23 August 2010
A new mobile x-ray machine will make it easier to screen goods entering the country in emergency situations.
Developed by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) and Otahuhu firm Ashworth and Taylor Sheetmetals, the unit is now operating at the Biosecurity Centre at Auckland Airport.
It can also be used to screen goods at express freight and other importing companies and clear cruise ship passengers at ports.
Wayne Grant, an MAFBNZ inspector, came up with the idea to modify an existing x-ray unit so it could be mounted on a specially designed, custom-built trailer.
He says the machine gives MAFBNZ the ability to provide cover in any location.
“We would be able to move quickly to process passengers and check baggage in emergency situations where x-rays had been damaged or destroyed, such as following fire, water damage or a bomb scare.”
