Originally called the AVS DDIV (Database of Demining Incidents and Victims), this database was renamed the DDAS (Database of Demining AccidentS) in 2001 by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), who took temporary control of the database but did not maintain it.
In 2006, all control reverted to me as the originator of the database, Andy Smith (AVS). The DDAS and the DDIV are the same thing.
The DDIV/DDAS records have been put online so that people involved in Humanitarian Mine Action can see the records and learn from them.
The Database of Demining Incidents and Victims began in 1998 when I was asked by US ARMY CECOM NVESD to gather accident records as part of my work for them. I agreed, but did not expect to be able to get much information without the authority of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS). I was wrong. I was able to gather hundreds of records without any special authority. But today the support of the UN Mine Action Service is necessary to enhance access to accident records.
I gathered so much information that I could not manage it without creating a software database for the purpose. NVESD did not want that database (having made their own using the text files I handed in) so I paid for the software to be written, added records and distributed the DDIV at my own expense (and with NVESD agreement) during 1998 and 1999. My thanks especially Colonel George Zahaczewsky, who was far sighted enough to see how useful incident data could be.
See http://www.state.gov/t/pm/rls/fs/22948.htm September 1998.
The DDIV was an invaluable asset during the revision of the Copenhagen UNMAS Mine Action Standards. That revision resulted in the current International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). I have been a member of the IMAS Board since it started, and the DDAS continues to provide the Board with the only coordinated evidence of field activity and accidents.
Th Intellectual Property Rights and day to day management of the DDIV/DDAS belong to Andy Smith (www.nolandmines.com).
Not all accident records are on line. The actual database always holds more records than are on line.
To ask a question, send an email to avs(at)nolandmines.com