Mar 15 2009
Increasing numbers of scaffolding companies are turning to CADS SMART Scaffolder software to help them meet the latest TG20:08 safety rules published by the NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation).
CADS SMART Scaffolder helps scaffolders to comply with HSE guidance and meet the new TG20:08 safety rules by confirming whether or not a scaffolding configuration can be designated as a 'basic scaffold'.
Under TG20:08, any proposed scaffolding which is not a 'basic scaffold' must be designed by a competent expert such as a chartered structural engineer.
CADS SMART Scaffolder has been designed to eliminate the uncertainty of knowing whether a proposed scaffolding installation is officially 'basic' or not.
That helps scaffolding companies to:
- construct safe, TG20:08-compliant scaffolding more swiftly
- win more business
- tender for more business faster and more easily
- prove their competence to main contractors, builders, inspectors and other safety professionals
- justify the extra cost of using a scaffolding designer when required under TG20:08.
SMART Scaffolder is a modular software system that can be used independently, alongside existing software or in combination as an integrated suite. There are four modules:
- SMART Scaffolder estimate IT - quickly and accurately generates quotations, drawings and load lists
- SMART Scaffolder check IT - checks whether your scaffolds are 'basic' or need 'design' under TG20:08 regulations
- SMART Scaffolder model IT - cutting-edge 3D visualisation with quick and easy drag and drop modelling
- SMART Scaffolder draw IT (for AutoCAD) - makes it easy to draw professional scaffold engineering drawings using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. Simply drag and drop scaffolding components on to your drawing.
SMART Scaffolder check IT produces an easy-to-use checklist, the TG20:08 Report, which includes results for key factors such as tube type, maximum load, number of boards, maximum bay length, wind factor and bracing.
CADS Sales Director Ian Chambers said: "We believe that TG20:08 compliance should become an automatic part of your everyday estimating process, not a burdensome exercise.
"Early feedback is already indicating that the TG20:08 Report generated by our software will become an essential document for professional scaffolders and their customers."
SMART Scaffolder check IT automatically works out the correct designation of 'basic' scaffolds under new three-digit codes introduced by TG20:08 such as:
- 2-4-0 - a light duty scaffold with four main boards and no inside boards
- 3-5-0 - a general purpose scaffold with five main boards and no inside boards
- 4-5-2 - a heavy duty scaffold with five main boards and two inside boards.
"These new designations classify your scaffold in several ways - the maximum safe height, required tie duty, maximum safe load, maximum bay length and maximum transom spacing.
"When SMART Scaffolder check IT automatically works out the designation, it must also check the safe height, load, bay length and number of transoms that you need.
"You can also quickly determine the wind factor for your site by just entering a postcode and picking the relevant site conditions, such as terrain, position relative to the coast or a hillside."
SMART Scaffolder is already being recommended by the National Construction College in Norfolk as part of scaffolding training. CADS is also working with a number of safety training companies and practitioners to help promote safe working through use of SMART Scaffolder.
CADS (Computer and Design Services Ltd) is a major developer of construction industry software with more than 4,000 clients across the world, including contractors, engineers, fabricators, detailers and scaffolders.
The company is headquartered in Poole, Dorset with two further UK offices plus global offices and resellers in India, the Middle East, North America and South East Asia.
CADS is an Information Member of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC); a Microsoft Certified Partner and an Authorised Autodesk Developer.