UNDERSTAND | RECOGNISE | MANAGE | STAY SAFE
What is UXO?
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is the term used for explosive ordnance that has been fired, dropped, launched, projected or otherwise deployed but has failed to function as intended.
Although an item may have remained undisturbed for decades, it can still contain explosive components and should therefore be treated as potentially hazardous.​Practical UXO watching brief support for developers, contractors and groundworks teams, helping you manage unexploded ordnance risk with confidence.
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Why is UXO a risk?
Bombs
Air-dropped bombs were used extensively during both World Wars and can still be encountered during construction and redevelopment works.
These can range considerably in size and may include high-explosive, incendiary and other specialist types
Artillery Shells
Artillery projectiles were fired from land-based and naval guns and can vary from relatively small calibre ammunition to much larger projectiles.
Unexploded examples may remain buried within the ground or be encountered during excavation.
Mortar Bombs
Mortar ammunition was widely used during military training and conflict and can still be found on former military land, training areas and other affected sites.
Rockets and Missiles
Military rockets and missile components can also present a UXO hazard, particularly on former ranges, military sites and areas associated with historic training or operational activity.
Mines
Anti-personnel, anti-tank and other military mines may remain hazardous where they have not been cleared or where their presence has not previously been identified.
Grenades and Small Arms Ammunition
Grenades, ammunition and other smaller military items can also be encountered during excavation and groundworks.
Their smaller size should not be taken as an indication that they are safe to handle or disturb.
Can Still Be Hazardous
Age does not automatically make unexploded ordnance safe.
Explosive components can remain present long after an item was originally deployed.
Unpredictable Condition
Burial, corrosion, deterioration and previous disturbance can affect the condition of an item.
Its appearance alone cannot reliably determine whether it remains hazardous.
Risk to People, Property and Projects
Unexpected UXO can present a risk to personnel and can also cause significant disruption to construction programmes.
Appropriate planning and UXO risk mitigation can help manage that risk before and during intrusive works.
Common types of UXO
Where Is UXO Found?
UXO can potentially be encountered throughout the UK, although some locations present a greater historical risk than others.
These can include areas affected by wartime bombing, former or current military land, firing ranges, training areas, airfields, ports, coastal defence locations and sites associated with historic military activity.
UXO can be encountered on brownfield and greenfield sites, in both urban and rural locations, and at varying depths below the existing ground surface.
Previous development does not necessarily mean that all UXO risk has been removed
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