, mainly through the International Labour Organization (ILO) for safety in the
workplace; the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides guidance on risk
management (ISO Guide 51) and the application of quality systems (ISO 9001:2000); and
numerous international standards, protocols and norms which prescribe rules for the handling,
exchange and display of electronic data that has application to the management of mine action
information. NS are also consistent with UN and other international gender and diversity
guidelines and ensure the different needs of the men, women and children in the affected
communities.

10. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

10.1 ISO is a worldwide federation of national bodies from over 138 countries. Its work results
in international agreements which are published as ISO standards and guides. ISO is a NGO
and the standards it develops are voluntary, although some (mainly those concerned with
health, safety and environmental aspects) have been adopted by many countries as part of their
regulatory framework. ISO deals with the full spectrum of human activities and many of the
tasks and processes which contribute to mine action have a relevant standard. A list of ISO
standards and guides is given in the ISO Catalogue; see www.iso.ch/infoe/catinfo/html.

10.2 ISO has an international reputation for integrity and neutrality, and it enjoys a special
working relationship with international organizations including the United Nations, and with
regional organizations including the European Union. ZNMAS have been developed to be
compatible with ISO standards and guides. Adopting the ISO format and language provides
some significant advantages including consistency of layout, use of internationally recognised
terminology, and a greater acceptance by international, national and regional organizations who
are accustomed to the ISO series of standards and guides. It should also provide the
opportunity for ZNMAS to be accepted and adopted in due course as mature ISO standards.

11. The Application of National Mine Action Standards

11.1 The purpose of ZNMAS is to ensure a high level of safety and that all elements of a
mine action programme that promote safety (including good medical evacuation procedures
and productive utilisation of resources) have been established and are working effectively.

11.2 The ZNMAS includes standards and guidelines. Standards lay down the minimum
requirements and these will not be waived. Guidelines however, provide suggestions of
techniques; drills and procedures to ensure that contract and or annual work plan obligations
are met. It is recognised that specific techniques/drills may differ from organisation to
organisation. This is acceptable, so long as they do not contradict the standards included in the
ZNMAS.

12. Quality and Risk Management

12.1 ZNMAS have been developed in line with the recommendations and processes
contained within the ISO Quality Management systems (ISO 9001:2008) and the ISO Risk
Management system (ISO Guide 51). Elements of these systems are contained within the
majority of ZNMAS, thereby making the ZNMAS themselves an integrated risk and quality
management system. There is still a requirement, however, for mine action organisations to
develop their own specific individual risk and quality management systems.

12.2 The concept of land release is discussed in ZNMAS 08.03. The process of releasing
land through non-technical survey and, or technical survey is explained in ZNMAS 08.01 and

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08.02 respectively. Information on ISO 9000 and ISO 9001:2008 is provided in Annex C to
IMAS 07.

13. Conformance

13.1 In common with IMAS, the words 'shall', 'should' and 'may' are used to convey the
intended degree of compliance. This use is consistent with the language used in ISO standards
and guides:

a) 'Shall' is used to indicate requirements, methods or specifications that are to be

applied in order to conform to the standard.

b) 'Should' is used to indicate the preferred requirements, methods or

specifications.

c) 'May' is used to indicate a possible method or course of action.

14. Legal Requirements

14.1 ZNMAS are internationally recognised as legal documents within the state of Zimbabwe;
they form the ZNMAA requirements for contractors to base their SOP on for Mine Clearance
operations in Zimbabwe and as such, will be specified in a contract or other legal instrument
such as a memorandum of understanding or a letter of agreement. The wording of each
contract or agreement should clarify the application of ZNMAS to each proposed project, and
reflect the national circumstances discussed in paragraph 7 above; i.e. the local security
situation, the authority of government, political will and the resources available. Contracts
should be consistent with the laws of Zimbabwe. This may cover general issues such as safety
and occupational health, environmental requirements, equal opportunities for men and women
and minimum wage, in addition to legislation specifically relating to the conduct of mine action.
Guidance on the preparation and framing of contracts is given in IMAS 07.01.

15. Responsibilities

15.1 National Mine Action Authority of Zimbabwe (NAMAAZ)

15.2 NAMAAZ is responsible for ensuring the conditions, which enable the effective
management of national mine action projects. NAMAAZ is ultimately responsible for developing
and managing the mine action programme within the Zimbabwe national boundaries.

15.3 The NAMAAZ is responsible for establishing and maintaining national standards,
regulations and procedures for the management of mine action operations. These procedures
should be consistent with ZNMAS, and other relevant national and international standards,
regulations and requirements such as IMAS.

15.4 NAMAAZ has assumed all of the responsibilities of the national mine action authority for
the implementation of mine action carried out in Zimbabwe. NAMAAZ is responsible for chairing
regular Technical Working Group (TWG) that provides the opportunity for demining agencies to
discuss technical matters. As a guide a TWG should be held every 6 months or more frequently
if applicable. Individual demining agencies may request specific agency technical issues to be
addressed privately outside the TWG forum; application to NAMAAZ will facilitate any specific
request.

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15.5 Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC)

15.6 ZIMAC is responsible for the daily supervision, management and co-ordination and
planning of all mine action activities in Zimbabwe; it will provide technical advice to the
NAMAAZ and maintain all mine action records and databases.

15.7 On behalf of the NAMAAZ, ZIMAC will carry out the processes of accreditation of mine
action organizations and the investigation of mine action related accidents and incidents.

15.8 Demining Organisations

15.9 Under the above mentioned arrangement all NGOs, commercial companies, military,
and other development organisations involved in mine action, irrespective of the contractual
arrangement with NAMAAZ must establish SOP, instructions and drills which enable mine
action projects to be conducted effectively, efficiently and safely.

15.10 Demining organisations will record all mine clearance activities and report through
ZIMAC to NAMAAZ in the form of a monthly report. Demining organisations shall submit their
SOP in English for review to ZIMAC prior to commencing operations.

15.11 Donors and other Stakeholders

15.12 Donor agencies are part of the management process, and as such have a responsibility
for ensuring that the projects they are funding are managed effectively, and in accordance with
national and international standards. This involves attention to the writing of contract
documents, and ensuring that mine action organizations chosen to carry out such contracts are
competent, and likely to meet the national accreditation criteria. Donors, or their agents, are
also partly responsible for ensuring that the standards and guidelines for quality management
are applied, including monitoring and the post-clearance inspection of cleared land.

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Annex A to ZNMAS 01
Abbreviations, Terms and Definitions

1.1. NAMAAZ: National Mine Action Authority of Zimbabwe This office has been
assigned the responsibility to plan direct and manage the Zimbabwe national demining program
on behalf of the Zimbabwe National Government. NAMAAZ head office is located in Harare.

1.2. ZIMAC: Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre refers to the government department(s),
organisation(s) or institution(s) charged with the regulation, management and co-ordination of
mine action. The ZIMAC is responsible to the NAMAAZ for the daily management of MA in
Zimbabwe. These responsibilities will be outlined in the ZNMAS.

1.3. ZNMAS: Zimbabwe National Mine Action Standard1 This is the in-country standards
derived from IMAS, in applying international standards to the conditions of mine action in
Zimbabwe.

1.4. IMAS: International Mine Actions Standards form the basis for the production of
ZNMAS.

1
They are also shown in ZNMAS documents abbreviated as National Standards (NS)

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