Client
Stantec for Reading Borough Council
Location
Multiple locations throughout Reading’s waterways
The Brief
Stantec needed reliable support to inspect Reading Borough Council’s bridges, retaining walls and other waterside infrastructure.
The work required a mix of boat access, bank access and pontoon-and-tower solutions, depending on the structure, location and the condition of the water.
Our role was to provide safe, practical access for engineers and inspection teams so they could carry out their assessments efficiently and without disruption.
The Challenge
Reading’s waterways vary widely in character, and no two inspection sites permitted the same approach.
Some structures sat in tight urban and suburban locations with poor vehicle access, meaning equipment had to be carried in by hand. Also, the water conditions varied greatly in depth and ranged from fast flows and white water to gentle canal waters.
The routes often involved moving between contrasting water environments in a single day, which meant the team needed the right mix of kit and capability at all times.
Our Solution
Fully Modular Access Solutions
BM Safety worked with Stantec during the planning phase to map out each site and identify the safest access method for every structure.
We provided a pontoon and safety boat team, supported by swift-water rescue trained operatives who were able to work safely in both fast-moving and calm water environments.
Because we supplied a wide range of equipment each day, from modular pontoons and towers to work boats and PPE, the team could adjust plans on site in response to conditions. This meant inspections could continue safely even when the water behaved differently from the forecast.
Our in-water operatives were also key. When access by boat became impractical, they entered the water to help manoeuvre equipment or support the inspection teams directly.
The Result
BM Safety has now supported Reading Borough Council’s inspection cycles for more than ten years, helping their engineers carry out hundreds of assessments across bridges, footbridges, retaining walls and culvert entrances.
Many of these inspections would not have been possible without hands-on, in-water access support and the ability to adapt our approach to rapidly changing conditions.
At a Glance
- Technical expertise: Swift-water access planning, in-water operatives, asset-by-asset access assessment.
- Platform configuration: Modular pontoons, tower systems, work boats and portable access solutions for confined locations.
- On-site support: Swift-water trained operatives, safety boat cover, launch and logistics support, reactive adaptations to site conditions.
- Project duration: Recurring yearly inspections.
- Our difference: Practical, water-first access solutions that allow inspections to proceed safely even in fast-flowing, shallow or inaccessible locations.
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Get a Quote
We understand cost pressures. We aim for competitive day rates, clear availability, and no nasty surprises in mobilisation or delivery.
Call: 0117 929 1153
Email: info@bmsafety.co.uk
