Construction Safety Nets: Fall Protection Guide

In the ever-evolving and hazard-prone world of construction, the safety of workers is paramount. Among various safety measures, construction safety nets are indispensable for ensuring the well-being of workers, preventing accidents, and reducing the risk of fatalities. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the significance of construction safety nets as a crucial element in fall protection. 

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As global construction demands rise, so does the focus on ensuring the safety of workers on site. Construction safety nets play a pivotal role in this, offering critical protection against common workplace hazards.

This best practice guideline outlines safety net requirements and the safe use of safety nets.

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Safe use of safety nets

Summary

Key points

• Safety nets installed below a high level work area reduce the distance a person can fall.
• Safety nets are designed to deflect and absorb the energy of a fall so they reduce the likelihood of a person being injured.
• There must be enough clear space below the net so that as the net deflects, the person who has fallen does not strike an obstacle or the ground.
• Safety nets allow people to work at height without restricting their movement.

01 / Introduction

A fall from a height is likely to result in a serious injury. By installing safety nets below a high-level work area, there is less likelihood that the person will be injured if they fall.

Regardless of the time spent on a roof, the risk of falling is high. Any fall is likely to result in a serious injury. Safety nets installed below a high-level work area reduce the distance that a worker can fall. They absorb the impact of the fall and provide a &#;soft landing&#; to reduce the likelihood of a person being injured.

Safety nets are collective fall arrest systems, not fall restraint systems. That is, they provide passive protection from falls while allowing people to work at height without restricting their movement.

Collective fall arrest systems include:

• safety nets
• soft landing systems, or fall arrest mats.

1.1 Purpose

This Best Practice Guideline covers the safety requirements and safe use of safety nets to protect people from being injured by a fall from a height. This information is for anyone who has to provide a safe place of work and make sure that all plant and equipment is safe. It describes best practice for:

• safety net design principles
• types and classifications of safety nets
• safety net components
• installing of safety nets
• inspection, repair and maintenance of safety nets.

1.2 Legal requirements

The Health and Safety in Employment Act (HSE Act) requires that all practicable steps must be taken to prevent a person at work from being harmed. People who have responsibilities under the law include:

• employers, who must ensure a safe working environment and facilities for safety and health; and ensure that any plant used by employees is designed, made, arranged and maintained so that it is safe (HSE Act s.6)
• self-employed people, who must ensure that no action or inaction causes any harm to themselves or any other person (HSE Act s.17)
• principals, who must &#;take all practicable steps&#; to ensure that no one is harmed while the work is being done (HSE Act s.18)
• anyone who hires, leases or loans plant or equipment to be used in a workplace must ensure that the plant or equipment is designed, made and maintained so that it is safe for its intended use (HSE Act s.18A).

This means where it is possible for someone to fall from a height while working, all practicable steps must be taken to prevent them from being injured, regardless of whether they are working at height for a short or long time.

1.3 Referenced standards

There are no New Zealand Standards for using safety nets as fall arrest systems, so this guide follows the test methods, installation procedures and safety net positioning limits described in the following British and European codes of practice and standards:

• BS (Code of practice for safety nets on construction sites and other works)
• BS EN -1 (Safety nets &#; Part 1: Safety requirements, test methods)
• BS EN -2 (Safety nets &#; Part 2: Safety requirements for the positioning limits).

This guideline should not be interpreted as excluding from use other materials, designs, installation procedures and test methods not specifically referred to in these standards and codes of practice. However, manufacturers and suppliers must be able to show their nets meet the same or better test and performance results than the European standards.

1.4 Definitions

Anchorage device (safety nets)

A device or system used to connect a safety net to the structure. May include tie ropes, karabiners or other attachment devices.

Anchor point

A fixing on the structure that the safety net is attached to.

Border rope

A rope that passes through each mesh around the net&#;s perimeter and determines the net&#;s overall dimensions.

Catching width

The horizontal distance from the edge of a work platform to the outer edge of the safety net.

Characteristic load

The calculated maximum load that an anchor point is designed to carry.

