UXO Risk Assessments

We assess, detect, and remove UXO-safely, expertly, and without delay

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RISK assessment 

UXO Risk Assessment

A UXO risk assessment is a structured process designed to identify the likelihood of encountering unexploded ordnance (UXO) on or near a project site.  It draws on historic evidence, military records, aerial imagery and other specialist data to determine whether there is a significant risk, and if further investigation or mitigation is needed.

 UXO risk assessments are not just a paperwork essential, or a tick box exercise designed to slow your project’s progress.  They’re a critical part of pre-construction due diligence, health and safety compliance, and site viability planning.

 

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Why You Need a UXO Risk Assessment

Unexploded bombs, grenades, mortars and shells still lie beneath the ground on thousands of sites across the UK.  From WWII high explosive bombs in London to buried training munitions in rural Wales, the risks are real and disturbingly common.

 A professional UXO risk assessment is essential for these 5 key reasons:

  1. Safety first: protect lives on site and in surrounding areas
  2. Legal compliance: meet duties under CDM 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  3. Project continuity: avoid costly delays, evacuations and emergency responses
  4. Insurance validity: demonstrate due diligence in your risk management
  5. Peace of mind: be confident your project is built on safe, assessed ground

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What’s Involved in a UXO Risk Assessment?

At BACTEC, we follow a robust, industry-aligned process informed by CIRIA C681 guidelines and decades of combined expertise.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

1. Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment (Desktop Study)

The first stage of assessment includes:

  • Bomb census maps (identifying recorded hits and likely unrecorded drops)
  • WWII Luftwaffe target data (to assess deliberate targeting of, for example, industrial or military sites)
  • Military and munitions archives
  • Historic land use mapping (to identify former training grounds, airfields, factories etc.)
  • Aerial photography analysis (to spot cratering, infill, scars)
  • Geological and topographical considerations

All this generates a qualitative risk rating from low to moderate or high; this determines next steps.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

2. Detailed UXO Risk Assessment

If your preliminary study identifies a potential threat, we conduct a more detailed risk assessment considering the following:

  • Type and depth of planned works
  • Proximity of anomalies to proposed construction
  • Specific site features (e.g. basements, waterfronts, reclaimed land)
  • Cumulative likelihood of disturbance

From here, we can design a suitable mitigation strategy which could include survey, supervision, or standby support.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

What Happens Next?

If a risk is confirmed, or cannot be ruled out, our assessment feeds directly into the next stage: UXO survey and mitigation.

This can include:

  • Non-intrusive survey (using magnetometry or drone-based geophysics)
  • Intrusive target investigation (probing or borehole clearance)
  • UXO supervision (standby engineer during groundworks)
  • Full clearance or controlled disposal

The earlier a UXO risk is identified, the more options you will have and the fewer delays you’ll face.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

What Makes Us Different?

At BACTEC, we bring more than just UXO specialists, we bring a multi-disciplinary team with deep construction, geotechnical and risk management experience.

We’re trusted by clients across construction, utilities, infrastructure and renewables for our rapid turnaround with risk assessments delivered on your schedule.

We have historical data expertise, from national archives to local records, and deliver clear, no-fluff reporting.  You get readable risk summaries and actionable guidance.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

Who Needs a UXO Risk Assessment?

You do!  You should commission a UXO risk assessment if you're involved in any of the following:

  • Piling, drilling or excavation
  • Brownfield redevelopment
  • Urban or coastal infrastructure
  • Flood defences and remediation
  • Utilities, renewables, or marine engineering
  • Housing or school construction in historic areas

Still not sure if your site needs one?  
Let’s talk and we can determine whether you need one or not based on your site and your project plan. 
But remember, a quick desktop risk assessment can make the difference between a routine build and a costly shutdown

Frequently Asked Questions (UXO Risk Assessment FAQ)

What is a UXO risk assessment?

A UXO risk assessment is a report that evaluates whether unexploded ordnance may be present on your site, based on historical and site-specific information.

Is a UXO risk assessment a legal requirement?

While not always mandatory, UXO risk assessments are strongly recommended under health and safety law, including CDM Regulations 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work Act.

How do I know if my site is at risk?

Sites in bombed cities, near former military facilities, or on reclaimed land are more likely to be at risk.  However, UXO has been found in surprising places: even schools and gardens.

How long does a UXO risk assessment take?

Desktop assessments can be completed in a few working days.  More detailed assessments or follow-up surveys may take longer, depending on site conditions and scope.

Can I skip this if nothing has been found before?

No; lack of prior discoveries is not proof of safety.  UXO may be present without any surface evidence.

What if we find UXO on our site?

Stop work immediately, evacuate the area, and contact the police on 999.  

Ready to Assess Your Site?

Don’t leave safety to chance.

Get your site assessed by trusted UXO experts with the data, experience and technology to protect your people and your project.