Security Scanners Public Information
- Following trials of “imaging technology” (also known as security scanners) in Terminal 2, Manchester Airport has now extended this enhanced security measure to Terminal 1 & Terminal 3.
- From the 1st February 2010, additional Government legislation came into operation at this airport, which states that any passenger who refuses to use the scanner will be denied travel.
How does it work?
Imaging technology (Rapiscan Systems' Secure 1000 Single Pose) works by bouncing x-rays off an individual's skin to produce an outline image of the person's body, which is then used to detect concealed, potentially dangerous objects.
This image is transmitted to a remote security officer who has no visual or verbal contact with the area where the imaging machine is located. The security officer viewing the image then electronically confirms if the passenger can proceed or whether a search is required.
The process is entirely anonymous. We can assure you that contrary to popular misconception, imaging technology does not allow security staff to see you naked. The video below shows how the process takes place:
Will you be able to recognise me from my image?
The image produced is a black and white, ghost-like outline of an individual's body without any distinguishing features such as hair or facial features, making it impossible to recognise people but simple to detect concealed threats.
Is it safe?
The equipment is approved by the Health Protection Agency. Each full body scan of the Secure 1000 produces approximately 3 microREMs of emission. This is equivalent to the exposure every person receives each five minutes from naturally occurring background environmental radioactivity.
Isn't it illegal to make an image of a child?
On Friday 29th January 2010, the Department for Transport issued a directive under the Aviation Security Act 1982 relating to Body Scanners. This relates to Heathrow Airport in Terminal 4 and Manchester Airport in Terminal 2 where the scanners are currently in operation. Any selected passenger, including under 18s, who refuses to use the scanner will be denied travel.
Will Children be forced to use the Scanner?
The use of Body Scanners is compatible with the Protection of Children Act 1978 and we are confident the introduction of these scanners is a proportionate and necessary step in enhancing security for passengers.
The Government directive authorising the use of body scanners by airports does not exempt children because this would undermine the effectiveness of these new security measures.
All Airport staff viewing the images will have already undergone a criminal record check which includes checking for offences against children.
Will I be exempt on religious grounds?
All passengers, if selected, must use the body scanner in order to be allowed into the departure lounge.
What if I want my image viewed by someone of my sex?
Passengers modesty and privacy is protected by extensive safeguards – for example the person viewing the image will not be able to see the person being screened.
I am transgendered
As the person viewing the images cannot see who is being screened the passengers modesty and privacy is not breached.
Body-scanners & General Health
Body-scanners are now being used at Manchester Airport to allow security checking of a person without the need for a physical ‘pat down’ by a security officer.
Many official, independent international bodies including the Health
Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK have assessed the risks from the scanners. They are approved for use for all passengers.
The emissions received from the scanner are a very small fraction of that received every day from natural sources.
These emissions are high enough to pass through clothing but not high enough to pass through the body. The reflected X-rays are then collected and transformed electronically into an image of the body shape.
The HPA says that 1,000 scans by this equipment is the equivalent of one medical X-ray. The advised limitation is 100,000 security scans per year.
Can I opt out of passing through the body-scanner?
If you refuse to pass through the scanner, you will not be permitted to travel.
This is a UK Government requirement; consequently, it is not a decision that
Manchester Airport can overrule.
Body-scanners & Pacemakers/Defibrillators
Body-scanners are now being used at Manchester Airport to allow security checking of a person without the need for a physical ‘pat down’ by a security officer.
Many official, independent international bodies including the Health
Protection Agency in the UK have assessed the risks from the scanners.
They are approved for use for all passengers.
The emissions received from the scanner are a very small fraction of that received every day from natural sources. Passing through the scanner will not affect the functioning of pacemakers or internal defibrillators.
As walk-through metal detectors are still part of the security process, please continue to alert security staff of your pacemaker/defibrillator, as you would normally have done.
Body-scanners & Pregnancy
Body-scanners are now being used at Manchester Airport to allow security checking of a person without the need for a physical ‘pat down’ by a security officer.
Many official, independent international bodies including the Health
Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK have assessed the risks from the scanners. They are approved for use for all passengers including expectant mothers.
The emissions received from the scanner are a very small fraction of that received every day from natural sources.
These emissions are enough to pass through clothing but not high enough to pass through the body and therefore pose no risk to the mother or baby. The reflected X-rays are then collected and transformed electronically into an image of the body shape.
Can I opt out of passing through the body-scanner?
If you refuse to pass through the scanner, you will not be permitted to travel.
This is a UK Government requirement; consequently, it is not a decision that
Manchester Airport can overrule.
Body-scanners & Your Privacy
Body-scanners are now being used at Manchester Airport to allow security checking of a person without the need for a physical ‘pat down’ by a security officer.
Extensive safeguards have been developed to ensure the privacy of our customers is respected. Images are viewed in a secure room remotely from the machine. The security officer viewing the image cannot see the person being screened, only the image on the screen in front of them.
The image produced is not like a photograph. It does not show any distinguishable features (hair, skin tone etc) and it is not possible to recognise individuals from the image - this allows the screener to concentrate on concealed items. However, if you wish, you can request that a security officer of the same sex views your image.
Images are deleted immediately after analysis and cannot be recovered at a later date. The extensive safeguards outlined above ensure that the privacy and religious rights of our customers are respected while maintaining safety and security.