Class

The safety net classification based on the mesh size and energy absorption capacity.

Clearance distance

The distance below the net that must be kept clear of objects that a falling person might otherwise strike as the safety net deflects under their impact.

Competent person

A person who has acquired through a combination of training and qualifications or experience, the knowledge and skills to correctly perform the required task.

Coupling rope

The rope that joins two safety nets together.

Eaves bagging

A rigging technique to prevent waisting at the unsupported perimeter of a safety net.

Fall height

The vertical distance between a work platform and the safety net.

Initial sag

The amount of sag due to the net&#;s self-weight.

Mesh

A series of ropes arranged in either a square or diamond pattern to form a net.

Mesh rope

The rope used to make the net&#;s meshes.

Mesh size

The distance from centre to centre of the mesh.

Net system

The safety net, tie ropes or other anchorage devices, and the supporting structure linked together to provide a collective fall arrest system.

Principal

A person who or that engages any person (otherwise than as an employee) to do any work for gain or reward.

Safety net

The combination of mesh, border ropes, test meshes and labels of the net.

Supporting structure

The structure to which the safety net is attached.

Test mesh

A separate piece of mesh attached to a net, made from the same material and produced in the same batch as the net to which it is attached, that can be removed for testing the net&#;s UV deterioration.

Tie rope

A rope used to secure the border rope to an anchor point on the structure.

Waisting

The effect of a net being pulled horizontally away from the structure or intended perimeter of the net, either due to over-tensioning or the net&#;s self-weight at an unsupported edge.

1.5 Interpretation

&#;Shall&#; or &#;must&#; are used where the statement is a legal requirement, or where a practice is the minimum threshold for safety.

&#;Should&#; and &#;may&#; are used when you should adopt the recommendation where practicable. This will help you comply with the HSE Act&#;s requirement to &#;take all practicable steps&#;.

02 / Safety nets

Safety nets are designed to progressively deflect (stretch) and absorb the energy of a fall, so a falling person is less likely to be injured. The greater the fall height, the greater the impact; so the net&#;s deflection must also be greater.

2.1 Principles of safety net design

Safety nets are designed to progressively deflect (stretch) and absorb the energy of a fall, so a falling person is less likely to be injured. The greater the fall height, the greater the impact; so the net&#;s deflection must also be greater. The safety net must be able to deform or deflect enough to absorb all of the energy from the fall&#;s impact up to the maximum fall height for the design.

There must be enough clear distance below the net so that the person falling does not hit an obstacle or the ground while the net is deflecting.

2.2 Safety net systems

This guideline is for &#;System S&#; safety nets, which are horizontally-installed safety nets with a continuous border rope.

Safety nets may be either knotted or knotless with a square (Q) or diamond (D) mesh arrangement.

Figure 1: Knotless, square mesh safety net.

Notes:

• When a load lands on a knotted net, the knots near the impact tighten. The tightening is permanent and reduces the amount of energy the net can absorb from further impacts. Knotless nets do not have this problem.
• A person who falls onto a knotless net is less likely to receive facial injuries.
• Square mesh is more popular than diamond mesh, with no obvious reason for the preference, according to research (1) in the UK.
• Square mesh has less sag when rigged so at its mid-point, it is closer to the work level.

WorkSafe recommends the use of knotless, square mesh for &#;S&#; safety nets.

2.3 Safety net classification

BS EN -1 lists four classes of nets:

• classes A and B describe the net&#;s maximum energy absorption capacity (that is, how much energy it can absorb), measured in kilojoules (kJ). For example: class A = 2.3 kJ; class B = 4.4 kJ
• classes 1 and 2 describe the mesh sizes. For example: class 1 = 60 mm; class 2 = 100 mm.

(1) Glasgow Caledonian University. Research Report 302: A technical guide to the selection and use of fall prevention and arrest equipment. . 7.0 Fall arrest netting (safety nets), p111.

Table 1 sets out the net classifications.

Class

Energy absorption

Mesh size (mm)

A1 2.3 60 A2 2.3 100 B1 4.4 60 B2 4.4 100

Table 1: Classification of nets according to energy absorption capacity and mesh size.

