Rumfields Water Tower

Scope of Works

Browne’s was appointed by the project’s main contractor on behalf of Southern Water to design, supply, erect, inspect and dismantle access scaffolding around the Rumfields Water Tower. To enable structural inspection, surface-preparation and repainting works on the elevated tank and supporting columns. The project required full external access at heights exceeding 30 metres while maintaining live operation of the tower, which supplies the surrounding Broadstairs network.

Our brief included:

• full wrap-around scaffold design with engineered loading bays and integrated hoists
• fall-arrest and debris-containment systems to protect adjacent highways and public footpaths
• internal birdcage scaffold for inspection of the internal riser shaft, and
• full erection, maintenance, inspection and dismantle in accordance with NASC TG20:21 and SG4:15 standards

Capabilities Demonstrated

Browne’s produced all design drawings and compliance sheets, approved by the main contractor’s structural engineers. All operatives were CISRS-qualified and EUSR water hygiene trained to ensure compliance with Southern Water’s Hygiene Code of Practice 2021.

Daily toolbox talks, dynamic risk assessments and seven-day statutory inspections were carried out by our Advanced Scaffold Supervisor, supported by our internal HSEQ Manager. Works were executed within the active clean-water compound under permit-to-work control, with no safety incidents or quality issues recorded.

Performance and Added Value

Browne’s exceeded contractual expectations by introducing a lightweight aluminium access system for the upper dome, reducing load on the tank platform and shortening erection time by 25%. We also implemented a temporary weather-proof encapsulation system that allowed painting to continue during damp or high-humidity periods, protecting programme delivery.

To minimise operational disruption, Browne’s coordinated with the main contractor’s site controller and integrated our scaffold schedule into the live operational-risk model.

The project was delivered ahead of programme, within budget and without incident, earning formal commendation from Southern Water’s Capital Projects Manager for safety leadership and collaborative working.