The UXO Specialist

Unexploded Ordnance Risk Mitigation

We bring a fresh perspective to UXO risk mitigation services, focusing on a broader, more comprehensive approach that goes beyond standard processes and conventional methods.

Our UXO risk management services are built on extensive expertise across both land-based and marine environments. Our team includes experienced ex-military and civilian professionals with decades of hands-on experience in explosive ordnance identification and disposal. We are leading experts in historical WWII munitions, with a focus on British, American, and German ordnance, including arming devices, fuzes, and exploder systems.

We apply this expertise across all of our services to ensure your site receives the most relevant, cost-effective, and high-quality support, going above and beyond the industry standards.

All our services align with CIRIA's industry guidelines and CDM 2015 regulations, providing trusted, expert advice. Our goal is to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective UXO risk management solutions that give you complete confidence in your project.

Remote Services:

Site Safety Instructions & Awareness Films

We provide tailored site safety instructions and bespoke UXO Safety & Awareness Films to suit the specific needs of your project. Our site-specific films offer a modern, efficient alternative to in-person UXO briefings, using a blend of original WWII archive footage, contemporary visuals, and clear narration to explain UXO risks across the UK, the types of munitions that may be encountered, safe working practices, and the correct actions to take if a suspicious item is found.

UXO Overwatch

UXO Overwatch supports sites where a UXO risk has been identified, including situations where residual risk remains, but an on-site UXO presence is impractical or unnecessary. It is ideal for brownfield or heavily contaminated sites where surveys or watching briefs are not feasible due to site constraints or construction risks.

The service combines site-specific UXO Safety & Awareness films and Site Safety Instructions with instant access to a retained on-call UXO Specialist, guaranteed to respond within five minutes. All content and support are delivered via a secure, client-specific online portal, accessible through a link or QR codes displayed on site.

Target Identification Reports

If you encounter a suspicious item that may be UXO-related, please contact us immediately and we will provide a detailed Target Identification Report. We undertake a full dynamic risk assessment to determine whether the item is hazardous, assess the level of risk posed (if any), and specify the appropriate control measures and procedures required to ensure the item is managed safely and in accordance with current UXO risk mitigation guidance and ALARP principles.

We are leading experts in historical World War II munitions, with specialist knowledge of British, American, and German ordnance, including arming mechanisms, fuze systems, and exploder assemblies. This expertise enables accurate identification, informed risk assessment, and the implementation of proportionate and effective risk mitigation measures.

On-Site Support:

UXO Safety and awareness Training

Our UXO Safety and Awareness training equips construction personnel with the knowledge to recognise and safely respond to potential unexploded ordnance hazards. The training covers the history of the local area, the types of ordnance most likely to be encountered, associated insurance and legal considerations, and the correct procedures to follow if a suspect item is discovered.

To enhance understanding, we provide hands-on training using inert examples from our reference collection, including German aerial bombs and British land service ammunition. This practical experience allows personnel to become familiar with the appearance and characteristics of genuine ordnance, improving awareness, confidence, and overall site safety.

Ground Investigation Support

Ground investigation support involves providing reactive UXO risk mitigation and technical assistance during intrusive activities such as piling, drilling and trial pitting.

Surface clearance of GI or piling positions using industry-recognised magnetometers to detect buried ferrous anomalies prior to intrusive works. This can include Down-hole magnetometer procedures for GI locations extending beyond 2-3 metres in depth, providing on-demand technical advice to support safe site operations.

Watching Brief

Watching Brief support is for clients carrying out site investigation, excavations or any general groundworks in a known UXO risk area. A qualified UXO Specialist will supervise all open excavations to the UXO risk depth and investigate any suspected items. This ensures excavations are conducted in a safe and controlled manner whilst minimising any disruption if UXO is uncovered.

Search and Clear

The UXO Specialist can be deployed to conduct a manual Search & Clear operation of the site location with handheld UXO detection equipment providing real time detection of UXO. Search and Clear operations are usually advised for clearance of small parcels of green field land where non-intrusive surveys aren't viable or cost effective or areas with high UXO contamination.

