UXOS provides UXO risk assessments, watching briefs, and soil screening services for construction, utilities, and infrastructure projects across the UK. Our EOD engineers support safe groundworks in accordance with CIRIA C681 guidelines.
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) refers to bombs, shells, and munitions that failed to detonate during past conflicts and remain buried underground.
In the UK, UXO is commonly found in areas affected by WWII bombing, former military training grounds, and coastal defence locations. These items can pose a serious risk during construction and excavation works.
UXO watching briefs are required where there is a risk of unexploded ordnance being present on a site, particularly during intrusive groundworks and construction activities.
You may require a UXO watching brief in the following situations:
During excavation and ground penetration works, particularly on large or deep developments, there is an increased risk of encountering unexploded ordnance.
Any intrusive groundworks such as trenching, piling, Archaeology, drilling, or foundation works may disturb buried ordnance and require EOD supervision.
Sites located in areas known to have been targeted during wartime bombing campaigns are at higher risk and often require mitigation measures, as do all former military bases and training areas.
Local authorities may require a UXO watching brief as part of planning approval, particularly on brownfield or historically sensitive land.
UXOS provides qualified EOD engineers to support UXO watching briefs across construction and infrastructure projects throughout the UK.
