Project Overview

Amphibian Scaffolding was commissioned to design and install a safe access scaffold at the Royal Mail depot in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, to support scheduled external redecoration works. This project held particular local importance, as the site is situated near our head office in Haywards Heath.

The works were carried out over an 8-week period on a live operational site, with the depot remaining fully functional for Royal Mail staff and vehicles throughout the duration of the hire. Safety, access, and minimal disruption were key considerations during planning and execution.

Project Scope & Objectives

The primary objective was to provide safe, secure access to all external elevations of the building for painters and decorators, without impacting daily Royal Mail operations. Key elements of the scope included:

Full perimeter access scaffold to external façades
Load-classed working platforms suitable for trades and materials
Overhead beam work and bridging scaffold to maintain vehicle access routes
Clear pedestrian walkways with protected zones
Debris netting and signage for enhanced safety
Weekly scaffold inspections and full compliance with TG20:21

Objectives included:

Maintaining 24/7 access for Royal Mail fleet and staff
Ensuring a clear and safe pedestrian environment
Minimising disruption to postal operations
Delivering a structurally sound scaffold solution adaptable to site needs

Execution & Delivery

Following a detailed site visit and consultation with Royal Mail’s facilities and operations teams, Amphibian Scaffolding designed a bespoke scaffold solution that balanced access requirements with operational safety. Execution highlights:

Strategic phasing of scaffold erection to avoid peak depot traffic hours
Installation of structural beams to span access points, allowing uninterrupted vehicle entry and exit
Pedestrian routes maintained with clear wayfinding and protective barriers
Scaffolding fitted with edge protection, toe boards, and netting
Regular liaison with on-site management to respond to any operational changes
Weekly inspections conducted and documented to ensure ongoing compliance and safety

Our experienced team worked efficiently and flexibly around depot hours to ensure zero disruption to Royal Mail services.

Outcome

The scaffolding solution was successfully delivered and remained in place for the full 8-week redecoration period without incident. The scaffold allowed safe access to all required work zones while ensuring the depot remained fully operational for both staff and logistics.

The project was completed on time and on budget, demonstrating Amphibian Scaffolding’s capability to deliver safe, flexible access solutions in live, high-traffic work environments. Client feedback was positive, particularly in regard to the minimal disruption and high safety standards maintained throughout the project.