Detailed UXO Risk Assessment & Risk Mitigation Plan

Comprehensive Risk Assessment for Enhanced Safety and Confidence

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) refers to military munitions left behind from past conflicts or military activities that remain hazardous for extended periods, potentially decades or even centuries. This includes items such as unexploded bombs, artillery projectiles, grenades and landmines, all of which carry the risk of detonation.

An effective UXO risk management process is critical to identify, evaluate and mitigate these potential hazards before initiating construction or land use activities.

Following your preliminary UXO risk assessment, the next step in safeguarding your construction or development project, is a Detailed UXO Risk Assessments (DRA) and comprehensive Risk Mitigation Plan to manage unexploded ordnance (UXO) risks effectively. 

Artios Global provides comprehensive UXO DRAs inside a quick turnaround time to facilitate informed decision making. By strictly adhering to the established standards of the CIRIA C681 UXO risk management process, we ensure a robust approach to safety, minimising potential disruptions, and achieving the As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) risk level for our clients.

What is a Detailed UXO Risk Assessment & Risk Mitigation Plan?

A Detailed Risk Assessment (DRA) is undertaken when a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA) identifies heightened levels of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) risk that warrant further examination. While the PRA provides a broad, high-level overview of potential risks, the DRA delivers a meticulous, in-depth evaluation designed to quantify risks and implement strategies to mitigate them effectively. 

The primary objective of the DRA is to reduce identified risks to an As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) level, aligning with best practices in UXO risk management. This process is critical to ensuring the safety of personnel and the protection of assets while maintaining operational continuity. By addressing the specific challenges posed by UXO hazards, the DRA plays a pivotal role in minimising disruptions and enabling the safe execution of construction, redevelopment and infrastructure projects in affected areas.

Why Is UXO Risk Management Necessary?

Artios Global provides CIRIA C681 compliant UXO risk assessments at critical stages of project development. These assessments are designed to comprehensively evaluate and address potential UXO risks, supporting safe, compliant and efficient project execution.

  • Ensuring the safety of on-site personnel and surrounding communities is paramount. Proper mitigation measures reduce the risk of potentially fatal detonations from unexploded ordnance (UXO), safeguarding both human life and infrastructure.

  • Adherence to safety standards is a critical component of risk management. Compliance with industry legislation, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) in the UK, underscores a commitment to operational and legal integrity.

  • Unexpected UXO discoveries can result in significant project delays, unplanned costs and reputational harm. Proactive measures to identify and address these risks ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget, minimising disruptions to stakeholders. 

CIRIA C681 UXO Management Framework

CIRIA C681 is a highly regarded and authoritative guide for managing UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) risks within the construction industry. It presents a structured and methodical framework designed to address these risks effectively, ensuring safety, compliance and project continuity.

  • Stage 1: Preliminary Risk Assessment

  • Stage 2: Detailed Risk Assessment

  • Stage 3: Risk Mitigation Plan Development

  • Stage 4: On-Site Mitigation Activities

Artios Global specialises in delivering comprehensive support for Stages 1–3 of the CIRIA C681 framework. Our practical approach is rooted in  in evidence based methodologies, ensuring the delivery of robust and realistic risk assessments.

Artios Global’s Strategic Approach to Detailed Risk Assessments

Artios Global employs a methodical, evidence based, and highly detailed approach to DRAs, combining advanced research techniques, technological tools and specialist expertise. Each Detailed UXO Risk Assessment is tailored to the specific characteristics and historical context of the site, ensuring a robust understanding of UXO risks.

  • Historical Research: Conducting thorough investigations of local and national archives to uncover relevant historical records, pinpointing wartime activities or incidents that may have led to UXO contamination. This includes reviewing bombing data, military training records and post-war clearance efforts.  

  • Archived Aerial Imagery Analysis: Examining reconnaissance photography, including Luftwaffe and Allied imagery, to identify potential UXO activity such as bomb craters, unexploded strikes or heavily targeted areas. High resolution imagery allows for precise mapping of risk zones and areas of interest.  

  • Data Cross Referencing: Cross referencing multiple data sources, such as military maps, bomb density surveys, war diaries and incident reports, to build a comprehensive and multi-layered risk profile. This triangulation of data ensures no critical information is overlooked, providing a thorough understanding of UXO presence.  

  • On-Site Walkovers: Performing on-site walkovers, where appropriate, to verify and contextualise findings from desktop research. These inspections help identify site specific factors, such as ground disturbances, topography and land use, that may influence UXO risks.  

  • Risk Profiling and Analysis: Using specialised risk assessment models and tools to categorize UXO risks by likelihood and potential impact. This allows Artios Global to prioritise mitigation efforts and allocate resources effectively.

Stage 3 UXO Risk Mitigation Plans

Clear and Strategic Risk Management

Artios develops comprehensive mitigation plans tailored to address site-specific UXO risks using proven, strategic methodologies. These plans are meticulously designed to integrate seamlessly into project workflows, ensuring minimal disruption while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational efficiency.

Key recommendations are founded on a thorough assessment of risk factors and are implemented with precision to support long term project success.

These measures are designed to protect personnel, safeguard assets and maintain compliance with regulatory standards while reducing the risk of project delays and interruptions. By integrating these strategies into your project, Artios ensures a proactive and meticulous approach to UXO risk mitigation.

Delivering Operational Efficiency Without Compromising Safety

UXO risk assessment is an essential process for ensuring safety, protecting investments and maintaining regulatory compliance in construction and development projects.

Whether addressing potential hazards from wartime remnants in densely populated urban areas or mitigating risks in rural environments, thorough and evidence based assessments provide critical value.

With our tailored approach to Risk Assessment & Risk Mitigation Planning, we help you navigate UXO risks with confidence, ensuring your project progresses smoothly, safely and on schedule.

Enquire now for a quick, thorough and cost effective UXO risk management. 

Benefit from one of the UK’s leading providers of UXO risk management.

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