Are you fully insured and CISRS trained?

Yes. RCA Scaffolding states that its scaffolders are CISRS trained and CITB accredited, and that the company carries comprehensive public liability insurance.

How quickly can you provide a scaffolding quote?

Most quotes are returned within 24 hours of a free site survey, and most site surveys happen within 48 hours of an enquiry. For straightforward domestic jobs, RCA Scaffolding may be able to quote the same day using photos and measurements.

What types of scaffolding services do you provide?

RCA Scaffolding provides scaffold erection and hire, scaffolding towers, commercial scaffolding, domestic scaffolding, industrial scaffolding and temporary roof scaffolding.

What areas do you cover?

RCA Scaffolding covers London, Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Project Overview

Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire

RCA Scaffolding was appointed to provide safe access for the redecoration and restoration of timber window surrounds at the Bluecoats Estate office block.

As the building remained fully occupied throughout the project, the scaffolding solution needed to provide safe working platforms for decorators while minimising disruption to staff, visitors and day-to-day operations.

Rather than erecting a full scaffold around the entire building, we designed and installed ten independent scaffolds, each positioned to provide access only where work was required. This targeted approach reduced material requirements, lowered costs and allowed the building to remain fully operational for the duration of the project.

Scaffolding Services Provided

Independent scaffold design and installation
Safe access for window restoration works
Debris netting to working platforms
Foam protection to ground-level scaffold tubes
Scaffold alarms for out-of-hours security
Ongoing inspections and maintenance throughout the hire period

The Client's Requirements

The client required safe access to multiple windows across an occupied office building while ensuring the property remained accessible for employees, visitors and contractors.

The project also required careful consideration of pedestrian routes, nearby parking areas and the building's period façade, all while providing decorators with stable and practical working platforms.

Our objective was to deliver a safe, efficient scaffolding solution that supported the restoration works without unnecessarily impacting the operation of the site.

Our Scaffolding Solution

Following a detailed site survey, we identified the windows requiring restoration and developed a scaffolding plan based on ten separate independent structures.

This approach allowed access only where it was needed, avoiding the cost and disruption of wrapping the entire building in scaffold.

Each scaffold was positioned to provide safe and comfortable working access for the restoration team while maintaining clear access around the building wherever possible.

Keeping the Building Safe and Accessible

As the office block remained in daily use throughout the project, protecting members of the public was a key priority.

To improve safety at ground level, foam padding was fitted to exposed scaffold tubes in pedestrian areas, helping reduce the risk of accidental contact.

Debris netting was installed to working platforms to contain dust and loose materials generated during the sanding and restoration of the timber windows. This helped keep footpaths, entrances and parked vehicles clean and protected throughout the works.

Scaffold layouts were carefully planned to maintain safe access to entrances and walkways, allowing staff and visitors to continue using the building with minimal disruption.

Protecting the Building

The Bluecoats Estate office block features traditional brickwork and architectural details that required careful consideration during installation.

Tie locations were selected to minimise any impact on the existing structure, with installation methods agreed before work commenced. The result was a secure scaffolding system that protected both the workforce and the building's historic character.

Security Throughout the Project

Because the scaffolds remained in place outside normal working hours, security was an important consideration.

Scaffold alarms were installed on each independent scaffold to help deter unauthorised access, while clear safety signage remained in place throughout the hire period.

This provided additional protection for both the property and members of the public.

Quality and Safety

Safety remained central throughout the project.

Our experienced scaffolding team completed regular inspections during the hire period, ensuring every scaffold remained safe, compliant and suitable for use as the restoration work progressed.

As each section of work was completed, the corresponding scaffold was dismantled, allowing footpaths, parking spaces and surrounding areas to be returned to normal as quickly as possible.

Project Challenges

Maintaining Access to an Occupied Building

With staff and visitors using the office throughout the project, the scaffolding had to minimise disruption while maintaining a safe working environment.

Using multiple independent scaffolds allowed most of the building to remain unobstructed, reducing inconvenience and maintaining access to entrances.

Protecting Pedestrians and Vehicles

Several scaffold locations were positioned close to footpaths and a permit-only car park.

Foam protection, debris netting and carefully planned scaffold layouts helped safeguard people and vehicles while allowing the site to remain operational.

Preserving a Period Property

Working around traditional brickwork required careful planning.

Scaffold positions were selected to provide safe access for the restoration team while respecting the building's existing architectural features.

Site Security

Independent scaffolds positioned around an accessible office block required effective security outside working hours.

Alarm systems and clear site signage helped reduce the risk of unauthorised access throughout the project.

The Outcome

The completed project provided safe and reliable access for the restoration of the building's timber window surrounds while allowing the office to remain fully operational.

By installing ten independent scaffolds instead of a full building wrap, we delivered a practical and cost-effective solution that reduced disruption, maintained public safety and supported the restoration programme from start to finish.

The project was completed in phases, with each scaffold removed as work progressed, allowing areas of the site to return to normal as quickly as possible.