DIBt Approval – The German Standard for Safe Construction
What does DIBt approval or certification mean for a scaffolding system?
The DIBt approval (Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung, abbreviated abZ) is the official German quality mark confirming that a building product or system complies with all applicable safety, environmental, and health standards. It originates from the building regulations of the German federal states, which since the 1960s have legally anchored construction safety. The abZ provides a legal framework ensuring that all approved products meet the necessary safety and performance standards.
In 2017, the system was expanded with the General Construction Type Approval (aBG). While the abZ focuses on materials and product characteristics, the aBG evaluates entire construction systems – such as scaffolding or assembly systems – for their suitability and structural safety.
Although each country has its own regulations, the DIBt requirements closely align with international standards. As a result, DIBt documents are widely recognized or accepted as strong proof of compliance in tenders and site inspections throughout Europe.
In Europe, standard EN 12810 specifies the technical requirements for the design, construction, and use of façade scaffolds. Together with EN 12811, it forms a key reference for scaffolding manufacturers and sets out the requirements for load capacity, stability, and safety of professional scaffolding. Scaffolds that comply with these standards are considered safe for work at height.
When is DIBt approval required?
An abZ is required in Germany for products that deviate from generally recognized technical standards or fall outside the scope of European norms. Without a valid abZ or equivalent approval, a product may not be used in construction practice in Germany.
The approval is typically valid for five years and may be renewed upon evaluation.
The DIBt approval (abZ/aBG) proves that systems:
- Are structurally reliable
- Comply with EN 12810/12811 and additional national requirements
- May be used on German construction sites without restrictions
The approval process
The approval procedure involves close cooperation between the manufacturer, the DIBt, and accredited testing institutes. The manufacturer submits a technical dossier containing material data, test reports, and intended applications. Based on this, the DIBt defines a test program and commissions independent verification of performance. Upon successful completion, the manufacturer receives the official approval documents, allowing the product to be legally used in Germany.
What does a DIBt document contain?
A DIBt approval for a scaffolding system includes both the formal confirmation of safety and compliance and a comprehensive technical guideline. It typically contains:
- The official list of certified scaffolding components
- The standards on which the approval is based
- Technical data relevant for static load calculations
- Descriptions of standard scaffolding configurations
- Procedures for production control and quality monitoring
What are the benefits of a certified scaffolding system?
For system scaffolding manufacturers, DIBt approval is essential. It guarantees that the structure meets all requirements of German building supervision law — including strength calculations, stability, and assembly safety. For contractors and rental companies, this means:
1. Increased Safety
To minimize accident risks in temporary structures at height, European safety standards apply. A certified system confirms that scaffolding materials have been independently tested for strength, stability, and reliability, reducing the risk of accidents, penalties, or non-compliance.
2. Cross-Border Quality Assurance
Certification implies that scaffolding components are regularly monitored during production, ensuring consistent quality, fewer defects, and longer service life. Since DIBt aligns closely with international standards, the certificate is often recognized outside Germany and accepted worldwide as a reliable quality label. This also explains the higher residual value of certified scaffolding material on the rental and resale markets.
3. Greater Efficiency and Easier Preparation
Approval documents for certified scaffolding systems include both standard configurations and technical documentation for preparing static calculation reports for custom scaffold designs. The technical documentation of AFIXFAST system scaffolds is available for download. This information is not only useful for structural engineers but also saves preparation time during project planning, scaffold erection, and inspection.
4. A Smart Investment
Scaffolding systems with DIBt (abZ/aBG) approval enjoy high acceptance on construction sites and are immediately recognized by authorities and clients, enabling faster access to new markets. For contractors, designers, and manufacturers, this certification also provides legal assurance during audits or liability assessments.
DIBt en Afix Group
At AFIX Group, safety is at the core of every product design.
For us, certification of the AFIXFAST X52 system scaffolding is not merely a regulatory requirement, but a seal of quality for use in safety-critical applications such as industrial maintenance, high-rise construction, and event structures.
Clients and HSE departments seeking EN-compliant scaffolding solutions with certification can rely on Afix Group.
The AFIXFAST scaffolding system holds multiple relevant approvals and certifications — including the German DIBt, French AFNOR, and quality certifications from TÜV and NASC.
Learn more about other certifications and approvals for the AFIX FAST X52 system scaffolding.
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