High-level birdcage scaffold for Waterloo Station

HAKI and CCS Scaffolding were engaged by Wessex Capacity Alliance – a collaboration between Skanska UK, Mott MacDonald, AECOM, Colas Rail – to provide safe, temporary access solutions at Waterloo Station, while around £400m worth of improvements are made.

As part of the ongoing Waterloo station upgrade, Wessex Capacity Alliance were required to install a new suspended ceiling to infill steelwork. A 24-meter-high working platform was needed for this work to be completed.

Various solutions were considered by Wessex Capacity Alliance, including the use of MEWPs, however a birdcage scaffold design concept was approved by the client. This method offered the quickest programme, provided easy access to materials on deck through a built-in loading bay, and did not require MEWPs.

Both HAKI and CCS Scaffolding were engaged at an early stage of the project to ensure build-ability of the planned birdcage scaffold and that it was Safe by Design.

Training and technical support

CCS Scaffolding supervisors were trained on the Universal system by HAKI’s expert technical team to guarantee that the scaffold was erected safely and to design specifications. On-site technical support was also provided while the works were ongoing.

Collective fall protection

Safety was also enhanced with collective fall protection measures in place by using the HAKI Advanced Guardrail; removing the need for work from scaffold steps when adding in subsequent lifts to the scaffold.

Minimal noise pollution 

Noise pollution was also kept to a minimum for the scaffolders and the wider public as no hammering was required for the access solution to be erected, maintained or dismantled. This was due to the unique ‘hook-on’ design of the Universal system.

Fewer components 

By specifying HAKI, the number of standard components used was reduced (versus traditional scaffolding), speeding up the programme. Leg loadings were also increased, so more material or workers were allowed on the scaffold at any one time. Operatives were briefed on the loading limits and an induction card was required for access to prevent any risks.

Reduced programme

The temporary works project was an example of Safe by Design best practice from Wessex Capacity Alliance. And by collaborating with HAKI and CCS Scaffolding, the ceiling installation programme was reduced from 16 weeks to 3 weeks.