When the city police received an alert last month that bombs were found in a garbage bin at Anna Nagar, a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) person removed the explosives, wearing just a bullet-proof jacket that covered his chest, and an ordinary helmet. “Without the right gear, the BDDS men used to handle bombs under dangerous conditions, exposing themselves to chemicals and flying shrapnel,” a police officer said. The BDDS handles bombs left by antisocial elements, and attends to bomb threat calls.
However, things have changed for the better. Now, the BDDS has a state-of-the-art bomb suit that protects the whole body.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Samant Rohan Rajendra says the suit, imported from South Africa, shields the bomb handler against explosion from high-explosive chemicals.
The suit has an inner coat that keeps the body cool. “A motor pumps cool water throughout the coat to provide comfort to the handler,” says BDDS Inspector R. Gunaseelan.
The suit has three parts — a leg protector, a body protector and helmet. The helmet has communication equipment with a range of 50 metres. “Sitting at a safe distance, the commander can get details from the bomb handler about the explosive device and also give instructions to him for defusing it,” he says. It comes attached with a headlamp that will be handy when working in dark places.
The suit that costs around Rs 19 lakh comes with a pair of gloves to protect palms.
“The BDDS has been instructed to provide training to its members every week so that they can handle the suit during times of emergency,” Mr Rajendra says.