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See side bar below for comprehensive FAQs |
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TG20:08
"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 NASC has new guidance that will impact on all scaffold design in the UK. TG20:08 has been issued as technical industry guidance on the use of the European Standard BS EN12811 and applies to all tube and fitting scaffolding, from the most basic to the most complex of scaffold structures.
The HSE states:
"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."
check IT (TG20:08) |
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SMART Scaffolder check IT is a plug-in for SMART Scaffolder estimate IT that adds support for TG20:08 by checking whether your scaffolds are 'Basic Scaffolds'. SMART Scaffolder check IT automatically performs a Basic Scaffold check, including calculation of the safe height and the required tie duty. SMART Scaffolder check IT will automatically produce a printable TG20:08 Report as you estimate, justifying whether the scaffold is a 'Basic Scaffold'. The TG20:08 Report can be used to show that a scaffold complies with TG20:08 and does not need to be designed. You can also use the report to justify the need or otherwise for a design engineer to a client. SMART Scaffolder check IT provides detailed Basic Scaffold checks for independent and putlog scaffolds. Basic Scaffold checks are also available for free-standing and mobile towers, including a safe height check. SMART Scaffolder check IT will inform you whether your loading bay conforms to this standard type or whether it will need to be designed.
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Safe Height |
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If the Basic Scaffold criteria are met SMART Scaffolder check IT automatically calculates the maximum safe height of your scaffold as you estimate and warns you if it is exceeded. SMART Scaffolder check IT calculates this information automatically and summarises it in the printable TG20:08 Report.
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Wind Factor |
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In SMART Scaffolder check IT you can quickly determine the wind factor for your site by just entering a postcode and picking the relevant site conditions, such as terrain and position relative to the coast, a hillside etc. The default wind factor, calculated from the postcode, is suitable where the scaffold will be built in an urban location on relatively flat ground.
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Scaffold Designation |
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SMART Scaffolder check IT automatically works out the designation for you and uses it to check the safe height and bay length, and to calculate the number of transoms that you need. SMART Scaffolder check IT helps you by recommending the load class and the maximum safe load for your scaffold based on the usage that you specify for the contractual quotation. Inside board loading can be adjusted, in which case the safe height is automatically calculated.
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Bracing |
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SMART Scaffolder check IT complies with the new TG20:08 bracing patterns, producing compliant drawings and loading lists. Ledger bracing is automatically placed to be compliant with TG20:08, being placed around façade-braced bays and following the maximum spacing rules. In SMART Scaffolder check IT the façade bracing is placed across two bays by default, the preferred option in TG20:08, with the option to place it across a single bay if required. SMART Scaffolder check IT automatically places the bracing at the required interval of every six bays of scaffolding. SMART Scaffolder check IT will also inform you whether plan bracing is required, depending on the height of the scaffold and the use of façade bracing.
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Ties & Tie Patterns
SMART Scaffolder check IT will automatically estimate the number of ties required based on these tie patterns, including the ties required for sheeting and pavement lifts, incorporating additional ties required for sites in high wind factor areas, and reducing ties where appropriate returns are present. When choosing a sparse tie pattern SMART Scaffolder automatically works out if this is appropriate and warns you if the chosen tie pattern cannot be used. If the 'Basic Scaffold' criteria are met SMART Scaffolder check IT calculates the required tie duty, advising on the required strength of the ties (light duty, medium duty, or heavy duty) and whether extra ties are required. It is then included in the TG20:08 Report. SMART Scaffolder check IT will also advise you if extra ties are required for sheeting or netting, also taking into account a high TG20:08 wind factor if applicable.
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TG20:08 Report |
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| SMART Scaffolder check IT displays summary of the TG20:08 checks allowing you to easily see which TG20:08 check has failed and make a correction if required. This can be printed as a TG20:08 Report (see below) to justify to colleagues, third parties or a client that the 'Basic Scaffold' criteria have been met, or alternatively that further professional design is required. |
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NEW check IT+ (July 2010)
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!
- Partially-boarded independent scaffolds with any combination of boarded lifts, non-boarded lifts, and ladder-access landings
- Independent scaffolds with any combinations of guard rails, even with triple guard rails and inner rails
- Fully-loaded independent scaffolds (without sheeting or debris netting)
- Aluminium independent scaffolds (without sheeting or debris netting)
- You can now even reduce your bay spacing to pass a heavily-loaded scaffold!
And more . . . |
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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
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FREE TG20:08 Appendix H: Tying to Permeable open Structures FREE |
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TG20:08 Appendix H was published by the NASC in January 2010. Appendix H describes the requirements for ties where the surface of the building to which the scaffold is to be tied is permeable. CADS has already incorporated its new requirements into its unique SMART Scaffolder check IT module which will be offered as a free update to all maintained customers.
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SMART Scaffolder is modular software that can be used independently, alongside your existing software or in combination as a fully integrated solution.
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The TG20 Opportunity
Produce quotations, load lists and drawings quicker than ever
Automatically provide a TG20:08 Check report, proving compliance
Solve design issues beyond the limited scope of TG20:08's 'Basic Scaffold' concept
Ensure highest quality presentation of quotations and drawings
Provide the best onsite documentation for colleagues and third parties
Win and retain more business!
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