A scheme
that would be
fit-for-purpose
Background
Miller Callaghan Engineering Services Limited was appointed for phase two of the Forth Road Bridge refurbishment, replacing access walkways serving over 200 panel points. The project required an experienced scaffold contractor capable of delivering complex works in a harsh environment.
The 10km Suspended Span Under Deck Access system is essential for inspection and maintenance. Installed in the early 1980s, it was refurbished using upcycled steelwork, supported by a purpose‑designed hanging scaffold beneath the bridge deck.
The Challenge
Design a fit‑for‑purpose access scheme that could withstand demanding operational and environmental conditions, while providing a large working area and allowing rapid erection and dismantling.
A key risk was the potential for scaffold components to fall into the shipping lane below or a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As the shoreline is a protected area for ground‑nesting seabirds, the RSPB was also involved in the project.
DIS Solution
Denholm Industrial Services designed a bespoke hanging scaffold solution using specialist rope access teams and removable material‑catching nets, engineered to perform safely in high‑wind conditions. The scaffold was constructed using traditional tube and fitting, allowing flexibility to adapt to on‑site constraints.
Through efficient planning and safe delivery, the programme was completed in 12 weeks, two weeks ahead of the original schedule.