Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is occasionally discovered during construction and excavation works across the UK.
These items may remain from wartime bombing campaigns, military training activity or historical defence infrastructure.
When suspected ordnance is discovered on a construction site, work must stop immediately until the item has been assessed and managed safely.
Understanding the correct procedures helps ensure the safety of personnel while minimising disruption to the construction programme.
If a suspicious object is discovered during excavation or groundworks, the following steps should be taken.
• Stop work in the immediate area
• Prevent further disturbance of the object
• Establish a safe exclusion zone
• Inform the site supervisor or project manager
• Contact a UXO specialist for assessment
Construction
personnel should never attempt to move or handle suspected ordnance
UXO can remain buried underground for many decades following wartime activity.
Construction and development projects may encounter ordnance when excavation reaches previously undisturbed ground.
Common risk environments include:
• Areas affected by wartime bombing
• Former industrial or transport infrastructure
• Redevelopment of brownfield land
• Sites near historic military facilities or airfields
• Deep excavations for foundations or services
When suspected ordnance is reported, UXO specialists attend the site to assess the object and determine the appropriate course of action.
This may involve:
• Visual assessment of the item
• Identification of potential ordnance types
• Implementation of safety procedures
• Liaison with emergency services if required.
In many cases, the item may turn out to be harmless scrap metal or construction debris.
However, specialist assessment is essential to ensure site safety.
The best way to avoid disruption caused by UXO is to identify potential risk before construction begins.
UXO risk assessments and mitigation measures can be implemented during the planning and pre-construction phases of a project.
Early identification allows developers and contractors to manage risk safely without unexpected delays during excavation works.
If suspected ordnance has been discovered on your construction site, specialist advice should be obtained immediately.
UXOS provides professional UXO risk mitigation services for construction and infrastructure projects across the UK.
Our experienced EOD specialists support developers, contractors and project teams by assessing and managing unexploded ordnance risk on site.
We work closely with construction teams to ensure projects proceed safely and efficiently.