Introduction The NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) issued new guidance that will impact all tube and fitting scaffold design in the UK. TG20:08 replaces the obsolete British Standard for tube and fitting scaffolding, BS 5973, providing wide-ranging advice on the construction of tube and fitting scaffolding, together with guidance for design engineers.               BS5973 was withdrawn in 2005 and has since been replaced by TG20:08 but the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) allowed the Scaffolding Industry 2 years to adopt the new guidance. The HSE requires that unless a scaffold can be shown to be a TG20:08 'Basic Scaffolds' then it must be designed by calculation by a qualified Structural Engineer! The HSE recently confirmed this in the following announcement: "As from 1st January 2011 the Health and Safety Executive will no longer acknowledge BS5973:1993 as a recognised standard for the design of tube and fitting scaffolding structures" Philip White, Chief Inspector of Construction, HSE (June 2010) The HSE states that: Unless a scaffold is a basic configuration described in recognised guidance e.g. NASC Technical Guidance TG20 for tube and fitting scaffolds or manufacturers' guidance for system scaffolds, the scaffold should be designed by calculation, by a competent person, to ensure it will have adequate strength and stability. All scaffolding should be erected, dismantled and altered in accordance with either NASC guidance document SG4 for tube and fitting scaffolds or the manufacturers' erection guide for system scaffolds. For scaffolds that fall outside the scope of 'Basic Scaffolds' as described in bullet point 1, the design information should describe the sequence and methods to be adopted when erecting, dismantling and altering the scaffold, if this is not covered by published guidance as detailed in bullet point 2. Any proposed modifications or alterations outside a generally recognised standard configuration should be designed by a competent person. Handover certificates should refer to relevant drawings, permitted working platform loadings and any specific restrictions on use.  http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/scaffoldinginfo.htm   What is TG20:08? TG20:08 is a guide to good practice for tube and fitting scaffolding published by the NASC, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation. It is based on BS EN 12811-1, which is the British and European standard for tube and fitting scaffold design. TG20:08 defines a range of 'basic scaffolds' for which a structural design has been performed by the NASC, and for which a further design is not required. These standard designs are provided in the form of tables of safe height and tie duty values. If an independent or putlog scaffold conforms to the TG20 definition of a 'Basic Scaffold' then it does not require a formal structural design if its height is within the safe height provided by TG20:08. The tie duty advises whether light, standard, or heavy duty ties are required, and also advises of cases where extra ties need to be applied.   'SMART Scaffolder will perform TG20:08 checks automatically. The 'basic scaffold' checks are performed and if these checks pass then the safe height and required tie duty are calculated.' What is a 'Basic Scaffold'? TG20:08 provides guidance for 'basic independent' and 'basic putlog' scaffolds, plus some limited guidance for other types of scaffolding, including towers and loading bays. Safe height and tie duty designs are only provided for independent and putlog scaffolds. TG20:08 provides a checklist of conditions that must be met which are checked by CADS SMART Scaffolder check IT software, in the cases where the scaffolding can be entered into the software, and a drawing produced. Any 'special' scaffolds that cannot be handled directly by SMART Scaffolder should be checked using the guidance in TG20:08. The latest check IT+ addresses many design issues currently outside of the scope of the TG20:08 'Basic Scaffold check' thus proving even more (typical) scaffolds fully comply with the latest guidance without the expense of an engineer's fees! The Benefits of TG20:08 A larger number of standard scaffold arrangements Direct input & support from the HSE Supported by full scale tests and calculations Greater level of practicality Minimum disruption to scaffolder A standard designation describing scaffolds, aimed at scaffolders and clients 'SMART Scaffolder will produce a report that can be printed or saved electronically and used as part of your Health & Safety procedures.'   FREE 'Working with TG20:08' Guide!   Get Your FREE 'Working with TG20:08' Guide! CADS has put together a guide to the new TG20:08 and how easily you can comply with our SMART Scaffolder software. Inside this essential document you can: Read a clear summary on the new guidance Define a 'Basic Scaffold'  Learn how it will impact on your business View a simple software based approach to TG20:08 Understand how to gain real business advantages  Register NOW to receive this FREE guide.

SMART Scaffolder is ready to help you meet the latest technical guidance and regulations. Our dedicated development team work closely with industry experts to ensure any new requirements have a minimal impact on your buisness. In fact, our approach can deliver a real competitive advantage!

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