Location: University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Sector: Education
Client: Ashe Roofing
Project Duration: 12 weeks
Project Overview
We were appointed to supply and erect scaffold edge protection at the University of Essex campus in Colchester. The project formed part of essential works to facilitate the installation of a new roof structure on an education facility within the Wivenhoe Park grounds.
Our client, Ashe Roofing, is a well-established provider of roofing and construction services to the public sector. They operate as a major framework contractor across London, Hertfordshire and Essex, so the project required a professional, safety-led approach aligned with strict public-sector standards.
From the outset, our role focused on delivering a secure working environment for roofing operatives while ensuring minimal disruption to the live university setting.
Scope of Works
Our team designed and installed a robust scaffold edge protection system tailored to the building layout and site constraints. The works were carefully planned to support safe roof access throughout the programme.
Key elements of our package included:
- Supply and installation of perimeter scaffold edge protection to the roof level
- Safe access provision for roofing operatives
- Installation of scaffold tie bars into the existing concrete slab
- On-site pull testing prior to final tie installation
- Ongoing inspections and maintenance throughout the project
The structure was designed to meet current Work at Height requirements and provide continuous collective fall protection for all trades working at the roof level.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
As with many live education environments, the project presented several technical and logistical considerations that required careful planning.
Tie installation into a concrete slab
One of the key technical requirements involved installing scaffold tie bars directly into the existing concrete slab. Due to the building configuration and restricted access points, traditional installation methods were not suitable.
To overcome this safely and efficiently, we deployed a qualified abseiler to complete the tie installation works. This allowed us to:
- Safely access difficult external areas without additional scaffold loading
- Maintain programme efficiency
- Ensure precise placement of all tie bars
Before any ties were permanently installed, we carried out full pull testing on site. This verified the integrity of the fixings and confirmed they met the required load criteria for the scaffold design.
Working within a live university environment
The University of Essex campus remained operational throughout the 12-week programme. This meant we had to carefully manage deliveries, erection phases and ongoing inspections to minimise disruption to students, staff and other contractors.
We coordinated closely with Ashe Roofing and the site management team to:
- Schedule works around peak campus activity
- Maintain clear pedestrian routes
- Ensure all exclusion zones were properly controlled
- Keep noise and disruption to a minimum
Our experienced team is well accustomed to working in sensitive public-sector environments, which helped the project run smoothly from start to finish.
Health and Safety Management
Safety was central to every stage of this project. Given the education setting and roof-level works, we implemented strict control measures throughout the programme.
Our approach included:
- Full site-specific risk assessments and method statements
- TG20 compliant scaffold design
- Verified tie pull testing before loading
- Use of qualified abseiling personnel for specialist access
- Regular scaffold inspections during the 12-week hire period
- Clear edge protection and collective fall prevention
All works were carried out in line with current Work at Height Regulations and industry best practice. Communication with the principal contractor and roofing team remained consistent throughout the project.
Programme Delivery
The scaffold edge protection system was delivered and maintained over a 12-week programme, aligned with the roofing schedule set by Ashe Roofing.
We structured the work to support each phase of the roof installation, ensuring the roofing team always had safe and reliable access where needed. Our team also remained responsive to any on-site adjustments required as the project progressed.
Despite the technical access requirements and live campus conditions, the project was completed on programme and without incident.
Outcome
The completed scaffold edge protection system provided a safe, compliant work platform, enabling Ashe Roofing to complete the new roof installation efficiently.
Key results included:
- Safe roof access maintained for the full project duration
- Successful pull testing and secure tie installation
- Minimal disruption to university operations
- Works completed within the planned 12-week timeframe
- Positive collaboration with the principal contractor
The project demonstrated our ability to deliver specialist scaffolding solutions in complex public-sector environments, combining technical expertise with careful site management.
Why This Project Matters
Education sites demand a higher level of planning, communication and safety control. This scheme at the University of Essex highlights our ability to support major public-sector contractors with reliable, compliant scaffold systems.
By combining specialist access methods, thorough testing procedures and close coordination with the roofing contractor, we ensured the project progressed safely and efficiently from start to finish.
If you are planning roofing or refurbishment works on an education facility or public sector building, our team has the experience and technical knowledge to support your project from initial design through to completion.
