Project Overview

20 Air Street, located within London’s prestigious Quadrant 3 development, required a detailed high level inspection to assess access to gully outlets across multiple elevations. Our experienced Working at Height and BMU teams are equipped to assess complex façades and provide clear reporting on building condition, access limitations, and safety risk.

Challenges

The property is located in a busy area with significant pedestrian traffic, requiring careful planning to ensure safety and minimal disruption. Access was to be carried out using a cradle system integrated into the building’s original design. A key challenge was assessing whether this system remained fit for purpose, especially given the architectural complexity of the façade and the variety of maintenance needs across multiple elevations.

Investigations & Findings

ERC’s Working at Height team undertook a detailed survey using the cradle system. A controlled exclusion zone was established below to maintain public safety and all operations were completed within regular working hours.

The survey highlighted that while the cradle provided access to general façade areas, there were limitations in safely reaching certain inspection points. Architectural features and recessed elements of the building design presented access challenges that could not be addressed safely using cradle equipment alone.

Execution of Recommendations

Based on the survey findings, ERC advised that rope access would provide a safer and more flexible solution for future maintenance. This recommendation was made to support ongoing upkeep and ensure that all areas of the building could be accessed efficiently without compromising safety or heritage features.

A report was provided with guidance on adapting the existing maintenance strategy, along with observations to support planned preventative measures and reduce future risks.

Project Outcomes

The project successfully identified limitations in the current access strategy, enabling the client to take proactive steps to enhance future maintenance planning. By recommending a shift towards rope access, ERC ensured that the client could continue to maintain the building to a high standard while meeting modern safety and operational requirements.

Future Recommendations

ERC recommended that future maintenance and inspections be supported by rope access methods, especially in locations where traditional systems are unable to provide full coverage. Regular reviews of access systems and maintenance protocols would help ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety legislation, thereby protecting both the property and the public.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates ERC Services’ commitment to safe, practical, and forward thinking access solutions. By conducting a comprehensive survey and providing expert recommendations, ERC enabled the client to optimise their maintenance strategy while safeguarding one of London’s key heritage properties.