The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has released a statement informing users of TG20:13 that technical support for this scaffolding software will be withdrawn by NASC from Tuesday 12th October 2021, six months after its launch.
From this day onwards it will no longer be possible to activate, move or reset a licence.
The online wind map functionality will also be removed from TG20:13. For now, users will still be able to produce compliance sheets for scaffolds that do not use the wind map and it will still be possible to use the simplified ‘offline’ wind map.
Those wishing to continue to produce TG20 compliance sheets with data drawn from the online wind map function will need to purchase a TG20:21 licence, available in one-, three- and five-year subscriptions.
The five-year subscription, which costs 20% less than buying a one-year subscription and renewing each year, is a limited-time offer so users are encouraged to buy now to receive this saving.
The TG20:13 eGuide software is being formally withdrawn as the software platform it was developed on, Adobe Air, is no longer supported or maintained by Adobe.
During the lifetime of TG20:13, it has been necessary to update the software when third party platforms that TG20:13 is reliant upon, such as Google Maps, were changed.
After Tuesday 12 October, no further updates to TG20:13 will be made.
Terry Roberts, Software Development Manager at CADS, which develops TG20 on behalf of the NASC, said: “We have taken the opportunity to not only refresh the technology that the TG20 eGuide is developed on, but also to substantially improve its presentation and clarity, with interactive 3D graphics that clearly illustrate the TG20 compliance features of the scaffold.
“Now that the TG20:21 eGuide is available on the Cloud via the NASC ePortal, it is more accessible than ever, whether you are working on site, at the office or at home, and on a wider variety of devices that now includes Apple iPhones and iPads in addition to Windows, Mac and Android devices.”
TG20:21 retains the user-friendly look and feel of TG20:13, but includes a number of revisions to make the process of producing compliant scaffolding – in accordance with the European standard BS EN 12811 – even simpler, and incorporates a wider range of scaffolding types.
Additions include exterior birdcages, tube and fitting mobile towers, tube and fitting loading bays without beams, and tied independent scaffolds with three inside boards. TG20 compliance sheets are now double-sided, with an illustration and principal compliance criteria on the front, and detailed compliance criteria listed on the reverse.
Users can access TG20:21 – including the associated and updated Operational and Design Guides – via the NASC ePortal.
Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “The TG20 compliance criteria and good practice guidance have been significantly updated for TG20:21 and the NASC strongly recommends that all those involved in the procurement, supply and use of scaffolding follow the latest guidance.”
