Risk Mitigation Strategies

Following a Preliminary or Detailed Risk Assessment (PRA/DRA) it may be necessary to implement further methods to reduce the UXO risk to an acceptable level, or to ‘As Low As Reasonably Practical’ (ALARP).  We work diligently with our clients to recommend and implement the safest and most cost effective UXO risk management strategies.

There are several ways UXO risk mitigation can be achieved depending on either the specific risk identified, the client Scope of Works, or the recommendations made in the DRA.

 

Examples of UXO risk mitigation strategies might be:

Awareness Briefings

Fellows can provide a simple briefing for all levels of construction site staff on the construction UXO safety measures available and any posed UXO threat. The briefing will be tailored to each specific site and the potential ordnance that may be encountered in that area and include topics such as ‘what to look out for’ and ‘what to do if you find something’. Awareness briefings can be conducted both on site and virtually. 

 

Non-intrusive survey

This type of survey will detect, record, and plot potential ordnance at any given site, with the data gathered then being analysed to identify significant anomalies. For larger sites such as old airfields, Fellows can conduct motorised surveys using specially adapted quad bikes, or with the use of drones.  

A non-intrusive survey may be the most cost-effective solution in some cases; however, this approach is often not suitable for brown field sites or areas where there is a high level of metallic contamination in the ground.

 

Intrusive Survey

There are a number of different ways to approach an intrusive survey. Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) is the most frequently used method to detect large, buried items such as unexploded aerial bombs. This is particularly pertinent to sites where the client Scope of Works includes the emplacement of sheet or static piling. 

Our intrusive survey service also ensures the safety of operatives during ground or site investigation works. A range of procedures are offered which aim to locate buried UXO to support site activities such as bore holing, window sampling or trial pitting.

 

UXO Banksman (Watching Brief)

Where intrusive or non-intrusive survey processes are not appropriate or the Scope of Works involves excavations only, Fellows will provide a dedicated UXO Banksman on site to advise and assist personnel as they proceed with the development. This can involve them giving Toolbox Talks, surveying small areas prior to excavation, advising plant operators, and crucially, being on-site to offer guidance should potential UXO be found.

We are used to supplying UXO Banksman to sites on a long-term basis at competitive rates.

Bespoke UXO Risk Management 

To reduce the likelihood of a UXO encounter, we work closely with each client to identify any changes to the proposed development or construction methodology that may have an impact.

Fellows will produce all the necessary Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) and provide a detailed report on conclusion of any risk mitigation work. This ensures that you have a robust quality assurance trail, guarantees all appropriate precautions have been observed, and records details of any residual risk that may remain.

As every project is unique, we work closely with our clients to identify the most appropriate and cost-effective survey methods on a case-by-case basis.

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