Unexploded ordnance (UXO) – a guide for the construction industry is described by CIRIA as a framework document to help in the assessment and mitigation of risk posed by the legacy of unexploded bombs dropped during the Second World War on the UK’s cities and towns. Although no fatal incidents related to UXO have occurred in the UK, CIRIA quotes data from the explosive ordnance disposal industry, which shows that between 2006 and 2009, some 15,000 bombs, mortars and grenades had to be removed from construction sites. Of these, around 5 per cent were live and retained the ability to function.Clients have a duty under CDM 2007 to provide designers and contractors with information regarding potentially significant risks on construction projects, and CIRIA has published this guide as part of a process to develop best practice in dealing with UXO. It is based on a rigorous four-phased approach to assessing and mitigating UXO risk and was compiled in close consultation with industry stakeholders and the HSE.It will be launched as part of CIRIA’s annual contaminated land conference on 14 October at the America Conference Centre near Tower Hill in London, which will highlight the planning and delivery of some major land-regeneration projects around the world. Speakers lined up for the launch include the chair of the CIRIA UXO project, Claire Dickenson, Donald Lamont of the HSE, and David Anderson of Crossrail.The new guide is available to buy on the CIRIA website – go to www.ciria.org and click on ‘Publications’. More information on the contaminated land conference is also available on the site, by clicking on the ‘Events’ tab.
