UXO Risk Assessment_
A UXO Risk Assessment is the essential first step in managing unexploded ordnance risks on your site. Using detailed historical research, we examine your land’s military history and the impact of post-war developments. Our tailored reports provide practical, site-specific recommendations that support safe and efficient project delivery.
Not sure which type of UXO assessment you need? Contact us today to talk through your options.
STAGE 1
Preliminary UXO Risk Assessments_
A Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment is a desktop-based study that identifies whether your site is likely to be affected by past military activity. Our in-house researchers assess available data on wartime activity near your land to determine whether UXO risks are present and whether further investigation is necessary.
Most sites in the UK return a low risk rating. With a typical 24 to 48-hour turnaround, our preliminary assessments offer the fastest and most cost-effective way to move your project forward. We don’t use automated systems – every report is built using primary and secondary sources, interpreted by experienced researchers.
STAGE 2
Detailed UXO Risk Assessments_
A Detailed UXO Risk Assessment is required if your site has a known or suspected military history. This stage involves in-depth research into wartime activity, construction methods, and the potential for UXO contamination. Our team considers factors such as bombing density, munition types, and post-war development to evaluate how risks may present on your site today.
Where appropriate, we divide your site into risk zones – identifying areas of higher or lower UXO risk. This allows for more targeted mitigation strategies, helping to reduce unnecessary costs and delays in the planning or construction process.
Need results faster? Our EDRA service provides the same rigorous analysis with a streamlined format and quicker turnaround. Essential site-specific data is prioritised in the main report, while background information and context are included in a supplementary document. Optional extras like maps or imagery can be provided upon request.
When your UXO Risk Assessment should be carried out_
A UXO Risk Assessment should be carried out as early as possible, ideally during the planning or pre-construction phase. Early assessment helps avoid unexpected delays, supports compliance with health and safety duties, and ensures that any risks are identified before groundworks begin. Even if a site has been developed before or seems low risk, deeper or more intrusive works can uncover hazards that have remained buried for decades. If you’re unsure whether your site needs an assessment, our team can advise on the most appropriate next steps.
Third Party Peer Review_
Concerned about a UXO risk assessment from another provider?
We can evaluate their work by looking at their sources and analysis. From our experience the quality of research across the industry can be highly variable. We add confidence to your risk assessments and provide you with more realistic and appropriate UXO risk mitigation services where possible.
Recent Projects Involving UXO Risk Assessments_
Frequently Asked Questions_
A UXO Risk Assessment identifies the potential for unexploded ordnance to be present and encountered on a site, based on its location, history, and intended groundworks. The findings help developers, landowners and contractors make informed decisions about safety and project planning.
If your works involve ground disturbance and the site hasn’t been assessed before, it’s important to check. Even areas with no recorded bombing can still be affected by UXO due to military training, manufacturing, or munitions storage. A Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment is a quick and cost-effective way to find out if there’s a credible risk.
Yes. Just because nothing has been found before doesn’t mean the risk isn’t present. UXO can remain undisturbed underground for decades, and new or deeper groundworks could expose it for the first time.
There is no specific legal requirement to carry out a UXO Risk Assessment, but employers and developers have a duty of care under health and safety legislation to assess and mitigate potential risks, including those from unexploded ordnance. Failing to do so could result in delays, increased costs, or even prosecution in the event of an incident.
A Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment (Stage 1) is an initial screening that highlights whether there’s a credible UXO risk based on historical data. It’s a fast and affordable way to determine if more investigation is needed.
A Detailed UXO Risk Assessment (Stage 2) builds on the preliminary findings and provides a comprehensive analysis of potential UXO sources, using extensive research and site-specific factors.
If a potential UXO risk is identified, we’ll guide you through the most appropriate next steps to keep your project moving safely. This could involve a targeted UXO survey to detect possible items underground, or measures like on-site UXO supervision during intrusive works. The recommended approach will depend on the level of risk, site conditions, and the scope of your planned activity.
Need help with UXO but not sure where to start?
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