UXO Risk Assessments: Is Your Site at Risk of Unexploded Ordnance?

If you’re planning a project that involves groundworks – whether for construction, infrastructure, or land development – it’s essential to consider the potential presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on site. A UXO risk assessment helps you identify the likelihood of encountering buried munitions, ensuring your project can proceed safely and without costly disruptions.

UXO refers to explosive devices or military ammunition that failed to detonate as intended. While World War II bombs are a common concern, unexploded ordnance in the UK can include artillery shells, grenades, rockets, and even more recent military debris. These hazards may be buried on former military sites, in areas subjected to historic bombing, or near former training grounds.

Why is a UXO Risk Assessment important?

Although most parts of the UK have a low risk of UXO contamination, some areas, particularly near former military sites or in cities heavily bombed during WWII, carry a higher risk. Failing to conduct a proper UXO assessment can lead to project delays, increased costs, and serious safety hazards.

A professional UXO risk assessment provides:

• Clarity and confidence before breaking ground.
• Risk mitigation strategies if UXO is suspected.
• Compliance with industry standards and health and safety regulations.

Our UXO Risk Assessment process

1. Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment

The first step in the process is a preliminary UXO risk assessment, designed to quickly determine whether further investigation is necessary.

At Brimstone UXO, our expert research team conducts a thorough historical review of your site, using a combination of:

• Primary and secondary sources, such as wartime records, bombing maps, and military archives.
• Historical aerial photography and geological data to identify potential ground disturbances.

We then provide a report with a risk rating and clear recommendations. In many cases, the preliminary assessment is enough to rule out the need for further UXO services, saving you time and money.

Turnaround time: Our team delivers preliminary assessments within 24 to 48-hours, without using automated systems, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

2. Detailed UXO Risk Assessment

If the preliminary report identifies a potential UXO risk or your site is located near former military grounds, we recommend a detailed UXO risk assessment.

This in-depth evaluation includes:

• Advanced historical research into military activity, bomb strikes, and post-war clearance efforts.
• Analysis of ground conditions and the likely penetration depth of buried ordnance.
• Identification of specific UXO types that may be present in the area.

The detailed assessment provides a comprehensive risk profile and mitigation plan tailored to your project.

3. Quantitative UXO Risk Assessment

For complex or high-risk sites, we offer quantitative UXO risk assessments that use mathematical modelling to provide a precise risk probability.

By factoring in:

• Bomb density data from historic records.
• Ground disturbance patterns from construction and land use history.
• Site-specific conditions such as soil composition and water tables.

We can calculate the statistical likelihood of UXO being present, helping you make data-driven decisions about next steps.

Next steps: mitigation and follow-up services

If a UXO risk is identified, Brimstone UXO offers a range of follow-up services, including:

• UXO surveys using advanced detection technology.
• Intrusive investigations to locate and assess potential targets.
• UXO disposal and clearance, carried out by our qualified bomb disposal experts.
• Peer reviews of third-party assessments to verify their accuracy and conclusions.

As a Ministry of Defence-approved contractor, you can trust Brimstone UXO’s expertise and thorough approach.

Get a UXO Risk Assessment today

Don’t leave UXO safety to chance. Contact Brimstone UXO today for a reliable, cost-effective risk assessment.

• Visit our website to learn more about our UXO services and request a quote.
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