Both classes A1 and A2 nets are suitable for system S safety nets. Class A2 nets (2.3 kJ energy absorption capacity and 100 mm mesh size) are most commonly used as the larger mesh size is lighter and has less initial sag.

2.4 Mesh rope

Mesh rope should be made from at least three separate strands, braided so they cannot unravel. It should be tested according to BS EN -1, clause 7.3.

2.5 Border rope

A border rope is a continuous rope passing through each mesh around the perimeter of S safety nets. It should have a minimum tensile strength of 30kN, and be tested according to BS EN -1, clause 7.5.

2.6 Tie rope

Tie ropes fasten the safety net to the structural elements and/or the anchor points on the structure being netted. They should have a minimum tensile strength of 30kN and be tested according to BS EN -1, clause 7.5.

2.7 Coupling rope

Coupling ropes join safety nets together when more than one net is needed to protect an area. They should have a minimum tensile strength of 7.5kN and tested according to BS EN -1, clause 7.5.

2.8 Safety net label

All safety nets should have a label showing the:

• manufacturer&#;s name and article code
• date of manufacture
• class and size of net
• mesh size and configuration
• net&#;s unique identity or serial number (ID)
• net&#;s minimum energy absorption capacity
• type of ongoing net inspections.

The label must be permanently attached to the net and be legible throughout the net&#;s life.

2.9 Removable test mesh

Tests for UV deterioration of safety nets must be done at least every 12 months. All safety nets should have at least three test meshes loosely woven into the net so they can be removed one at a time for testing (see section 6 Inspections, testing, maintenance and repairs).

Each test mesh must have the same ID number, be made from the same material, and produced in the same batch as the net to which it is attached.

Notes:

• A current test label must be displayed on all safety nets older than 12 months, showing the net has been tested in the past 12 months and meets the manufacturer&#;s minimum test energy absorption capacity.
• Test labels are valid for 12 months and must not expire while the net is installed.
• The net owner should keep net test results.

2.10 Size of safety nets

BS EN -2 only applies to safety nets over 35 m2 and where the shortest side is at least 5.0 metres.

If the fall height is over 2.0 metres, the safety net must:

• be larger than 35m2
• have the shortest side at least 5.0 metres, and
• have a maximum fixing spacing of 2.5 metres.

2.11 Safety nets less than 35 m2

If a load falls onto a net less than 35 m2, the small net area means there will be less deflection and more limited energy absorption compared to nets with a larger area.

System S safety nets that are less than 35 m2 are not covered by BS EN -2.

WorkSafe recommends that when a net area is less than 35 m2, you should use a class B safety net with 4.4 kJ energy absorption capacity.

2.12 Fall height

Figure 2: Fall heights.

The fall height is the distance a person will fall from the work platform onto the safety net &#; see Figure 2. A greater fall height results in a greater fall impact.

 

Figure 3: Fall height with 2.0 m of outer edge of net.

Keep the fall height as low as possible by installing safety nets as close as practicably possible below the work platform. Where possible, install nets no more than 2.0 metres below the work platform. Note that BS EN -2 allows a maximum fall height of 6.0 metres (this gives a nominal fall height of 7.0 metres from a person&#;s centre of gravity) but this applies only to nets that are more than 35 m2 (see section 2.10 Size of safety nets).

 

Within 2.0 metres of the net&#;s outer edges, the fall height between the work platform and net should be no more than 3.0 metres. This is because safety nets cannot deflect as much at corners and edges (BS EN -2). See Figure 3.

2.13 Clearance distances

Figure 4: Temporary bracing means that there is not enough clearance below the nets. A person falling onto the net is likely to strike the timber bracing. This is not best practice.

There must be enough clearance below the safety net to allow for it to deform when a person falls onto it. The amount it will deform depends on the height of the fall and the span of the net. See figure 4.

