Need a UXO Survey?
Use RenKap
Need UXO survey? Simply upload your site on the RenKap platform to:
- Reduce your management time by 90%
- Instantly receive a minimum of 3 quotes from our vetted suppliers
- Receive one digital dashboard with survey recommendations
- Quality reports every time guaranteed
Need a UXO Survey?
Use RenKap
Need a UXO survey? Simply upload your site on the RenKap platform to:
- Reduce your management time by 90%
- Instantly receive a minimum of 3 quotes from our vetted suppliers
- Receive one digital dashboard with survey recommendations
- Quality reports every time guaranteed
The only site investigation checklist you need
Download our site investigation checklist, which covers the 13 site investigation surveys you need to complete on every site. This includes a rundown of why you need each of them and at what stage throughout the project lifecycle.
What is a UXO survey?
A UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) survey is a desktop survey that identifies bomb risks on a given site. Two world wars and more than a century of military land use have resulted in unexploded ordnance (UXO) lying beneath the surface of British cities, towns and rural areas. From the bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe to the grenades, mortars, mines, projectiles and ammunition of our own forces, this can pose a significant risk to those wishing to carry out ground works in certain areas of the UK.
Do I need to carry out a UXO survey?
What happens if the UXO survey highlights a risk on my site?
If the initial survey identified a potential UXO risk then you will need to instruct specialists UXO surveyors to attend site and complete target UXO investigations or an intrusive magnometer survey. For open excavations a UXO surveyor can attend site to monitor the works.
Either way, a UXO surveyor will complete a site-specific risk management plan to confirm the works required. For more information take a look at this RICS article.
Am I legally bound to complete a UXO survey?
While there is no formal obligation or specific legislation requiring a UXO risk assessment for construction projects in the UK, the need is implicit in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 includes information for those responsible for intrusive works such as archaeology, site investigation, drilling, piling or excavation, stating that they have a duty of care to their employees and should carry out a comprehensive assessment of the potential risks, and that mitigation measures are implemented to deal with any hazards.
How is the UXO survey conducted?
The surveyors will look at historical data to explore the potential UXO risks on the site. These data sources include: pre and post war historical maps, bomb mapping, written bomb incident records, bomb damage maps, Luftwaffe reconnaissance photographs and aerial images from the war.
When do I need to complete a UXO survey?
The initial desktop UXO survey should be completed at the early stages of a development – ideally RIBA Stage 1 or 2.
How long does it take to complete a UXO survey?
How much does a UXO cost in the UK?
The cost varies but it will usually be in between £700 and £1,500.
What are the key pieces of information that surveyors need from a client to complete their survey?
The key pieces of information would include:
- Site location
- Redline boundary (the perimeter of the site boundary)
- Development proposals
- A scope of survey (i.e. a brief of exactly what they need to include)
How to identify competent surveyors?
As a minimum they should:
- Abide by the construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
- Abide by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Have an appropriate level of professional indemnity insurance (Ideally more than £5m)
- Have an internal quality assurance procedure
- Have suitably trained and quality staff
The RenKap platform has already pre-vetted the best UK suppliers so you don’t have to. If you would like to learn more and check out our pricing plans click here.
The only site investigation checklist you need
Download our site investigation checklist, which covers the 13 site investigation surveys you need to complete on every site. This includes a rundown of why you need each of them and at what stage throughout the project lifecycle.