- Many buildings have installed these machines and equipped security guards with magnetic gadgets as part of efforts to combat various crimes.
- This risk is magnified for private security officers who work 12-hour shifts, operating X-ray-powered security equipment.
The safety of security X-ray equipment and electromagnetic gadgets is being questioned after revelations that most of them have not undergone the required inspections as mandated by law.
Many buildings have installed these machines and equipped security guards with magnetic gadgets as part of efforts to combat various crimes, including terrorism and the smuggling of prohibited items.
The use of such equipment became widespread due to the increasing cases of terrorism.
The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has expressed concern that these devices have not been inspected and calibrated as required, potentially exposing their staff and the general public to various dangers.
In a memo addressed to private security service providers and the general public, PSRA CEO Fazul Mahamad emphasizes the need to proactively address potential radiation risks, ensuring the safety and health of the public, as well as that of personnel operating these machines and gadgets.
Recognizing the widespread use of handheld metal detectors, walk-through metal detectors, and baggage scanners by private security personnel at various locations nationwide, the Authority acknowledges the urgency of addressing potential radiation risks and ensuring the safety and health of the public and personnel operating these devices.
Fazul argues that the law mandates the Authority to regulate the use of security equipment by private security service providers in rendering private security services.
Fazul highlights that walk-through metal detectors and luggage scanners, employing X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bag contents, pose potential health risks due to ionizing radiation with carcinogenic characteristics.
Even minimal X-ray radiation exposure, if consistent, can have health implications over time.
The PSRA is concerned that most of the deployed security equipment operating on X-ray technology has never been subjected to testing, calibration, and routine service, presenting the potential for prolonged exposure to X-ray radiation and conceivable health and safety risks for the general public.
This risk is magnified for private security officers who work 12-hour shifts, operating X-ray-powered security equipment.
To address these concerns, the Authority has developed Radiation Exposure and Safety Protocols guidelines jointly with the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA).
The guidelines aim to ensure the health and safety of private security officers, the primary users of this equipment, and to avert associated health risks associated with prolonged radiation exposure to the general public.
"The design and operation of X-ray metal scanners must adhere to these standards to operate safely within defined allowable limits," Fazul said.
As a requirement, all walk-through metal detectors and luggage scanners shall undergo mandatory calibration and inspection every six months by personnel licensed by the KNRA and PSRA.
The inspection and calibration will determine the operational status, maintenance, detection capabilities, and any deviations or deterioration in operational parameters.
Devices that undergo satisfactory calibration and inspection will be issued a safety compliance certificate, prominently displayed on the equipment during use.
Regular inspection and calibration will ensure that these machines operate within safety guidelines, safeguarding operators and ensuring the public is screened safely without prolonged exposure to ionizing carcinogenic radiation with potential hazardous risks.
In response to these concerns, the PSRA and KNRA will jointly conduct a mandatory audit of all security equipment using X-ray and/or electromagnetic technology to ensure compliance."