How a UXO Watching Brief Supports Geotechnical Work

On sites with a history of wartime or military activity, the unexpected discovery of a suspicious object during a ground investigation can bring work to a standstill, sometimes for days at a time. A UXO Watching Brief is designed to prevent exactly this kind of disruption, allowing geotechnical projects to proceed safely and without unnecessary delay.

What is a UXO Watching Brief?

A UXO Watching Brief provides continuous monitoring of intrusive ground activities by a qualified UXO engineer. Unlike pre-construction UXO surveys, which may not always be practical in certain ground conditions or for certain project types, a Watching Brief relies on real-time visual inspection during the works themselves.

For geotechnical teams, this means an experienced UXO engineer is on site throughout, observing ground-breaking activities such as trial pitting, reduced digs, and excavation work, supporting machine operators and engineers with immediate advice, and identifying and assessing any suspicious items uncovered. If ordnance is suspected, the engineer can escalate the situation instantly and implement emergency procedures. If the item is harmless, the team gets back to work without significant downtime. The result is reassurance for contractors and geotechnical investigations that can move forward without unnecessary delay.

Why UXO Watching Briefs Matter for Geotechnical Investigations

Geotechnical work is often conducted on tight schedules, with data on soil strength, groundwater conditions, and contamination essential for design decisions further down the line. A Watching Brief keeps projects on track by:

• Minimising disruption, so trial pits and boreholes can proceed with less risk of extended stoppages
• Putting on-site expertise directly alongside engineers and drillers
• Enabling rapid response, so potential finds are dealt with quickly without long delays
• Protecting confidence in the results, since ground data can be gathered without compromise.

In short, a Watching Brief keeps safety and productivity in balance, crucial for geotechnical contractors working to tight programmes.

Compliance and Best Practice

While there is no single piece of legislation dedicated to UXO management, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the CDM Regulations 2015 require employers to protect their staff and contractors from foreseeable risks. The industry standard for managing UXO hazards is set out in CIRIA C681, which provides guidance on assessing and mitigating UXO risks, particularly those linked to WWI and WWII aerial bombardment. By implementing a UXO Watching Brief, geotechnical teams demonstrate that they are following best practice and taking proactive steps to manage risk. The decision on whether a Watching Brief is the right measure usually follows from a UXO risk assessment, and a Watching Brief is one of several forms of on-site support that can be deployed at different points in a project timeline.

Why Choose Brimstone for UXO Watching Briefs?

At Brimstone, we understand how critical ground investigations are to the success of construction projects. Our highly trained UXO engineers have extensive experience supporting geotechnical teams across the UK, from small-scale investigations to large infrastructure schemes. We work seamlessly alongside contractors, providing practical, real-time reassurance for site teams, tailored solutions that fit your programme and site conditions, and clear communication so everyone on site understands the risks and procedures. A Watching Brief with Brimstone gives geotechnical teams the confidence to proceed, knowing risks are being actively managed throughout the works.

Planning Geotechnical Investigations?

If you’re preparing for site investigations and want to ensure they progress safely and without unnecessary disruption, Brimstone can help. Our UXO Watching Briefs are designed to support geotechnical projects of all sizes, ensuring your team stays safe, your schedule stays on track, and your data is delivered without delays.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next geotechnical investigation.

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