2010

To ensure the safety of the SD Mask-visor design, two separate blast tests have been conducted.

The first was conducted by SD in Zimbabwe with independent observers. It was carried out using a weighed Plastic Explosive charge in line with testing conducted by DRDC (Canada) which had showed that, at this distance, a particular weight of PE was equivalent to 240g TNT. Some doubts about the substitution of PE for TNT were expressed, so a second test was conducted using TNT.

Open PDF report on the Mask-visor test using Plastic Explosive (346k).

A 240g TNT charge is used to represent the PMN anti-personnel blast mine - which is the largest AP blast mine commonly found.

The second blast test was conducted in Italy in May 2010 with a range of independent observers present.

In both tests, the Mask-visor performed at least as well as a full-face visor, providing appropriate protection, and there was no indication that its comfortable, ventilated design introduced any increased risk of injury.

The increased comfort and the fact that it cannot be worn raised
are features that make us believe that
the SD Mask-visor represents a
significant increase in deminer safety.

Open PDF report on the 2010 Mask-visor test using 240g TNT (900k).

Download a video report of the 2010 Mask-visor test using 240g TNT - including footage of the actual blast - (6 Megabytes approx.)

Go to the Mask-visor page on this website.

Open data sheet on the SD Mask-visor.