One benefit of having a Brimstone EOD Engineer on your site

A second unexploded ordnance (UXO) find in Greater London within just two days has once again highlighted the risks posed by legacy munitions – and the critical role that commercial Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) engineers can play in mitigating these risks efficiently.

Suspected WWII bomb causes major disruption

Recently, a suspected World War Two bomb was discovered near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing, leading to significant traffic disruption. As a safety precaution, authorities closed the bridge, resulting in long queues on the M25 and delays for thousands of commuters.

The Army EOD team responded swiftly, establishing a safety cordon while they assessed the item. Using advanced X-ray technology, they determined that the suspected UXO was in fact a non-hazardous shell with no explosive content. Despite the false alarm, the incident underscores the ongoing presence of legacy ordnance in the UK and the potential for misidentifications to cause costly delays.

The cost of false UXO finds

False UXO finds are more common than many realise. Items such as old gas canisters, metal scrap, and even historical artefacts are frequently mistaken for live ordnance. Understandably, when members of the public or construction teams encounter suspicious objects, they report them to the authorities, leading to the involvement of Ministry of Defence (MoD) EOD teams.

However, the MoD’s EOD units are primarily focused on military-related tasks and national security, meaning they may not always be immediately available for civilian UXO incidents. In some cases, teams travel hundreds of miles to assess a find, leading to delays in construction projects, road closures, and, in extreme cases, evacuations.

The advantage of Brimstone EOD engineer site supervision

Having a Brimstone EOD engineer on-site provides a key advantage: immediate and expert identification of suspect items. Our engineers are highly trained in UXO recognition and risk assessment, allowing them to quickly determine whether an object is a genuine hazard or a harmless piece of metal.

For example, if an excavation team uncovers a partially buried object that resembles ordnance, our EOD engineers can conduct a rapid assessment to establish whether it is a potential UXO threat. If the object is confirmed as non-hazardous, work can continue without disruption. This proactive approach prevents unnecessary project delays, reduces costs, and ensures safety while maintaining operational efficiency.

Nationwide support for your project

With offices strategically located across the UK, Brimstone UXO offers nationwide support for construction, infrastructure, and development projects. Brimstone EOD engineers provide expert guidance at every stage — from desk-based risk assessments to on-site surveys and emergency response services.

If you have an upcoming project that may require UXO risk mitigation, get in touch with our dedicated team to discuss how we can help keep your site safe and operational.

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