Quick Answer
A TG20 Compliance Sheet is a document generated through the NASC TG20 ePortal that demonstrates a tube and fitting scaffold complies with TG20:21 guidance. It provides evidence that the scaffold falls within recognised industry standards and can be erected without requiring a bespoke scaffold design.
What Is a TG20 Compliance Sheet?
A TG20 Compliance Sheet is a document generated through the NASC TG20 ePortal that demonstrates a scaffold configuration complies with the requirements of TG20:21.
The sheet summarises key information about the scaffold, including its dimensions, loading classification, tie arrangement and compliance status. It provides evidence that the scaffold falls within recognised industry guidance and can therefore be erected without a bespoke design.
It is important to understand that a compliance sheet is not a scaffold design. It is evidence that a scaffold configuration falls within the limits of TG20 guidance.
What Information Does a TG20 Compliance Sheet Contain?
A TG20 Compliance Sheet typically includes:
- Scaffold dimensions and geometry
- Bay lengths and lift heights
- Working platform duty rating
- Tie pattern requirements
- Bracing requirements
- Permitted loading information
- Compliance confirmation
The exact information varies depending on the scaffold configuration, but the purpose remains the same: demonstrating compliance with TG20:21.
When Can a TG20 Compliance Sheet Be Used?
Tube and Fitting Scaffold Type
Tied Independent Scaffold
Basic Internal Birdcage Scaffold
Attached Loading Bay
Ladder Access Tower
Basic Beamed Bridge
Cantilever Scaffold
Suspended Scaffold
Temporary Roof Scaffold
Typically Covered by TG20?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Often
No
No
No
When Is a TG20 Compliance Sheet Not Enough?
A compliance sheet cannot be used if the scaffold falls outside the scope of TG20 guidance.
Examples include:
- Significant cantilevers
- Large bridging arrangements
- Complex temporary roofs
- Unusual loading conditions
- Non-standard tie patterns
- Suspended scaffolds
- Complex geometries
In these situations, a scaffold design may be required to demonstrate structural adequacy.
Who Requests TG20 Compliance Sheets?
Compliance sheets are commonly requested by:
- Principal contractors
- Temporary works coordinators
- Site managers
- Health and safety teams
- Scaffold inspectors
- Clients and asset owners
Providing clear compliance documentation helps demonstrate that scaffold compliance has been properly assessed before work begins.
TG20 Compliance Sheets vs Scaffold Designs
TG20 Compliance Sheet
Demonstrates Compliance with TG20:21
Used for Standard scaffold configurations
Generated from Tg20:21 Guidance
No Project-specific Calculations
Suitable for Compliant Scaffolds only
Scaffold Design
Provides bespoke Engineering Assessment
Used for Non-standard scaffolds
Produced by a Scaffold Designer
Includes project-specific calculations
Required for Scaffolds outside of Guidance
How Do You Check Whether a Scaffold Complies with TG20?
Before a compliance sheet can be produced, the scaffold must be assessed against TG20 requirements.
This includes verifying:
- Scaffold geometry
- Platform loading
- Tie arrangements
- Bracing requirements
- Wind loading assumptions
- Access arrangements
Many scaffold companies now use digital compliance tools to verify compliance before progressing with projects, helping to reduce risk and improve consistency.
How SMART Compliance Helps
While the NASC TG20 ePortal generates TG20 Compliance Sheets, scaffold contractors still need a reliable way to assess whether a scaffold is compliant before reaching that stage.
SMART Compliance helps scaffold businesses quickly check scaffold configurations against TG20:21 and TG30:24 guidance, providing a clear pass/fail assessment and identifying when a scaffold falls outside recognised compliance limits.
Developed by CADS, the engineering software company whose team helped develop both TG20 and TG30 guidance, SMART Compliance gives contractors confidence that scaffold compliance has been assessed consistently and accurately.
Benefits include:
- Faster compliance checking
- Reduced manual assessment
- Improved consistency
- Auditable compliance records
- Support for both TG20 and TG30 workflows
- Early identification of scaffolds that may require design
Book a SMART Compliance Demonstration
See how SMART Compliance helps scaffold contractors assess compliance faster and with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a TG20 Compliance Sheet a scaffold design?
No. A TG20 Compliance Sheet demonstrates that a scaffold falls within TG20 guidance. It does not replace a scaffold design where one is required.
Who can produce a TG20 Compliance Sheet?
TG20 Compliance Sheets are generated through the NASC TG20 ePortal.
Does every scaffold need a TG20 Compliance Sheet?
Not necessarily, but many contractors use them to demonstrate compliance and satisfy client or principal contractor requirements.
What happens if a scaffold falls outside TG20?
The scaffold may require a bespoke design prepared by a competent scaffold designer.
Can SMART Compliance generate TG20 Compliance Sheets?
No. TG20 Compliance Sheets are generated through the NASC TG20 ePortal. SMART Compliance helps contractors assess scaffold compliance and identify whether a scaffold falls within TG20 or TG30 guidance.
Risks of Assuming a Scaffold Doesn't Need a Design
Incorrectly treating a scaffold as TG20 or TG30 compliant can result in:
Delays on site
Failed inspections
Additional costs
Project disruption
Increased liability
Safety risks
For this reason, scaffold contractors should always verify compliance before erection begins.
