Debunking UXO Myths: What You Need to Know About Unexploded Ordnance
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a present and pressing concern in many areas of the world. Despite its importance, we know that UXO is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to confusion and, in some circumstances, even dangerous situations.
Understanding the reality of UXO is crucial for anyone who lives or works in areas affected by past conflicts or military activity. That’s why we’re debunking some common UXO myths, shedding light on the truths that everyone should know.
UXO only exists in war zones
One of the most widespread misconceptions is that UXO is only a concern in current or recent war zones. While it’s true that war-torn regions often have significant UXO contamination, it’s important to remember the issue is not confined to these areas.
UXO can be found around the world, including in places that haven’t seen active conflict in decades or even centuries. Former military training grounds, testing sites, manufacturing locations and areas where conflicts once took place are all potential hotspots for UXO.
Practice bombs aren’t dangerous
A UXO myth we hear a lot at Brimstone is that practice bombs aren’t dangerous. We’ve said it time and time again: this is not true!
Practice ammunition, sometimes called duds or dummy rounds, often contain explosive substances. Even though this substance is a fraction of the size that would be used in fully operational items of ordnance, it is still incredibly dangerous and could cause significant damage and harm.
While we’re on the subject of practice bombs, another myth we’ve seen floating around online is that practice bombs are always blue. While more modern practice bombs are often coloured blue, it doesn’t mean all practice ammunition is this colour. It’s also important to remember that years of degradation can mean these items are no longer the same colour as when they were fired and might look very different.
If it hasn’t exploded, it’s safe
Another dangerous misconception is the belief that if an item of ordnance hasn’t exploded, it’s no longer a threat.
The reality is that UXO can be extremely dangerous, with the potential to cause serious damage to nearby infrastructure, and injure or kill those in close vicinity if it were to detonate.
UXO can degrade over time, becoming more volatile and dangerous, however, it will not spontaneously explode. There are many factors that could create the conditions needed for a detonation to occur, such as a change in temperature, vibration or a direct impact, for example from piling or excavation works. In some cases, the clock timer in the fuse may be restarted if the item is disturbed.
Just because a piece of ordnance has been dormant for a long time doesn’t mean it’s safe!
UXO is easy to spot
Some people assume that UXO is always easy to identify – a rusting bomb lying on the surface, for example. However, UXO can take many forms and isn’t always visible. It might be buried underground, hidden in dense vegetation, or submerged in water.
Furthermore, UXO isn’t limited to bombs; it includes grenades, landmines, shells, and other military munitions. These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, can look old and rusty, or appear like new.
The fact that items of UXO aren’t a particular size or shape, and sometimes don’t look dangerous at all, contributes to what makes them so deadly. Identifying UXO requires specialised training and equipment, and even experts must proceed with extreme caution.
It is also important to remember that the size or shape of UXO does not indicate its potential danger. Even small items of UXO can cause serious damage, injury or worse if handled incorrectly.
Only military personnel need to worry about UXO
While military personnel, particularly those involved in operations or training in areas with UXO, do need to be aware of the dangers, the risks extend far beyond the military.
Civilians, especially those living, working, or engaging in recreational activities in areas with a history of military activity or conflicts, can also be at risk.
Farmers, construction workers, and even hikers may inadvertently come across UXO from time to time. This is why public awareness, education and UXO risk mitigation services are vital to prevent accidents and ensure that individuals know what to do if they encounter a suspicious item.
If a site has been developed, the UXO risk is automatically mitigated
We get asked this question fairly frequently at Brimstone, and we understand why, however, just because a site has been developed or built on, it does not automatically mean the UXO risk is mitigated.
The answer to whether the UXO risk has been mitigated will depend on several factors including:
- What types of UXO are potentially contaminating the site.
- How the development on the site was carried out (shallow excavations, deep piling works etc.)
- Whether UXO risk mitigation activities were conducted on the site previously (was a risk assessment completed, has there been a UXO survey etc.)
While development works can reduce certain risks, it might not eliminate them. UXO can still be present underground, posing a risk during activities like excavation, drilling, or piling. The only way to ensure a site is truly safe is by working with a company like Brimstone to understand the UXO risks on your particular site and how your proposed works could encounter these risks.
UXO is only found in cities
It’s easy to think that unexploded ordnance is primarily an urban problem, but that’s another UXO myth. UXO can be found in rural areas, forests, farmland, and even remote locations.
In the UK, rural areas were used for military training, weapons testing, manufacturing, and defence activities during WWI and WWII, and they can still harbour dangerous UXO today. People conducting ground investigation works in these areas need to be just as vigilant as those in more urban environments.
One final UXO myth – If a site has been farmed or ploughed, UXO is no longer a concern
Farming and ploughing do not guarantee that UXO risks have been mitigated. In fact, agricultural activities can sometimes disturb and bring UXO closer to the surface, increasing the risk of detonation. Even if the land has been farmed for years without incident, UXO could still be present and dangerous!
Partnering with Brimstone UXO
The myths and misconceptions surrounding UXO can lead to dangerous situations and prevent the proper handling of these potentially deadly items. By raising awareness and promoting accurate information, we can help ensure that UXO is treated with the seriousness it deserves, reducing risks and protecting communities around the world.
At Brimstone, we specialise in UXO risk mitigation services, offering comprehensive solutions that include the detection, identification, and safe disposal of unexploded ordnance. Don’t leave safety to chance. If you have an upcoming construction or development project that requires UXO support, reach out to our Commercial Team.
Always remember: if you suspect something might be UXO, don’t touch it, move away from the area, and contact the authorities immediately. Safety must always come first.
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