The graph in Figure 5 (from BS EN -2: Figure 4) shows typical deformation when an object lands on the net. It is based on fall height and can be used to calculate the minimum clearance distance needed below the net, but only applies where the:

• area of the net is more than 35 m2
• shortest side of the net is at least 5.0 m
• initial sag is no more than 10% of the smallest side of the net, and
• fall height is no more than 6.0 m.

As an additional safety factor BS : recommends allowing an extra 0.5 metre clearance below the net.

Figure 5: Deformation of net when an object falls on it.

2.14 Net sag

Figure 6: Safety net with between 5-10% initial sag.

Net sag, or initial sag, is the amount of deformation from the net&#;s own weight. Net sag should be between 5% and 10% of the net&#;s shortest side.

To have enough initial sag, the safety net should be at least 10% larger (along both sides) than the area it is going to cover. Excess netting should be under-rolled into the tie rope or attachment system (see section 4.7 Under-rolling) to spread the load evenly and avoid too much stress on individual meshes.

2.15 Over-tensioning and under-tensioning

Safety nets should not be over-tensioned as they must be able to deflect and absorb energy from the impact of a fall. An overtensioned net, or a net with too many fixing points, may not be able to deflect enough. In either case, the impact on the person falling onto the net increases, as well as increasing the load imposed on the net and structure.

An under-tensioned net may deflect too much and if there isn&#;t enough clearance below the net, a falling person may hit an obstacle or the ground.

2.16 Catching width

If a person trips when they are moving forward, they fall forward as well as downward. The distance they fall forward is affected by the height of the fall; that is, the higher the fall, the further the forward movement.

Nets providing protection at the edge of a work platform must be wide enough to include the falling person&#;s forward movement &#; see Figure 7. The width of the net between the edge of the work platform and the outer edge of the safety net is called the catching width.

Figure 7: Catching width.

BS EN -2: Table 2 sets out minimum catching widths for maximum fall heights &#; see Table 2 of this guide. As an added safety factor, BS recommends extending the net at least 1.5 metres beyond the distances given in Table 2 of BS EN -2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maximum fall height He (metres)

Minimum catching width b as per BS EN -2: Table 2 (metres)

Catching width recommended by BS (metres)

1.0 2.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 4.0 6.0 3.0 4.5

Table 2: Catching widths for maximum fall heights (from BS EN :2, Table 2 and Clause 4.3).

2.17 Catching width where the slope of the working platform is more than 20°

If the slope of the working platform is more than 20°:

• the catching width must be at least 3.0 metres, and
• the distance (t) between the work platform&#;s edge and the lowest point of the safety net&#;s outside edge should be no more than 3.0 metres. See Figure 9.

Figure 8: Fall heights where working platform has a slope of more than 20°.

03 / Installing safety nets

Safety net installation must be planned and include everyone who is involved in supplying, installing and using nets.

Dishun supply professional and honest service.

3.1 Planning

Plan the installation before installing a safety net. You should consider:

• the installation (rigging) and dismantling (striking) sequence
• providing and locating anchor points
• how to keep the right clearance distancebelow the safety net
• the means of access for rigging and striking
• the means of access for inspection, temporary repairs and removing debris, and
• a rescue plan.

Planning should include everyone involved in supplying, installing and using nets, including:

• the permanent works designer
• net supplier/installer
• main contractor/site supervisor
• roofing contractor.

3.2 Designer&#;s role

The designer&#;s role includes:

• designing suitable anchorage points
• avoiding details that make safety net installation difficult or dangerous.

3.3 Installer&#;s role

The installer rigs (installs) and strikes (dismantles) the nets. Before starting installation, the installer should give the main contractor or site supervisor information about:

• their training and qualifications2 for installing safety nets
• the testing, maintenance and energyabsorption capacity of the nets
• the plant they intend to use to install the nets
• the access facilities they need
• the anchor points and/or fixing requirements
• clearance distance requirements
• a rescue plan
• how to protect workers below the net.

They should also:

• check anchor points
• make sure anchor points are suitable for the loads
• make sure the nets are fit for purpose
• make sure there is enough clearance under the nets.

