In June 2025, we were appointed to design and erect a protection fan scaffold in Southampton town centre to support a major refurbishment project. The building remained surrounded by busy pedestrian routes throughout the works, so safeguarding the public was a critical priority from day one.
Our client required a robust overhead protection system that would allow remedial works to be completed safely while maintaining clear, controlled access for pedestrians and nearby businesses.
Key Project Details
- Project Name: Protection Fan
- Location: Southampton
- Client: Refurbishment contractor
- Sector: Commercial refurbishment
- Scaffold Type: Protection fan
- Duration on Site: 6 months
- Erection Time: 7–10 days
- Dismantle Time: 4 days
Scope of Works
We installed the scaffold to provide safe overhead protection while the client carried out a full building refurbishment. Because the project was positioned in the town centre, detailed planning was essential before any equipment arrived on site.
Our team implemented:
- Clearly visible signage to guide pedestrians safely around the work area
- Secure barriers to create controlled walkways
- A structurally sound protection fan designed to catch falling debris
- Safe access zones for operatives working at height
Weekly inspections were completed throughout the six-month hire period to ensure the scaffold remained fully compliant and continued to meet all safety expectations.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Protecting the public in a high-footfall environment
Operating in a busy urban location meant there was no margin for error. Pedestrian safety had to be maintained without disrupting the surrounding area.
Our Solution:
We carefully planned the scaffold layout to maximise protection while minimising obstruction. The protection fan created a secure overhead barrier, and our structured approach to signage and barriers ensured the public could move safely through the area at all times.
Regular inspections allowed us to proactively identify and address any issues, keeping the scaffold compliant and secure for the full duration of the refurbishment.
The Result
The project was completed successfully with no safety incidents, allowing the refurbishment works to progress efficiently and without interruption. The protection fan remained structurally sound and fully compliant throughout the six-month programme, demonstrating our commitment to safety, planning, and reliable delivery on complex town-centre projects.
At White’s Scaffolding, we understand that public protection is just as important as providing safe access for trades. This project highlights our ability to deliver dependable scaffolding solutions in high-traffic environments while maintaining the highest safety standards.
