Vic: Qantas trialling flammable liquid detector

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2006
Vic: Qantas trialling flammable liquid detector

MELBOURNE, Aug 14 AAP - Qantas has trialled a new security device capable of detecting
flammable liquids as part of Australia's efforts to combat terrorism.

The Japanese-made device is able to detect flammable liquids within one to two seconds
without the need to open the bottle or taste its contents.

Security consultant Chris Jacka said the device could be used to prevent fluids capable
of being mixed into liquid explosives being smuggled onto aircraft.

"Back in June, we conducted an initial pilot. It's with Qantas at their domestic terminal
and Qantas is showing some interest in that product and we're about to go through the
next phase of that trial," Mr Jacka told Channel Nine.

"It's certainly an added layer in the security process so, sitting in line with the
X-ray and the metal detector and the explosive trace, this would add another layer of
security and protection ... to minimise the risk of flammable liquids being able to get
onto the aircraft."

Mr Jacka said it was very difficult to say whether the device could prevent a potential
terrorist attack.

"Whilst the security forces are obviously now focusing on liquid explosives and trying
to stop those getting on board, who knows what the next type of security threat is, but
certainly security forces will be doing everything they possibly can now to stop this
threat being able to be put into place."

A Qantas spokesman confirmed the device had been trialled at Sydney Airport and feedback
would be provided to the manufacturer.

No further trials would be undertaken by Qantas, he said.

"Qantas evaluate all emerging security technology that has the potential to augment
existing security measures," the spokesman said.

"We recently trialled a product that is being marketed as a flammable liquid test.

It does not claim to detect liquid explosives.

"Ultimately, the adoption of any new security measures for use in Australia has to
be approved by the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTARS)."

AAP cmb/gfr/sp

KEYWORD: TERROR UK QANTAS LEAD

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