Once the nets have been installed, the installer should give handover documentation to the main contractor/site supervisor. The documents should verify the safety net system is fit for purpose, as well as giving written instructions on:

• rescue procedures
• inspection procedures
• removing debris from the nets.

The installer should also give verbal instructions on all procedures.

Everyone who may be involved in a rescue must have rescue training.

(See also section 4.11 Handover documentation).

3.4 Main contractor or site supervisor&#;s roles

The main contractor or site supervisor is

responsible for:

• providing access for installation
• providing suitable anchorage points
• making sure ground conditions are suitable where mobile access equipment is needed.

The main contractor or site supervisor must also make sure:

• the installer has supplied the handover documentation
• all subcontractors and workers on site are instructed on the safety net&#;s purpose and function
• workers are trained to carry out a rescue
• someone is responsible for inspecting and maintaining the nets according to the supplier&#;s/installer&#;s instructions
• someone is responsible for maintaining clearance distances
• nets are not used as a storage area or to protect workers from falling debris.

3.5 Supplier or manufacturer&#;s role

Safety net suppliers or manufacturers must provide an instruction manual on how to safely install and use the nets.

3.6 Safety net installation hierarchy

A hierarchy of safety net installation minimises risk to the riggers. The hierarchy goes from low to high risk as follows:

1. At ground level with a remote anchorage attachment
2. Using a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). See Figure 9.
3. Using a ladder for short-duration work, but only after carrying out a hazard assessment
4. Using rope access techniques.

Notes:

1. Mobile access towers (or mobile scaffold towers) are not recommended for installing safety nets as they can catch in the nets when moving around.
2. Rope access work is highly specialised. Only trained and competent people should do rope access work.

Figure 9: Safety net installation using a mobile elevating work platform

04 / Installation requirements

Before installation, safety nets must be inspected for damage or defects. Do not use nets that are damaged or have defects.

Safety nets must have the manufacturer&#;s and removable test mesh labels. Do not use nets that do not have labels attached.

4.1 Inspecting nets before installation

Before installing the nets, the installer should:

• examine the safety nets on both sides for damage or defects
• check the net&#;s labels (manufacturer&#;s and removable test mesh) are displayed, current and valid.

If the installer finds any damage or defects, the net should not be used. If the damage is reparable, the net may be repaired; otherwise it must be withdrawn from service.

If a label is not attached, or the label&#;s information is not legible, do not use the net.

4.2 Installation (generally)

• Install safety nets as close as possible to the work platform.
• Rig safety nets to follow the roof line.
• Nets should not restrict the construction work.

Ceiling battens must not be installed until the safety nets have been removed. If they are installed before or with safety nets in place, the battens will be the first obstacle the falling person hits.

Before installing nets near live wires or overhead power cables, contact the line owner to make the wires or cabling safe.

4.3 Net access

Nets must be easily accessible to carry out a rescue or clear debris.

Provide access by:

• installing the nets next to a work platform
• installing the nets next to the work platform&#;s access point
• providing an access platform next to the net.

People should be able to remove debris from the nets without walking on them. Do not use safety nets to collect debris, for storage, as a work platform, or for providing access to a work platform.

4.4 Anchor points

Safety nets are attached with tie ropes or karabiners to the supporting structure or to specifically-designed anchor points on the structure.

Based on a maximum fall height of 6 metres and an assumed load angle of 45° to the horizontal, each anchor point should have a 6 kN minimum load-carrying capacity&#; see Figure 10. The combined load-carrying capacity of the supporting structure applied over three adjacent anchor points should be at least 4 kN, 6 kN, 4 kN.

Figure 10: Minimum load-carrying capacity of anchor points.

The maximum distance between anchor points according to BS EN -2 is 2.5 metres but WorkSafe NZ recommends installing anchor points at between 1.5 and 2.0 metre centres.

Safety nets used in residential, timber frame construction may need to be attached at closer centres. Anchor points and the supporting structure that the safety nets are fastened to must not have sharp edges that could rub on the tie ropes.

