Body Scanner
As a part of a multi-layered approach to security, Birmingham Airport is introducing as of 1st August, a security body scanner in the passenger screening area. You may be selected for scanning on a random basis or in order to resolve security concerns. Please see further details below.
Why are body scanners being introduced at Birmingham Airport?
There are already a number of effective security screening layers at Birmingham Airport but the nature of threats to aviation security is continually changing. Body scanners provide an additional layer of security that offers an effective method of screening passengers for emerging threats. Body scanners can now be found at a number of UK airports.
How does it work?
The scanner deployed at Birmingham Airport utilises harmless millimetre-waves, common radio-frequency signals, which reflect off objects at extremely low power levels. These signals pass through clothing but do not penetrate the body. The system then creates a 3-D silhouette - a stick-like figure - of the passenger's body, rather than an actual image so it is impossible to identify anybody. With a single scan, operators can complete a thorough body scan in less than 10 seconds.
Are body scanners safe?
Yes. There are a number of different body scanner technologies but all have been assessed by government health and safety regulators. Tests have concluded that the dose received from being scanned is far below the allowed levels in the UK and does not constitute any unacceptable risk to health. The system used at Birmingham Airport does not use ionizing radiation and is 10,000 times less powerful than other commercial radio frequency devices.
What is it like to be scanned?
There is no need to be concerned. Unlike a hand search, no physical contact is required and passengers will not feel anything. Those selected will be asked to take up a particular stance and security staff will provide guidance through the process. The whole process takes only a few seconds. If the scanner detects any potentially dangerous items on a person, then airport security staff will need to carry out further searches, which may include going through the scanner again.
How will my privacy be protected?
The scanner deployed at Birmingham Airport is fitted with automated threat recognition software and the image produced by these scanners is a generic stick-like figure image. It will identify any items on the figure which need further investigation. Passengers can see this image as they exit the scanner.
Who will see the images?
The system creates a 3-D silhouette - a stick like figure - of the passenger's body, rather than an actual image so it is impossible to identify anybody. Our vetted and trained security staff may view the images; passengers will also see the same as the security officers. These images are deleted immediately after analysis and cannot be recovered at a later date.
What criteria will be used to select which passengers will be scanned?
Passengers are selected for scanning in order to resolve security concerns or on a random basis. Selection is never based upon personal characteristics (ie on a basis that may constitute discrimination such as disability, sex, gender reassignment, age, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity and sexual orientation).
Can passengers choose to be screened by an alternative method?
If selected for body scanning, passengers will not be offered an alternative method of screening. Refusal to be screened will result in passengers not being allowed to travel.
Will children have to use the scanner?
Yes, children are required to go through the body scanner if selected. It is a necessary measure in enhancing security for all passengers and to do otherwise would risk undermining the effect of these measures.
Can I be exempt on religious grounds?
No. People selected for screening by security scanners must assist. Refusal will result in passengers not being able to travel on that occasion. Selection is never based upon personal characteristics (ie on a basis that may constitute discrimination such as disability, sex, gender reassignment, age, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity and sexual orientation).
Will those who have metal pins/implants be exempt from being scanned?
No. There are no exemptions to those who are selected for scanning. Any exemptions could be exploited by those who wish to evade particular security measures for illegal purposes.
Can passengers request to be viewed by someone of their own gender?
Yes. The final Code of Practice states: 'A person selected for scanning may request that the screen reader is of the same sex and the airport must meet this request as quickly as possible'.
Is it safe for pregnant passengers?
Yes. The dose received from the scanner is a small fraction of that received every day from natural sources and is far lower than the levels allowed by law for all types of people, including expectant mothers.
Will security scanners show the implants or prosthetics of cancer patients?
No. Security scaners are not designed to display images of internal organs or prostheses. The system at Birmingham Airport creates a 3-D silhouette, a stick-like figure, of the passenger's body, rather than an actual image.
What health assessments have been undertaken?
The risks from the scanners have been assessed by several independent national and international bodies including the UK Health Protection Agency. Tests have concluded that the dose received from being scanned is far below the allowed levels in the UK and does not constitute any unacceptable risks to health.
Will individuals with a pacemaker/internal defibrillators/an implantable device be made exempt from passing through the scanners?
No. There are no exemptions to those who are selected for scanning. The scanner deployed at Birmingham Airport utilises harmless millimetre-waves, common radio-frequency signals, which reflect off objects at extremely low power levels. The dose received from being scanned is far below the allowed levels in the UK and does not constitute an unacceptable risk to health.