TG20:21 Scaffolding Compliance Sheets

While TG20:21 is technically classed as guidance rather than law, it represents a core value of the scaffolding industry and associated trades. Following TG20:21 ensures compliance with the legal requirements of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, making it the de facto standard for scaffolding safety documentation.

The Evolution of Scaffolding Standards

The scaffolding industry has evolved significantly over the past two decades. In 2003, the traditional British Standard BS 5973 was replaced by BS EN 12811-1, aligning UK practices with European standards. While BS EN 12811-1 provides the mathematical framework for scaffolding design calculations, it wasn't intended as a practical guide for the industry.

To bridge this gap, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) developed a series of practical guidelines. Beginning with TG20:05 and TG20:08, these guides helped the industry transition smoothly to European standards while maintaining the practical approach of BS 5973. The breakthrough came when NASC and CADS collaborated to create TG20:13, which eliminated the need for bespoke scaffolding design on typical projects.

What TG20:21 Means For Your Project

Today's TG20:21 standard serves as a comprehensive guide to good practice for tube and fitting scaffolding. It provides a detailed checklist for the design of safe, appropriate, compliant and insurable scaffolding structures. Each type of structure has its own strict measurement and component breakdown, ensuring consistent standards across all projects.

The guidance covers critical design elements including:

• Proper location and positioning

• Maximum design heights

• Load capacities and weight distribution

• Specific tie load requirements with on-site testing protocols

• Bay sizes and lift heights

• Maximum leg loads for bearing surface verification

• Integration of additional features and components

NASC TG20:21 compliance sheet example

Meeting Industry Standards

At DDC Scaffolding, we recognise that while TG20:21 is guidance rather than regulation, adherence to its specifications demonstrates our commitment to industry best practice. By following these established standards, we ensure our scaffolding not only meets legal requirements but also provides the highest level of safety and reliability for your project.

How We Apply TG20:21

Our CISRS-qualified team approaches each project with comprehensive understanding of TG20:21 guidance. Before a single tube is placed, we carefully assess your project's specific requirements against TG20:21 specifications. We handle the entire compliance process, from initial design verification through installation, inspection, and certification.

Every scaffold begins with precise measurements and load calculations. Our experienced team determines the correct bay sizes, lift heights, and tie patterns to match your site conditions. We verify bearing surfaces, calculate maximum leg loads, and specify bracing requirements in line with TG20:21 parameters. When additional features are needed, we integrate them within the design while maintaining full compliance.

This thorough approach ensures your scaffold meets both TG20:21 specifications and statutory safety requirements, giving you complete confidence in the structure's integrity throughout your project.

Professional Standards and Protection

Our commitment to TG20:21 compliance is backed by £5 million public liability and £10 million employers' liability insurance. As SafeContractor accredited and Construction Line Gold members, we maintain comprehensive safety management systems that align with both technical guidance and legal requirements. Regular audits through our SMAS Worksafe certification and Scaffolding Association membership verify our adherence to industry standards.

Project Timeline Protection

Following TG20:21 guidance from the outset is crucial for smooth project delivery. When scaffolding design and documentation align with industry standards from day one, you avoid the costly disruptions that plague non-compliant structures. There's no scrambling to modify designs, no last-minute alterations, and no delays waiting for additional engineering input.

By working to TG20:21 specifications, we ensure your scaffold is right first time. Your bricklayers won't arrive to find inadequate lift heights. Your plasterers won't discover insufficient loading capacity. Your painters won't face access issues that could have been prevented. Every trade can work confidently, knowing their platform meets both their needs and industry standards.

This proactive approach to compliance protects more than just timelines - it safeguards your budget too. When scaffolding complies with industry standards from the start, you avoid the ripple effects of delays: no standing time charges, no rescheduling fees, and no extended hire periods. Your project maintains momentum, your trades stay on schedule, and your deadlines remain achievable.

Ongoing Compliance Management

Your initial TG20:21 compliance sheet establishes baseline conformity with industry standards. Regular inspections maintain this status throughout the project. Our experienced team ensures all documentation remains current and any modifications continue to meet both TG20:21 guidance and legal requirements.

The DDC Commitment to Compliance

While TG20:21 compliance sheets represent technical guidance rather than statutory requirements, they demonstrate the scaffolding industry's commitment to safety and efficiency. At DDC Scaffolding, we understand that reliable service means going beyond minimum legal requirements to embrace established industry best practices. When we say we'll handle your scaffolding compliance needs, we mean it - because at DDC Scaffolding, our word is our bond.