Mark Collinson, head of technical at NASC, trade body for the access and scaffolding industry, explains the significance of the latest developments in its support for system scaffolding
WE live in a world of hype and hyperbole, in which phrases such as ‘transformational’ and ‘game-changing’ are used too often to describe developments that rarely live up to the hype. However, there are still exceptions to this; genuinely exciting moments when new developments arrive with the ability to shift practice and thinking across an entire industry or sector.
I am convinced that TG30 is just such a development. And this is not hubris. This comes from NASC’s experience developing TG20, which did for tube and fit scaffolding what TG30 now has the potential to do for system. And it comes from the first six months of data on the use of TG30 since its launch at Scaffex24 last November.
The following eGuides are NASC’s digital tools, available through the NASC ePortal:
• TG20 tube and fitting scaffolding
• TG30 system scaffolding
Both these eGuides and the operational and design guides that go alongside them provide essential compliance tools, design guidance and operational support for scaffolding contractors, ensuring adherence to the NASC’s rigorous safety standards and UK legislation.
Legislation requires that scaffolding must be erected to a design with calculations, unless it is erected to a standard configuration. Users have benefited from TG20, which enables them to digitally produce a ‘standard configuration’ in the form of a TG20 compliance sheet, which concisely shows the scaffold’s requirements, including maximum height, bay lengths, tie placements and leg loadings.
Now, with complementary guidance TG30, users can create a system scaffolding compliance sheet, without the need to wade through manufacturers’ manuals or seek designer input. Moreover, scaffolding contractors’ customers will be able to benefit as well, especially as each of the phased releases in TG30 enables a greater range of guidance.
No longer will principal designers, principal contractors and users have to read through manufacturers’ manuals to check that their scaffolding contractor has the correct tie detail. Customers can benefit from receiving a compliance sheet before work starts and check the installation against the TG30 compliance sheet. That alone really Is a game-changer.
The industry, notably in Scotland, where system scaffolding has a far higher market penetration than south of the border, has loved TG30’s first-phase functionality, even though it has been generic.
And now we have launched phase two, that value will only increase. In line with our phased roll-out laid out at launch, phase two marks a significant milestone for TG30, with the addition of several eagerly awaited development, including:
• TG30 cup, pocket, rosette and wedge stair tower
• TG30 cup and wedge independent and tied tower scaffolding to complement rosette system
While TG30 is for system scaffolding, these latest developments also come with some major benefits for users of tube and fit in TG20, with stair towers now included in that package for the first time, avoiding the need to wade through manufacturers’ manuals or seek designer input.
Stair towers have a proven efficiency and have improved safety over the use of ladders, which has resulted in their recognition as the preferred access system for scaffolding. While it is the main duty holders (usually the client or principal contractor) who ultimately decides on access arrangements for their projects, we hope the ease with which stair towers can now be Included In both TG20 and TG30 should mean that the main duty holders will be encouraged to stipulate stair towers over ladders. This new capability within TG20 and the major enhancement of TG30 for phase two are one of those game-changing moments for the industry.
TG30 remains free of charge to current ePortal subscribers, and this second phase release has been delivered on time and in budget. It is part of a scheduled and planned roll-out that includes manufacturers’ inclusion at various phases throughout the year.
TG30 System Scaffolding guidance embodies the NASC’s position as being the primary provider of quality guidance and advice for the scaffolding and access sector.
It’s important we recognise the hard work of all involved in getting this release out on time and to budget, it has taken a huge effort from all concerned, including the committee and the technical team.
TG30 release timetable
TG30 is made up of over 15 different types of system scaffolding and the NASC has decided to prioritise certain features into the following phased process:
Phase 1, Launch Nov 2024 – Completed
• TG30 compliant rosette independent and tied tower scaffolding designs.
• TG30 Operational Guide Phase 1 (online only).
• TG30 Design Guide Phase 1 (online only).
Phase 2, April 2025 – Completed
• TG30 compliant cup and wedge independent and tied tower scaffolding designs.
• TG30 compliant cup, pocket, rosette and wedge stair towers designs.
Phase 3, June 2025
• System scaffolding manufacturers, as listed in eGuide.
• Manufacturer specific independent scaffolding tied tower scaffolding and stair tower designs.
Phase 4, July 2025
• TG30 compliant cup, rosette and wedge internal birdcage designs.
• TG30 compliant cup, rosette and wedge free-standing and mobile tower designs.
• Manufacturer specific internal birdcage and free-standing and mobile tower designs.
Phase 5, September 2025
• TG30 Operational Guide (online and print).
• TG30 Design Guide (online and print).
