Best Practices for Testing Walk-Through Metal Detectors (WTMDs)

                Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Security Equipment Guide

Purpose

This document outlines best practices for testing Walk-Through Metal Detectors (WTMDs) to ensure they are operating effectively, consistently, and safely within the parameters set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

1. Pre-Test Preparation

a. Equipment Inspection

• Verify that the WTMD is powered and all components are intact.
  
  

• Ensure the device is level and positioned according to manufacturer guidelines.
  
  

• Inspect for environmental interference, such as:
  
  

  • Electrical Noise (EN)
    
    

  • Mechanical Noise (MN)
    
    

b. Calibration Confirmation

• Confirm the detectors have been powered on and are ready for use (steady green light at the top of the poles).
  
  

• Ensure the system is set to the correct International Standard (IS) and Sensitivity level to detect target threat items.
  
  

2. Testing Procedures

a. Daily Functionality Check

• Conduct a basic pass-through to confirm the WTMD is operational.
  
  

• Select ‘Start WDS Test’ on the Operator tablet to enter test mode (10-minute duration).
  
  

b. Detection Capability Testing
 Use DHS-approved test pieces:

• Ferrous metal (AM7)

• Non-ferrous metal (AN7)
  
  

Baseline Test Protocol

• Walk the AM7 test piece through the center, left, and right paths of the WTMD in the 9 zones shown in the image below. 

• The Athena WDS will track and log each detection alert automatically to the Athena Control Center.
  
  

Threat Object Simulation

• Conceal test items at various body heights (ankle, waist, shoulder).
  
  

• Maintain a consistent walking pace during testing.
  
  

c. Repeatability and Consistency

• Perform multiple runs with the same test piece to assess detection consistency.
  
  

3. Data Recording and Reporting

a. Testing Log Submission

• After completing the test, select ‘Done Test’ on the Operator tablet.
  
  

• You will be prompted to complete a test report including:
  
  

  • Serial Number (SN) of the detector tested
    
    

  • Date and time of the test
    
    

  • Test piece used
    
    

  • First and last name of the officer conducting the test
    
    

  • Any corrective actions taken if a test pass failed
    
    

4. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

a. Troubleshooting Steps

• If performance issues arise, contact Athena 24/7 Support at +1-833-928-4362
  
  

• Use diagnostic tools to assess sources of Electrical or Mechanical Noise (EN/MN)
  
  

5. Compliance and Audit Readiness

• All testing logs are stored on the Athena Control Center platform and can be retrieved by a designated security administrator.
  
  

• WTMD systems should be tested at a minimum once per week.
  
  

• Additional testing should be conducted:
  
  

  • After power restoration
    
    

  • Prior to major events
    
    

  • After any sensitivity adjustments
    
    

  • Any time WTMD performance is in question
    
    

6. DHS Guidelines: Testing and Documentation

Per Section 8.2 of the DHS WTMD Best Practices:

Testing and documenting WTMDs to ensure they are properly operating is a critical component of a localized security plan. This allows security administrators to verify that the equipment has been properly installed and maintained.

Key DHS Recommendations:

• Use the manufacturer’s instruction manual procedures to test the WTMD and confirm operational standards.
  
  

• Test the WTMD daily to ensure operability and identify maintenance needs.
  
  

• Incorporate testing after:
  
  

  • Restoration of power

  • Sensitivity adjustments

  • Prior to events or deployments
    
    

• Ensure sensitivity levels address localized, risk-based, and intelligence-driven concerns.
  
  

• Maintain a unique, lifecycle-based testing and maintenance log for each unit. This should include:
  
  

  • Pass/fail results

  • Parts ordered

Maintenance actions performed

Process for testing with the Athena Weapons Detection System: 

1. On the Operator tablet select the ‘Start WDS test’ at the bottom of the screen - this will put the system into test mode for 10 minutes or until you press ‘Done Test’ on the Operator. 

2. Walk through with the AM7 or AN7 test piece in all 9 zones as shown in the image below. 

3. Once you have tested in all 9 zones, select the ‘Done Test’ button on the bottom of the operator tablet

4. Complete the ‘Compliance Record of Testing WDS’

5. All of the test data is saved to the database on Athena Control Center