Scaffold FAQs

TG20 is the industry guidance document that outlines safe scaffolding practices in the UK. It ensures scaffolding complies with British standards and provides templates and guidelines for erecting scaffolding structures without bespoke designs. TG20 scaffolding helps ensure safety and efficiency for various types of projects by adhering to strict guidelines.

The main difference between TG20 13 and TG20 21 lies in the updates to regulations and standards for scaffolding.

TG20:21 is the latest version, which includes advancements in scaffold safety, updated compliance with British and European standards, and more flexible guidance on complex scaffolding structures. The 2021 version also provides enhanced digital tools for scaffold design, making it easier to generate compliance sheets for scaffolds.

TG20:13 was its predecessor, now replaced by the more comprehensive TG20:21.

You need a scaffold design when the scaffold required does not fall within a standard configuration, as set out by TG20 guidelines. A bespoke scaffold design is necessary for more complex or non-standard structures, such as scaffolding used in areas with high wind loads, tall buildings, or projects that require heavy-duty scaffolds. Custom scaffold designs ensure the structure’s safety, stability, and compliance with legal requirements.

Scaffolding is required when working at height, particularly on construction or maintenance projects. It is put in place to provide a safe and stable platform to access hard-to-reach areas, i.e. roofs, windows, or upper floors for tasks such as painting, plastering, roofing, and industrial repairs.

The different types of scaffolding include;

Supported scaffolding - Typically the most common type of scaffolding. This is used for construction and maintenance work, consisting of a platform supported by poles, very versatile.

Suspended scaffolding - Mostly used for window cleaning, painting etc… this style hangs from the roof of buildings and can be raised and lowered.

Rolling scaffolding - Wheels are attached to the base allowing this style to be moved around easily. Generally used for indoor construction.

Cantilever scaffolding - This style of scaffolding is supported at one end and is used when there are obstructions on the ground, or when working on higher floors.

Scaffolding costs vary based on several factors (size of the project, location, and duration of use). On average, scaffolding rental costs range from £250 to £1000 per week for residential projects. For larger, industrial scaffolding projects, the cost again depends on the complexity and height of the s

One of the main scaffold safety regs is ‘Work at Height Regulations 2005’, which requires scaffolding to be inspected regularly and tagged, to be constructed by qualified professionals, and equipped with guardrails, toe boards, and stable platforms. All operatives must be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) such as harnesses and helmets when on scaffolding.

The time it takes to erect scaffolding depends completely on the size and complexity of the structure. A small scaffold for residential work could take a few hours, while larger industrial scaffolding may take days or even weeks. The erection time also depends on the height and design requirements.

A base jack is a scaffold component that provides a stable and level foundation for scaffolding. It’s easily adjustable and designed to be placed at the bottom of scaffolding to distribute the weight evenly and ensure stability on uneven ground.

A U clamp is a scaffolding fitting used to connect tubes at right angles. The U Clamp helps to secure crossbars and standards, providing stability and strength to the structure and is essential for rigid and safe scaffolding assembly.

A swivel clamp is a scaffolding fitting that allows two scaffold tubes to be joined at any angle. It is most commonly used in more complex scaffold designs where angled connections are necessary for structural support.

A roof curb is a raised frame used to support rooftop equipment, like HVAC units or fans, without compromising the roof's integrity. In scaffolding, roof curbs provide a secure base for supporting loads when working on roofs, especially during industrial or commercial projects.