Finding explosives or munitions

Main myths

Myth 1

It takes a long time for the bomb squad to arrive. I cannot wait for it there on site!

The bomb group is on guard 24/7 and responds instantly to each event. When they are occupied, the location and the level of risk of the finding will be specified with the caller. It is always better to show the location of the find, but if this is not possible, the caller will be asked to mark the location of the explosive, and the bomb squad will identify the exact location by telephone.

Myth 2

Reporting a bomb finding involves a lot of hassle and maybe even punishment!

The voluntary assignment of explosive substances does not entail excessive obligations on the finder. Reporting the finding is essential for the elimination of danger and is a legal obligation of the citizen. Voluntarily handing over explosive substances does not take place only within a campaign, but all year round.

Myth 3

I suspect that this may be a dangerous item, but I am not sure. Just to be on the safe side, I would rather not report it – maybe I will be punished if the object is not explosive!

Explosive devices are very different in size, shape, and appearance. The bomb squad does not expect the caller to identify the danger independently; this is the task of the EOD squad. If the object is not explosive, no punishment will follow for the caller.

Myth 4

Rusty and deformed explosives are not as dangerous because they are old or no longer work.

A lot depends on the construction of the explosive, but in general, the opposite is true. The more deformed and rusty the explosive, the more dangerous it is. The sensitive explosive inside the trigger mechanism is in the same working order and dangerous even now, decades later. Although the trigger mechanism may no longer be operational, the friction caused by the smallest piece of soil or rust may still trigger it.

Myth 5

Smaller explosive devices are less dangerous.

In general, the smaller the explosive is, the fewer fuses there are in its trigger mechanism. So, they are eventually more dangerous. The magnitude of the explosion impact of smaller explosives is not high, but it is sufficient to kill or cause serious injury in the vicinity.