uxo awareness brief

A UXO Awareness Briefing is a site-specific safety briefing delivered to personnel prior to the commencement of works in areas where there is a potential risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The purpose of the briefing is to ensure that all individuals working on site are aware of the potential hazards, understand how to recognise possible ordnance and know the correct actions to take in the event of a suspected find.

The briefing typically covers the historical context of UXO risk relevant to the site, the types of ordnance that may be encountered, key identification features and the limitations of visual identification. It also outlines safe working practices, exclusion procedures and the emergency response protocols to be followed should an item be discovered. UXO Awareness Briefings are an essential component of a proportionate risk mitigation strategy. While not a substitute for physical mitigation measures where required, they ensure that site personnel are informed, vigilant and prepared, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidental disturbance and improving overall site safety. By increasing awareness and establishing clear procedures, these briefings support compliance with industry guidance and help ensure that works can proceed safely and without unnecessary disruption.