Unexploded bombs and munitions; information on behavior and responsibility

Explosive ordnance - especially unexploded bombs and munitions from the Second World War - is still being found. If you find explosive ordnance: Hands off, inform the police immediately!

Explosive ordnance - especially unexploded bombs and munitions from the Second World War - continues to be found, especially in connection with construction projects or in "nature". Such explosive ordnance can pose a considerable risk. Improper handling therefore poses a considerable risk and can result in serious dangers, which can also happen unintentionally, for example during ground interventions.

If you find unexploded bombs and ammunition: Hands off, call the police immediately!

• Leave the objects untouched!
• The police will take the necessary steps to eliminate the danger.
• Anyone who handles explosive ordnance without the necessary special expertise is endangering their own life and often the lives of others! Such actions can also be punished under criminal law.

Special responsibility of property owners and builders

• Property owners are generally responsible for eliminating specific dangers posed by explosive ordnance on their property.
• The responsibility for hazards posed by explosive ordnance during construction work lies with the building owners. They must also investigate any suspicion of explosive ordnance, initiate the necessary measures and commission the appropriate specialist companies to do so.
• The basis for precautionary measures is primarily property-related historical research and a related risk assessment. In most cases, the municipalities also have archival documents on war-related events.
• It is the responsibility of the relevant specialist companies to produce and certify the so-called "freedom from explosive ordnance". Assessing the contamination of properties with explosive ordnance is also not part of the duties of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service or other departments.
• Explosive ordnance found or recovered by specialist companies will be disposed of free of charge by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service.

Notes, information and rules of conduct

Relevant instructions, information and rules of conduct on the dangers posed by explosive ordnance and how to avert them can be found in the notice "Averting dangers posed by explosive ordnance". The announcement can be accessed via the website of the State Ministry of the Interior, for Sport and Integration (see "Related links"), together with information on how to proceed in the case of properties that may be contaminated with explosive ordnance and the address lists "Specialist companies for the disposal of explosive ordnance" and "Specialist companies for the evaluation of aerial photographs".