4.5 Attaching safety nets to steel structures

Safety nets may be attached directly to hot-rolled, structural steel members such as trusses, rafters, portal frames and purlin support cleats. Do not attach safety nets to gutter supports, pipework or electrical service installations.

Cold-formed sections such as purlins, ceiling battens and scaffolding tubes should not be used unless calculations show they are strong enough for the load.

4.6 Attaching safety nets to timber structures

Safety nets may be attached to timber structures such as rafters and top plates. Do not attach safety nets to timber purlins or ceiling battens.

Figure 11: Attaching safety nets to timber structures.

4.7 Under-rolling

Safety nets should be at least 10% larger (along both sides) than the area requiring protection (see section 2.15 Over-tensioning and under-tensioning). Reduce the net size to fit by under-rolling. This is a preferred method of reducing the net size as it distributes the load on the net evenly and gives a strong edge for the tie rope or other attachment system.

In some situations, such as when the netting must be installed from a ladder, under-rolling the net on a ladder may put the installer at more risk than gathering, so gathering may be a better option.

4.8 Eaves bagging

Figure 12: Eaves bagging.

Where anchor points are widely spaced (see section 4.4 Anchor points), the safety net&#;s edge may pull in or &#;waist&#;, leaving a gap that a person could fall through. If waisting occurs, make an &#;eaves bag&#; by folding approximately

2.0 metres of net back on itself and stitching the sides together to create a bag around 1.0 metre deep. See Figure 12.

4.9 Gaps at net edges

There should be no gaps between the safety net and the adjacent structure. If unavoidable, gaps of up to 100mm are allowed. If there are obstructions (for example, around columns), a gap of no more than 225 mm is allowed but it must not be able to get any larger.

4.10 Joining and overlapping nets

Figure 13: Safety nets joined by lacing.

If more than one net is needed to protect an area, join nets by:

• lacing, or
• overlapping.

Safety nets can be laced together using a coupling rope with a minimum 7.5 kN breaking strain (type O or greater as defined in BS EN -1). The coupling rope must pass through every second mesh and around both border ropes. Tie the ends off at the corners. The completed lacing should give a join with gaps no more than 100mm.

If joining nets by overlapping, the overlap must be at least 2.0 metres (or 20 meshes) wide, measured at the narrowest point for the entire length of the overlap. Nets that follow the slope of the roof should be installed with the upper net overlapping the lower net (referred to as &#;tiling&#;) so that if a person falls, they will not roll down the pitch and off the open end.

4.11 Handover documentation

Once installed, the installer must inspect the safety net to make sure it is correctly installed and fit for purpose. They must then give handover documentation to the main contractor or site supervisor that includes:

• confirmation that all safety net components comply with BS EN : parts 1 or equivalent
• confirmation that the safety net was installed in accordance with BS and BS EN -2 or equivalent
• a description of the area being &#;handed over&#;
• evidence that the safety nets were tested within the past 12 months.
• an instruction manual for the nets including information on:
  • installation, use and dismantling
  • storage, care and inspection
  • dates for testing test meshes
  • conditions for removing safety nets from service
  • hazards (such as heat, chemicals, etc)
• written instructions on rescue, inspection and debris removal procedures
• the name of the person who inspected the net, the handover date, and the signature of the person receiving the handover documentation.

The main contractor or site supervisor must keep the documentation on site for the duration of the construction project.

The safety net system should have a label with the:

• installer&#;s name
• handover date
• description and area of net
• net serial or ID numbers
• clearance distance needed under the nets.

If there is no handover documentation, you should regard the nets as unsuitable for use. Do not carry out work above the nets until the installer provides documentation.

4.12 Dismantling (striking)

Dismantling (striking) safety nets is the reverse process to installation. Safety nets should onlybe dismantled by trained installers who can identify and mark net damage.

Plan the dismantling process during the net installation planning stage, to recover the nets safely and intact. Do not drop nets to the ground in an uncontrolled way during dismantling, as damaged nets may not be able to be re-used.

Figure 14: Dismantling safety nets.

