UXO Risk Mitigation Strategy
A Proportionate Strategy to Manage UXO Risk
Following the completion of a Detailed UXO Risk Assessment, RMS UXO can develop a bespoke UXO Risk Mitigation Strategy based on the level and nature of risk identified.
What is UXO Risk Mitigation Strategy
A UXO Risk Mitigation Strategy sets out how the potential risk from unexploded ordnance will be managed during the relevant stages of a project. It is developed around the specific UXO risk identified at your site and considers how the proposed works could interact with that risk.
The purpose of the strategy is to establish the most appropriate, relevant and proportionate measures required to manage the potential risk from Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) throughout your project.
Rather than automatically applying extensive UXO mitigation measures across an entire site, RMS UXO uses the findings of the risk assessment to determine where mitigation is required, what level of mitigation is appropriate and how it can be delivered effectively.
Key Points
How long it takes
10–14 days.
What it tells you
how to proceed efficiently with your entire project with UXO risk mitigation advised by experts, with a smart focus on how to reduce risks and costs where possible.
What it covers
unlike a DRA, which covers risk mitigation during the phase stated in the scope of works, the Risk Mitigation Strategy covers the entire project.
What you can do with it
if you already have a Detailed Risk Assessment completed by another UXO company and are unsure of a sweeping risk map across the entire site, we can analyse their assessment and bring in new information and evidence to de-risk as much of the site as possible and reduce project costs.
Why it's important
sites in areas which received heavy bombing during WWII can easily be assessed as high or medium risk. We interrogate this information to give you a clear picture of the actual risk on your site, so you don't get caught up in long survey phases you don't need.
Why It Matters
The primary objective of the Risk Mitigation Strategy is to reduce the risk posed by UXO in accordance with the As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle – reducing risk as far as is reasonably practicable, taking into consideration the measures required and the resources involved.
For a construction or development project, this means finding an appropriate balance between:
Safety
Reducing the potential risk posed by UXO to workers, members of the public, equipment and infrastructure.
Time
Considering the impact of UXO mitigation measures on the project programme.
Cost
Ensuring that project resources are directed towards mitigation measures that are appropriate to the risk.
Practicality
Developing mitigation measures that can be realistically implemented within the project's operational requirements.
Our Approach
The Risk Mitigation Strategy provides the link between understanding the UXO risk and managing it during the project, giving a clear pathway from initial risk identification through to project completion.
1
Assess
Establish the potential UXO risk through historical research and specialist assessment.
2
Understand
Consider the risk alongside ground conditions and the proposed works.
3
Mitigate
Develop a bespoke strategy based on the level of risk identified.
4
Implement
Deliver or manage the appropriate mitigation measures.
5
Verify & Certify
Review the results, confirm the required mitigation has been completed and provide reporting and, where applicable, ALARP certification.
What You'll Receive
RMS UXO can provide UXO Risk Mitigation implementation services directly, or design and manage the required services through an appropriately appointed UXO contractor. Depending on the findings of the risk assessment, potential measures may include:
- UXO Survey
- Target Investigation
- UXO On-Site Support
- UXO Safety Awareness Training
- EOD Watching Brief
- On-Call & Rapid Response
- Target Identification & Disposal
RMS UXO Expertise
Why Choose RMS UXO?
RMS UXO combines UXO risk assessment, EOD expertise and practical project experience to develop proportionate risk mitigation strategies. We understand that UXO mitigation can have a direct impact on project cost, programme and construction activities.
Our approach is focused on identifying the measures that are actually required to manage the risk rather than automatically applying the same level of mitigation to every project, so the project does not spend money mitigating a risk that does not exist.
When is a UXO Risk Mitigation Strategy needed?
A Risk Mitigation Strategy is generally developed following the assessment of a potential UXO risk, using its findings to determine what mitigation, if any, is appropriate.
Depending on the project, the strategy may consider activities such as:
- Site investigation
- Excavation
- Earthworks
- Piling
- Drilling
- Trenching
- Foundation construction
- Demolition
- Ground improvement
- Other intrusive ground works
Understand the risk. Mitigate what matters. Keep your project moving.
RMS UXO
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A Bespoke Strategy for Your Project
Every project has different requirements. The appropriate UXO mitigation measures will depend on factors such as the identified UXO risk, historical land use, ground conditions, previous ground disturbance, proposed construction activities, depth of works, site layout, programme, accessibility, environmental constraints, existing infrastructure and the requirements of the client and project team.
RMS UXO considers these factors when developing the Risk Mitigation Strategy. The result is a project-specific approach to UXO risk management, rather than a generic set of mitigation requirements.
UXO Risk Mitigation Strategy FAQs
When is a Risk Mitigation Strategy required?
It is generally developed following the assessment of a potential UXO risk. The strategy uses the findings of the risk assessment to determine what mitigation, if any, is appropriate.
Can RMS UXO manage the mitigation work?
Yes. RMS UXO can provide UXO Risk Mitigation implementation services directly or design and manage services provided by an appointed UXO contractor.
What happens if my assessment identifies a UXO risk?
The next step depends on the nature and level of the risk and the proposed works. RMS UXO can develop a project-specific UXO risk mitigation strategy and advise on appropriate controls, which may include survey, specialist support, target investigation or other measures.
What is a UXO Risk Mitigation Strategy?
It sets out the measures required to manage an identified UXO risk to an acceptable level (ALARP) for the proposed works. The strategy should be proportionate to the risk and consider construction methodology, ground conditions, programme and practical constraints.
What does ALARP mean in UXO risk management?
ALARP means 'as low as reasonably practicable'. In UXO risk management, it means reducing risk as far as is reasonably practicable while considering the effectiveness and practicality of the technology and controls available.
Will a UXO assessment automatically mean I need a survey?
No. A risk assessment is used to determine whether further mitigation is warranted. Depending on the evidence and proposed works, the appropriate outcome may be further research, a survey, specialist support, target investigation, changes to the works or no further UXO action.
Can a UXO assessment save my project money?
It can. A properly scoped assessment can help distinguish a credible UXO risk and identify proportionate mitigation. This can reduce the likelihood of unnecessary surveys or investigation while ensuring genuine risks are addressed.
Why is a site-specific assessment important?
UXO risk is not determined by postcode alone. Site history, development, geology, ground disturbance and proposed works can all affect the assessment. A site-specific approach keeps recommendations relevant to the actual project.
Start Your UXO Risk Assessment
Understanding potential UXO risk early can help you protect your workforce, plan your project and avoid unnecessary mitigation costs. If you are planning construction, site investigation, excavation, piling, drilling or other intrusive works, speak to RMS UXO about your site.