Non - Intrusive Surveys

Non-intrusive surveys provide an effective means of assessing shallow-buried UXO/UXB risk across sites with suitable ground conditions, particularly on relatively 'clean' greenfield developments.

A range of survey methods can be deployed depending on site-specific factors, including manual walkover, vehicle-mounted, or aerial (drone-based) magnetometer systems. The most appropriate technique is selected based on site conditions, access, and the nature of the identified risk.

In suitable ground conditions, a magnetometry survey system can detect a buried 50 kg German aerial bomb at depths of up to approximately 3 m below ground level.

Detection capability is dependent on ground conditions and magnetic interference. Non-intrusive surveys are not suitable for clearance ahead of deep intrusive works such as piling or drilling, where intrusive methods are required.

Intrusive Surveys

An intrusive UXO survey is used to manage the risk from deeper-buried UXO where non-intrusive methods are not suitable, allowing works to proceed safely during intrusive ground operations.

Where a UXO risk is identified and deeper ground penetration is required, typically beyond 3-4 m below ground level, intrusive magnetometer techniques can be applied to provide detection directly in advance of specific works, such as pile positions.

This method enables detection at depths beyond the capability of non-intrusive surveys and remains effective in areas affected by high levels of surface ferrous contamination, where conventional survey techniques are limited.

As such, intrusive UXO surveys provide a practical and reliable approach to managing UXO risk on more complex or brownfield sites.

UXO Disposal

The UXO Specialist LTD are recognised market leaders in the identification, classification, and risk assessment of historic ordnance encountered across the UK, providing clear, evidence-based guidance to support safe decision making on site.

We are licensed to transport and handle Class 1 explosives and operate in full compliance with ADR requirements and the Explosives Regulations 2014.

Following a detailed item specific hazard assessment, we can either remove items off-site or implement appropriate disposal techniques, including low-order methods where suitable.

All works are carried out in accordance with HSE-recognised safe systems of work, CIRIA guidance, and industry best practice, by suitably qualified and experienced personnel operating under the appropriate licensing arrangements.

Where an item is assessed as posing an immediate risk to personnel, the public, or surrounding infrastructure, the UXO Specialist will coordinate directly with the Police and Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units to ensure a safe, controlled, and proportionate response.

Marine

We specialise in delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective UXO diving and marine consultancy services across offshore, nearshore, and inshore environments. Backed by decades of combined experience, our team consistently delivers projects to the highest professional standards.

Our team comprises former Royal Navy Clearance Divers and UXO specialists with extensive expertise in the identification of historical ordnance. This experience enables accurate identification in even the most challenging environments, including nil visibility and black water conditions.

Accurate munition identification is important in informing safe and effective disposal methods, minimising operational disruption, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Engaging experienced specialists ensures that risks are properly understood and managed from the outset.

UXO Consultation (Marine Overwatch)

Marine UXO Overwatch is designed to support dredging and marine excavation activities where a UXO risk has been identified. This service is particularly suited to offshore, nearshore, and inshore environments, including ports, harbours, rivers, and coastal projects, and is highly effective in managing residual UXO risk.

UXO Overwatch combines site-specific UXO Safety & Awareness films and Site Safety Instructions with access to a retained, on-call UXO Specialist. All content and support are delivered via a secure, client-specific online portal, accessible via a direct link or QR codes available to site personnel and vessel operators.

Client Representation

We provide UXO client representation across diving operations, UXO target investigation, and residual risk management. Acting as the client's technical authority and independent advisor, we oversee UXO contractors, review and approve RAMS, and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and industry guidance.

We also support the planning and execution of UXO target investigation works, providing technical input on methodology, verification of findings, and clear, defensible reporting to support project decision-making.

UXO Diving and Marine Services

We deliver UXO diving operations in support of UXO target investigation. Our teams operate in black water and low-visibility environments, providing accurate identification and threat assessment to support safe and controlled UXO risk management and disposal activities.