Body scanners in UK airports

Here we try to explain the different types of scanners in use, what to expect when travelling and provide links to further information.

The latest full body security scanners were introduced in response to an attempted terrorist attack on Northwest airlines to Detroit on 25 December 2009. They are currently in operation at Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow airports, but may be deployed to other UK airports in the future. The operation of the scanners is governed by the Department for Transport (DfT). 

Where the body scanners are in use, a random sample of travellers is selected to be scanned,. Passengers who are selected for scanning but refuse it will not be able to fly.

Department for Transport statements and advice

In 2011 the DfT published a statement outlining the reasons for continuing with this type of scanning, and possible plans for the future.

There are also some DfT FAQs and responses written by the about security scanners.

To protect privacy, the DfT Code of Practice  includes the following requirements:

• the security officer(s) analysing the image (the screener) must not be able to see the person whose image they are viewing
• all data relating to the passenger must be destroyed and irretrievable
• the person being screened can ask for a screener of the same sex
• passengers must not be selected on the basis of personal characteristics.

Types of scanner in use and their purpose

There are two types of scanner in use: a millimetre wave scanner and a backscatter x-ray.

The millimetre wave scanner uses high frequency radio waves and does not use ionising radiation (the kind of radiation associated with medical x-rays) to produce a 3D image.

In contrast to millimetre wave scanners, backscatter x-ray scanners do use ionising radiation to produce a 2D image. But unlike medical x-rays, those used in this technology are scattered across the skin, revealing everything at skin level, with only a very small amount of penetration of the body. The risk to a member of the public from exposure to radiation from this scanner is said to be minimal, and is far below accepted radiation levels in the UK.

The purpose of the scanners is to be able to identify concealed weapons and prohibited items, but they will also reveal external breast prostheses, the type worn after a mastectomy operation.

The DfT advises people wearing an external breast prosthesis to notify security staff before being scanned.

Although this may be awkward or embarrassing, it will mean you are less likely to be searched than if you have not declared it. It may also be helpful for you to carry a letter from the GP (local doctor) or breast specialist, confirming your situation, to help ease transit through security.

On seeing the external prosthesis on the scan, it is an individual decision by the member of security staff as to whether they conduct a body search. This means that wearing a breast prosthesis does not inevitably lead to a body search, but it may do so.

If the scanner detects any item felt to be a security risk the person is simply called aside, as currently happens when hand baggage is checked.

Security officers may conduct a body search on the grounds that they only have the passenger’s word and may need to verify their claims about the nature of the object (in this case a prosthesis) seen. However, passengers can request a female security officer to conduct the body search.

Any body search is carried out in a private, lockable room and the passenger is not left alone with just one security officer – a friend or family member may accompany the passenger.

Security  screeners  will have completed training including how to deal with issues sensitively and how to protect privacy  It is therefore expected that they should remain respectful of individual circumstances, even in the event of a body search.

There are confusing reports on websites and in the media as to whether or not internal breast implants after breast reconstructive surgery may be seen on either scanner. The DfT has not been able to  give a definitive answer to this issue. Spokespeople have said that it is highly unlikely to occur in either scanner as the depth of penetration into the body is minimal. They stress that the operators are experienced in security image analysis and are focused solely on the detection of prohibited items.

 

Last reviewed May 2012; next planned review 2013