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CROSS Safety Report

Cost of design standard for scaffolding

Report ID: 445 Published: 1 October 2015 Region: CROSS-UK

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Overview

The reporter is concerned that designers will not use the design standard for access scaffolding due to its high price.

Key Learning Outcomes

For civil and structural design engineers:

  • You should maintain access to safety related information required to carry out your role

For providers of safety related information for designers:

  • Consider making such critical information freely available or affordable

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The design standard for access scaffolding, TG20 is produced by the National Access and Scaffolding Association (NASC). A reporter queried NASC: ‘The full suite for TG20:13 appears to cost £1206. Is there an affordable version of the design standard?’ 

Their answer ‘I am afraid the initial requirement is to buy the full suite of TG20:13 publications.’ The reporter is concerned that designers will not use the latest information at this price.

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NASC confirmed that TG20:13 can only be purchased as a full suite in the first instance. Thereafter, constituent parts (there are four) including the e-Guide and pocket guide may be purchased separately. 

A similar issue applies to the purchase of Eurocodes. Competent designers need to purchase documents required for their business and there should be no temptation to ‘cut corners’. Nevertheless, when safety related information is cheaply or freely available, the more likely it is to be applied.

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