Expert oversight. Every step of the way.

A watching brief involves a qualified EOD engineer being present on site during intrusive ground works (excavations, trenching, demolition, trial pits) to monitor for suspected ordnance in real time and respond immediately if anything is uncovered. It is recommended when a risk assessment has identified moderate to high risk, when works are in an area of known wartime activity, or when a client requires a demonstrable live safety presence. The engineer does not slow the work down; they observe, assess, and intervene only if necessary.

A completed survey significantly reduces uncertainty, but it cannot guarantee that every cubic metre of soil is ordnance-free — particularly in areas of variable ground or where survey coverage was limited. A watching brief provides a safety net during the actual act of excavation, when ordnance is most likely to be disturbed. The two services are complementary: survey work reduces the probability of an encounter; a watching brief manages the consequences if one occurs despite the survey.

A UXO toolbox talk is a short, structured briefing delivered by a specialist to all ground workers and machine operators on site. It covers the ordnance likely to be encountered based on the site-specific risk assessment, how to recognise suspicious items, the critical "do not touch" rule, who to call, and the site's emergency procedure. Attendees sign a register at the end. Toolbox talks are recommended for any site with an identified UXO risk and are often required under CDM documentation or principal contractor safety rules.

Yes, and this is often the most effective model for larger or longer-duration projects. A UXO consultant can be engaged from the risk assessment stage to advise on survey scope, review methodology, produce UXO-specific content for the Construction Phase Plan, provide watching brief resource during groundworks, and issue final ALARP documentation at project close. A single point of contact who understands the full project history avoids the gaps and inconsistencies that arise when services are procured piecemeal.

It depends on the building history and demolition method. Structural demolition that does not disturb the ground typically carries lower UXO risk. However, buildings with basements, foundations requiring breaking out, or suspected wartime damage and repair may require supervision during sub-structure removal. A pre-demolition risk assessment will clarify whether supervision is warranted and at what stage it should begin.

At a minimum, the specialist should hold a recognised EOD or EOC qualification from a military or IExpE-accredited programme, have direct experience of the ordnance types relevant to your project area, and carry appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance. The company should operate in accordance with CIRIA C681/C785 and HSE guidance for commercial EOD operations. Always ask for evidence of these credentials; competence in this field is non-negotiable.

Ground investigation firms are geotechnical specialists; their competence lies in soil sampling and testing. UXO risk management requires a distinct skill set: knowledge of wartime ordnance, operational EOD capability, and familiarity with the CIRIA C681 compliance framework. While some geotechnical firms partner with UXO specialists, it is important to verify that the person responsible for UXO advice holds the appropriate UXO/EOD qualifications, not simply a geotechnical licence.