Frequently Asked Questions

Match the tunnel to the largest item you screen. Handbags and small parcels suit a 504–550 mm tunnel (HS 5030 class); cabin bags and rucksacks need the 610 × 410 mm checkpoint standard (HS 6040); hold baggage and boxes need 810 × 660 mm (HS 8065); oversize items 1010 × 1010 mm; palletised freight 1450–1820 mm.

Our free X-ray tunnel size guide draws every opening to scale, and we'll advise on the right fit at no charge.

A single-view X-ray images each bag from one angle, usually top-down. A dual-view machine images from two angles in one pass, typically top and side, so an item lying edge-on or shielded in one projection is clearly visible in the other. The result: higher detection confidence and better throughput, because fewer bags need repositioning and re-scanning.

The same bag, two views — the side view reveals a weapon that was not easily visible from above.

Yes. RedteQ operates a hire fleet of over 300 screening systems, one of the largest in the UK and Europe, covering X-ray machines of every tunnel size, walk-through metal detectors and complete turnkey checkpoints, from a one-day event to a multi-year contract. See equipment & checkpoint hire.

It depends on tunnel size, single or dual view, and whether new, refurbished, hired or leased suits you best, so we quote every requirement individually, and quickly. Refurbished aviation-standard machines and lease options deliver airport-grade screening at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Tell us what you're screening and we'll recommend the most cost-effective route, with no manufacturer bias.

Yes — multi-brand service is one of our founding strengths. Our manufacturer-certified engineers service and repair equipment from Smiths Detection, Rapiscan, L3/Leidos, Astrophysics, VOTI Detection, XRC (X-ray Centre), Gilardoni, Hissco, CEIA, Garrett and others, including legacy machines the manufacturer no longer supports. On the trace side that includes Morpho / Rapiscan Itemiser DX and 4DX and MobileTrace as well as the Smiths IONSCAN range.

Owning a security X-ray machine puts you under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), and there are five things every operator needs in place. None of them are difficult — they just catch people out at audit.

• Register with the HSE: before the equipment is used. Working with ionising radiation is notifiable, and running a security X-ray counts.
• Appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA): a suitably qualified external adviser, consulted on your setup, your risk assessment and your local rules. Ask us and we'll recommend one — we work with HSE registered RPAs and can point you at the right person rather than leaving you to search.
• Appoint and train a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS): one of your own people, responsible for making sure the local rules are followed day to day. IRR17 requires them to be suitably trained, and we run a certified RPS course.
• Give everyone radiation awareness training: IRR17 requires adequate information, instruction and training for every employee working with ionising radiation — the people loading the belt, not just the person who signs the paperwork. Our awareness course is certificated.
• Train your operators on the machine itself: safe operation, daily checks, what the safety systems do and what to do when something looks wrong. That's separate from radiation training and just as important.

Alongside those you'll need a documented radiation risk assessment, written local rules, and evidence the machine is safe — which is what a radiation survey provides. RedteQ can help with all of it, and we'd rather you asked us early than discovered the gap during an inspection.

Best practice, and the expectation of most Radiation Protection Advisers, is a documented radiation survey at least annually, plus after any event that could affect shielding: a repair, a relocation, or damage to lead curtains or panels. We carry out independent radiation surveys on machines of any brand and can build them into your maintenance plan.

Yes. NeuralGuard connects between your existing X-ray machine and its monitor, no machine replacement, no firmware changes, and automatically flags firearms, knives, ammunition, explosives and IED components in milliseconds. It can also stop the belt automatically when a threat is detected, so nothing passes unchecked.

Less than most people expect. Most checkpoint X-ray machines run from a standard UK 13A socket, and compact models like the HS 5030 EVO2 fit through a standard 825 mm doorway. Larger hold-baggage and cargo systems may need three-phase power and route planning for delivery. We confirm power, access routes and floor loading in a free site survey before anything is ordered.

Tunnel size and duty. Baggage X-rays (roughly 500–650 mm tunnels) screen handbags, rucksacks and cabin bags at checkpoints. Parcel and hold-baggage systems (810–1010 mm) handle boxes, suitcases and courier freight. Cargo systems (1450–1820 mm tunnels, like the HS 1818 DV) swallow full pallets, drums and bulk freight for ports, customs and air cargo. See the full X-ray range.

Smiths Detection, Rapiscan, L3/Leidos, Astrophysics, VOTI Detection, XRC (X-ray Centre), Gilardoni, Hissco, CEIA and Garrett among others — X-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors and explosives trace detectors. Multi-brand, nationwide, with IRR17-compliant X-ray servicing as standard. See service & repair.

Yes. Breakdown response is available nationwide and prioritised by service plan — up to all-inclusive TotalCare with the fastest response commitments. At covered events our engineers have fixed faults on site in under an hour.

Yes. RedteQ started life as a maintenance and support business, so having parts on the shelf for immediate repair has always been part of who we are. Our Hampshire stores hold X-ray generators, controllers and PCs, conveyor belts, rollers and motors, lead curtains, monitors, boards, sensors, keys and consumables. In fact, all parts for the systems we supply and support, backed by serviceable parts reclaimed through our certified strip-down programme. Fitted by our engineers or shipped to yours. See spare parts & consumables.

As a minimum: an annual service including an IRR17-compliant radiation survey for X-ray machines, with image quality and detection verification. Explosives trace detectors should be serviced at least twice a year, because of the nature of their components and consumables.

Beyond that it all depends on usage. A machine screening thousands of bags a day needs more attention than one in a quiet reception, so we fully customise service contracts around your site's throughput and operating environment. A planned schedule is cheaper than breakdowns, and keeps your compliance file audit-ready.

Yes — supporting machines the manufacturer has walked away from is something we're known for. Reclaimed and verified parts from our certified strip-down programme keep legacy machines running, and when a machine truly reaches the end we handle certified decommissioning, recycling and disposal, with a certificate for your records.