Following the explosion in Great Yarmouth, Safer Sphere considers the importance of unexploded ordnance risk.

A 250k bomb detonated after failing to be discovered by contractors. This incident demonstrates how the legacy of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) contamination in the UK is still a risk, with more ‘brownfield’ urban sites and former MoD land being developed, Safer Sphere considers the ongoing risks.

With over 30,000 bombs dropped on the UK in World War II and up to 10 percent failing to detonate, it’s no surprise that 70 years on, High Explosive, or HE bombs continue to be discovered up and down the country. 

A competent advisor can add value by gathering information during the early planning stages of a project. Arranging a UXO specialist company to prepare a relatively inexpensive UXO Risk Assessment and or Survey for your site and integrating this information into the design and planning of the project, thus reducing the likelihood of an incident like the one at Great Yarmouth.

Not considering UXO risks can lead to delays and increased costs and significant health and safety issues. These issues can be avoided if a proactive approach is taken and if appropriate risk management is carried out at the initial stages or during planning.

In a recent project to which Safer Sphere was appointed, the pre-construction information flagged the area as high-risk due to an out-of-date UXO survey. On the previous extension, the survey showed a 50KG HE bomb was discovered.

Our advisors engaged with a UXO company that advised a stage one preliminary UXO threat assessment was needed. Our advisors assisted in the arrangement of meetings with the Principal Contractor and the UXO teams.

Another example is a site in which a device was discovered and caused damage to a building so extensive, that it resulted in costs of over £5 million to the contractor.

We advise consulting expert professional advisors to mitigate risk and promote project compliance. Safer Sphere is certified under the SSIP, holding corporate membership of the Association for Project Safety (number 050495) for the delivery of Principal Designer and CDM (Construction, Design and Management) Advisor services.