We recognise how important it is that these ranges remain safe and compliant. Routine daily maintenance and management of ranges is undertaken by the Range Warden who works closely with us and our client, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), to ensure the ranges are fit for purpose and available when required by the end user.
As well as daily maintenance, our team of highly skilled engineers work to the MOD’s robust specialist inspection and maintenance regime for live firing ranges and carry out a two yearly visual structural inspection on each range to ensure the condition of assets are captured. The inspection will also identify any assets that need to be repaired or replaced.
A key aspect of this regime is de-leading, a process to remove the lead bullet heads caught in a bullet catcher. When de-leading is required our site team arrange for a specialist contractor who sifts the sand and disposes of the toxic lead residue in a carefully controlled manner.
The firing ranges are shown on our grounds plans as an ‘operational need’ which means the end user can tell us how it needs maintaining. Typically, this means keeping the grass short and ensuring hard surfaces are clear of fallen leaves and weeds. We also treat the building or fence line against weed growth. All grounds maintenance work is carried out by dedicated supply chain partners, Tivoli Group Ltd.
Cawdor Barracks firing range upgrade
Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is home to 14 Signals Regiment and we recently completed a project to upgrade parts of the 25m outdoor firing range that was beginning to show signs of disrepair. The sand and boards at the firing points were disposed of as hazardous waste and new edging and steps were installed. Distance markers were repainted, and each firing lane was marked with a lane number to ensure the firers stayed in their allotted lane, which is a key safety control. Timber markers were also positioned to show distances and the lane numbers of firing points. Finally, all perimeter fencing, and signage was replaced.