Recognizing unexploded ordnance (UXO) is the first and most important step in reducing the risk of injury or death. UXO poses risk of injury or death to anyone in the vicinity. Safety measures include:
- If you see UXO, stop. Do not move closer.
- Never remove anything near UXO.
- Clearly mark the UXO area with flagging, etc.
- Keep a minimum of 500 feet away from any UXO that is on fire.
- Report discovery of UXO to your immediate supervisor and/or dispatch.
The following types of UXO may be encountered on military, former military and non-military sites:
Small arms munitions
Guided missiles
Rifle grenades
Rockets
Projectiles
Mortars
Bombs
Hand grenades
Projected grenades
Dynamite
UXO may be found fully intact or in fragments. All UXO, whether intact or in fragments, presents a potential hazard.
Deteriorated UXO presents a particular hazard because it may contain chemical agents that become exposed.
For more safety tips from the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team, visit its Six Minutes for Safety section at www.nifc.gov.