Understanding TG20:21 – Why It Matters to Every Scaffolder
At Safety & Access, scaffold safety is not just a priority – it’s our passion. One of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to ensure best practice in the scaffolding industry is the TG20:21 suite – a set of essential guidance documents developed by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).
Whether you’re a scaffolder, supervisor, contractor, or health & safety professional, understanding TG20:21 is key to building compliant, efficient, and most importantly, safe scaffolding structures.
What is TG20:21?
TG20:21 is the go-to guidance for tube and fitting scaffolding in the UK. It has become the industry’s unofficial code of practice, offering detailed standards for the design, assembly, inspection, and use of common scaffolding structures.
The full suite includes:
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TG20 Operational Guide
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TG20 eGuide (compliance sheet generator)
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TG20 Design Guide
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TG20 User Guide (pocket-sized booklet for site teams)
Why Is TG20:21 So Important?
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, every scaffold structure must be designed—either by bespoke engineering or built in accordance with a recognised standard configuration.
That’s where TG20:21 comes in. Its eGuide software creates official TG20 compliance sheets, offering pre-approved scaffold designs aligned with BS EN 12811. These sheets are accepted by the HSE and remove the need for costly bespoke designs—saving time and money while ensuring legal compliance.
What Do TG20 Compliance Sheets Cover?
A TG20 compliance sheet outlines everything needed to build a safe, compliant scaffold. They’re applicable to:
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Independent tied scaffolds
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Loading bays (with or without beams)
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Birdcages (internal and external)
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Putlog scaffolds
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Mobile and static towers
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Chimney stack scaffolds
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Bridging systems
These sheets ensure standardised safety, allowing anyone on-site to understand structural requirements at a glance.
Key Safety Features Covered in TG20:21
The updated TG20:21 guide now includes clearer advice and visuals on key scaffold components, including:
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Three Inside Boards – Where board deflection is an issue, TG20 suggests paired transoms or proprietary units.
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Rakers – Used for support in unclad scaffolds or in place of ties up to 6.0m high.
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Structural Transoms – Essential for sheeted/untied scaffolds and certain mobile towers.
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Prefabricated Units – Guidance on using transom units safely within TG20 standards.
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Loading Bays – Requirements for tie positions, structural bracing, and loading signs.
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Towers and Birdcages – Detailed spacing, bracing, load capacity, and stability measures.
Who Should Use TG20:21?
If you’re involved in any aspect of scaffolding, TG20:21 is for you:
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Scaffolders & Foremen
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Site Supervisors & Managers
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Health & Safety Advisors
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Construction Clients & Principal Contractors
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Inspectors & Consultants
At Safety & Access, we use TG20:21 every day in our training and consultancy services—because it raises the bar for safety and professionalism across the industry.
How Can You Stay Compliant?
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Ensure every scaffold has a TG20 compliance sheet or bespoke design.
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Train your team to understand and apply TG20:21 guidance.
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Book a scaffold inspection or training course with Safety & Access.
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Use the TG20 eGuide for real-time compliance checks on site.
TG20-Operational-Guide-Rev-000-29-08-24
Why Safety & Access?
We’ve trained thousands of scaffolders and safety professionals using the very best in TG20-based methods. With NASC membership, real-world consultancy experience, and training centres in Nottingham, London, and Humberside, we’re perfectly positioned to help you embed TG20 into your daily operations.
Need to refresh your team’s knowledge or want to learn more about TG20 compliance?
📞 Call us today on
🌐 Visit: www.safetyaccess.co.uk
📧 Email: safe@safetyaccess.co.uk