05 / Rescue plan

A rescue plan must be in place before any work above the nets begins. Equipment needed for the rescue must be available at all times.

Rescue operations will vary depending on the site, location of the fall and extent of the injuries to the person who has fallen.

The main contractor or site supervisor is responsible for making sure that:

• a rescue can be carried out, and
• all workers on the site know what the rescue plan is and their role in a rescue, if needed.

If possible, carry out a practice rescue before starting work above the safety net.

06 / Inspections, testing, maintenance and repair

Visual inspections must be carried out regularly. If a net does not pass a visual inspection, do not use it.

6.1 Inspections

Visual inspections of the safety nets must be carried out regularly by a competent person (see section 1.4 Definitions). An inspection regime is given in Table 3. Records of all inspections must be kept on site.

Carry out visual inspections...By the... when the net is installed installer daily before use user weekly site supervisor after adverse weather site supervisor

Table 3: Frequency of net inspections.

Visual inspections include checking for:

• incorrect installation
• mesh abrasion
• cuts or nicks in mesh
• heat or friction damage to mesh
• stitching damage
• damaged or deformed fittings
• dirt or debris in the net
• defects in knots (if knotted mesh)
• UV degradation (although generally not seen with visual inspection).

If a net does not pass the visual inspection, do not use it. Either remove and repair it, or take it out of service permanently.

Minimum ongoing net inspection requirements are described in BS EN -1: Annex B.

6.2 General testing

General testing includes:

• visual examination (see 6.1)
• measuring the net
• weighing the net.

Test methods and requirements are described in BS EN -1: clause 7.

6.3 Testing for UV deterioration

Test safety nets at least every 12 months to determine the amount of UV deterioration and to make sure the manufacturer&#;s minimum energy absorption capacity will be maintained for the next 12 months.

Test meshes (see section 2.9 Removable test mesh) are attached to the safety net and removed one at a time for annual testing. Test meshes must remain attached to the net until needed for testing. Do not use test meshes for any other purpose.

Nets more than 12 months old must have a current test tag or label attached to the net to confirm the net met the manufacturer&#;s energy absorption capacity requirements at the most recent testing. Keep the corresponding certificate with details on site. The test tag and certificate must not expire while the net is in use.

Test methods for UV deterioration are described in BS EN -1: clause 7.7.

6.4 Debris in the net

Figure 15: Debris must be removed from safety nets.

Safety nets catch a falling person, but they will also catch falling debris. Debris can damage the net, and if left in the net is a hazard because it might:

• injure a falling person
• cause the net to overload and deflect excessively
• increase the net sag and fall distance.

When debris falls onto a safety net, immediately stop work above and below the net. Remove the debris, and have the net checked for damage by a competent person before work continues.

WorkSafe recommends one person on site is responsible for keeping safety nets free of debris.

Note: Snow on the safety net can overload the net and cause excessive deflection.

6.5 Net care

Do not damage nets during handling and storage. Damage may occur from:

• prolonged UV exposure
• sharp objects
• abrasion
• sparks or exposure to heat from welding, grinding or burning
• adverse weather such as strong winds
• significant load or impact.

When handling nets during rigging or striking:

• do not drag nets across the ground
• avoid contact with sharp edges.

When installing nets, do not:

• stack material onto the net
• let debris accumulate in the net
• allow people to jump or throw objects into the net.

6.6 Damaged safety nets

Do not use damaged nets (see section 6.1 Inspections).

Following impact from a heavy object (such as a person or debris), the safety net should be checked by a competent person and if necessary, repaired or taken out of service.

6.7 Repairing safety nets and ropes

Safety nets must be repaired by a competent person (i.e. someone who has completed a recognised3 training course within the past 5 years). Nets should preferably be repaired in a controlled environment, away from the site.

Repairs must be made using new material that is similar to the net mesh cord and recommended for use by the manufacturer. Cable ties must not be used as a net repair, although they may be used to hold a patch in place before stitching or to tie up the loose ends of a patch.

