Case Study
TEMPLE MEADS
RAILWAY STATION
Footbridge & Metal Staircase Refurbishment
Specialist surface preparation and industrial
protective coating works carried out within
a live railway environment.
CORROSION PROTECTION
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
MINIMUL DISRUPTION TO PUBLIC
HIGH PERFOMANCE SYSTEM
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Temple Meads Railway Station Refurbishment
Project Overview
SH Decorating Services were appointed to carry out specialist preparation and protective coating works to a metal footbridge and public access staircase at Bristol Temple Meads railway station.
The project involved extensive surface preparation, corrosion treatment, and the application of high-performance industrial coating systems to restore and protect heavily weathered structural steelwork within a live public transport environment.
Works were completed in carefully managed phases to minimise disruption to station users while maintaining strict health and safety standards throughout the project.
Scope Of Works
The project consisted of two key phases:
Both elements required detailed preparation due to deteriorated coatings, rust contamination, and ongoing exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Iron Footbridge
Full preparation, industrial coating protection and corrosion protection works to the elevated bridge structure, within live public access environment
Metal Staircase
Full Preparation, industrial coating protection works, corrosion protection and anti-slip systems within a live public access environment.
Planning & Safety Management
Due to the location within a live railway station environment, extensive planning and coordination were required prior to commencement of works.
Pre-Start Planning Included
- Site surveys and condition inspections
- Preparation of detailed Method Statements and Risk Assessments
- Traffic and pedestrian management planning
- Access planning for elevated working areas
- Scheduling around public access requirements
- Identification of exclusion zones and safe working areas
PPE Requirements
- Safety helmets
- Eye and hearing protection
- Protective gloves
- Respiratory protection during mechanical preparation
- High-visibility clothing
- Safety footwear
- Harness equipment where required
Safety Measures Implemented
MEWP Access
A Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) was utilised to safely access elevated sections of the footbridge and staircase structure. All operators were suitably trained and competent in MEWP operation.
Traffic & Pedestrian Control
Because the staircase remained within a live public environment, temporary fencing systems, warning signage, and controlled exclusion zones were installed to safely segregate the public from operational works.
Traditional Tubular Scaffolding
Due to the position of the staircase and how it was constructed, it was not possible to use the MEWP to gain access underneath, so a traditional tubular scaffold was erected to enable access.
Phase 1 – Iron Footbridge Refurbishment
Surface Preparation
The existing footbridge coatings had suffered from significant deterioration, corrosion, and localised paint failure.
Preparation works involved a combination of:
Mechanical preparation methods. Hand preparation techniques. Needle gun de-scaling. Wire brushing of corroded areas.
All loose and flaking coatings, rust contamination, and unstable substrates were thoroughly removed to achieve a sound surface suitable for recoating.
All deteriorated coatings and rusted areas were removed before cleaning and treatment.
Cleaning & Degreasing
Once preparation was complete, all steel surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and degreased using Rust-Oleum Mathys ND14 Cleaner Degreaser This process ensured the removal of contaminants, oils, and residues Prior to primer application.
Rust Treatment & Priming
Corroded areas were treated using Owatrol Oil Multi-Purpose Rust Inhibitor
Following curing of the rust inhibitor, prepared areas were spot primed with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer
This provided additional corrosion resistance and ensured strong adhesion for subsequent coatings.
Protective Coating System
Once priming works had fully cured, all specified metalwork received Two full coats of Teamac Metalcote Plant Enamel Gloss. The coating system provided: Long-term corrosion protection Improved durability Enhanced weather resistance A uniform high-gloss finish suitable for industrial environments.
Timber Soffit Treatment
The underside of the footbridge incorporated timber planking between steel beams. These areas were prepared and coated using Bedec Barn Paint. This ensured the timber elements were also protected against environmental exposure while maintaining a clean and consistent overall appearance.
Phase 2 – Public Staircase Refurbishment
Public Protection & Access Control
The staircase remained a high-traffic public access route throughout the project and therefore required strict control measures.Temporary barriers, fencing, and warning signage were installed to safely isolate the staircase during preparation and coating operations.Works were carefully phased to minimise disruption while maintaining public safety at all times.
The staircase steelwork was prepared using the same preparation specification as the footbridge, including:
Mechanical preparation methods. Hand preparation techniques. Needle gun de-scaling. Wire brushing of corroded areas.
All loose and flaking coatings, rust contamination, and unstable substrates were thoroughly removed to achieve a sound surface suitable for recoating.
All deteriorated coatings and rusted areas were removed before cleaning and treatment.
Priming & Coating System
The staircase received the same corrosion protection system used on the footbridge. Rust treatment using Owatrol Oil Spot priming with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer Two coats of Teamac Metalcote Plant Enamel Gloss. This ensured consistency in both appearance and protective performance across the project.
Anti-Slip Stair Treads
To improve public safety and durability, staircase treads were coated using Coo-Var Suregrip. The coating was tinted to match the main staircase colour scheme while providing a highly durable anti-slip finish suitable for heavy pedestrian use.
Project Outcome
The completed works successfully restored both the footbridge and staircase structures, significantly improving: Structural appearance Surface protection Corrosion resistance Public safety Long-term maintenance performance. The project was delivered safely and efficiently within a live operational railway environment while maintaining strict compliance with site safety procedures and public access controls. The newly applied industrial coating systems now provide durable long-term protection against weathering, corrosion, and ongoing public use.