A label showing the repairer and date of repair must be fixed to the net next to the manufacturer&#;s label. The repairs must also be recorded and another handover certificate (see section 4.11 Handover documentation), confirming that the safety net remains fit for purpose, should be given to the main contractor or site supervisor.

Border rope repairs must be made using rope with at least 30kN tensile strength. Repairs may be spliced or machine sewn but must not be knotted. Repairs to the net selvedge should maintain the original strength of the net.

Damaged tie ropes should not be used.

C-Ring and other proprietary repair systems may only be used on safety net systems if they have been approved by the manufacturer as suitable for that net.

(3) A recognised training course is a FASET Net Repair Training Certificate

6.8 Repairing a knotless safety net

When multiple meshes of a knotless net are damaged, the net should be repaired using new patch material that has been approved by the manufacturer as being suitable for their net, and which complies with BS EN -1. The repair should overlap the entire area that is damaged by at least one mesh.

A patch may be laced to the safety net using lacing repair twine to attach all meshes (both the inside and perimeter meshes). Alternatively cable ties may be used to attach the inside meshes of the patch but perimeter meshes must be laced using repair twine.

Single mesh repairs should extend at least one square past the damage, and the repair twine must cross the damaged hole twice. Repairs should not overlap.

Repair twine should be at least 3mm thick and double knotted on either side of each node.

6.9 Repairing a knotted safety net

A knotted safety net should be repaired using new repair twine of the same type and thickness as the original net and has been approved by the manufacturer as being suitable for their net.

Cable ties must not be used to connect the repair twine. Knotted nets should not be repaired using a knotless patch repair.

The repairer must be competent in the repair of knotted nets. This is usually carried out by the manufacturer.

6.10 Storing safety nets

Store safety nets:

• undercover
• in dry conditions
• protected from UV
• away from heat sources and materials or substances that could cause damage, like acids, dyes, solvents and oil.

If a safety net has been stored for more than 12 months, it must be inspected and tested for UV deterioration before being re-used.

6.11 For more information

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) have technical bulletins that address technical and safety matters surrounding the safe use of nets. See www.faset.org.uk(external link).

07 / Appendix A

7.1 Visual inspection checklist

Checklist for safety net inspections

Y/N

Are the nets correctly labelled?   Are the labels current (i.e. less than 12 months old)?   Are there distortions in the line or appearance of the nets or
supporting framework?   Has a net been used to arrest a fall or had a load imposed on it
(appears as deformation of the net)?   Has debris or an imposed load damaged the net?   Are anchorage points intact and good order?   Is the net clear of debris?   Are cuts or fraying of the mesh cord, tie ropes, etc visible?   Is there any other visible damage to the safety net system?  

 

If any of the checks have a &#;yes&#; response, nets should either be removed and repaired, or taken out of service permanently.

08 / Appendix B

8.1 Handover checklist

Checklist for handover documentationY/N Are nets in good condition, been tested in the previous 12 months
and have a valid ID and current test label attached?   Have the nets been installed as close as is reasonably practicable
to the underside of the work platform?   Are all gaps between net and structure less than 100 mm?   Are attachment points a maximum of 2.5 m apart for tie ropes; 1.8 m
apart for Grippas; 1.5-2.0 m apart for net claws?   Does the net sag between 5-10% of the shortest side of the net?   If overlapped, are overlaps at least 2.0 m and tiled correctly?   If laced, has 8 mm lacing/12 mm rope ties been used and any gaps
are less than 100mm?   Are the knots tied correctly?   Are all the nets attached to the structure/anchor points correctly?   Is the net under-rolled correctly?   Are there any materials/obstacles less than 3.0 m below the netted area?   Do people working above the nets need to take additional safety
measures e.g. a harness?  

While this guidance has not been updated to reflect current work health and safety legislation (the Health and Safety at Work Act and regulations), it may still contain relevant information and practices to keep workers and others healthy and safe.

Please read this guidance in conjunction with all relevant industry standards that apply to you as a PCBU. This guidance will be progressively reviewed and either updated, replaced with other guidance, or revoked.

For more information, please visit Construction Safety Netting.