Pro Netting Solutions

What is the maximum allowed fall distance into a safety net?  Understand the safety standards and regulations governing the deployment of fall arrest nets. Pro Netting Solutions provide construction site safety nets for Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Kent and London. Learn why these specific distance limits are set and their significance in ensuring the utmost protection for workers in elevated workspaces.

What are Fall Safety nets?

Fall safety nets are sophisticated energy-absorbing systems that play a critical role in mitigating the risk of injuries in work environments where heights are a concern. The installation, maintenance, modification, and de-rigging of these nets, commonly known as 'safety netting,' require the expertise of trained and competent individuals to ensure optimal performance and worker protection. Prioritising safety from the outset, it is advisable to rig the safety nets from ground level whenever possible, utilising remote attachment devices.

Only when ground-level rigging is unfeasible should alternative methods, such as using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), be considered. Regardless of the method chosen, all rigging, modification, and de-rigging tasks should be undertaken solely by individuals who have received the necessary training, reducing the likelihood of accidents and potential hazards.

Do You Need A Safety Net For Working At Height?

To maximise their efficiency, safety nets should be positioned as close as possible to the working level, effectively minimising the potential height of a fall. This strategic placement enhances the safety net's capability to arrest falls and significantly reduces the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident. The safety of workers is of paramount importance, and as such, regular inspections and maintenance of safety net systems are imperative. After installation, a competent person must meticulously inspect the safety nets and issue a handover certificate confirming their safety.

Subsequently, weekly inspections are required to verify that the nets remain securely fixed and capable of effectively arresting falls. In the event of a fall, the safety net material deforms as it absorbs the load, necessitating adequate clearance below the net to prevent the person from striking the ground or other objects. This crucial feature ensures that the safety nets function optimally in protecting individuals from potential harm.

Prompt communication with the net installer is vital if a fall is arrested by the safety net, as this may indicate the need for replacement. Work above a net that has experienced a fall must halt until a competent person, often the manufacturer, inspects the net's condition and confirms its safety for subsequent use.

To further bolster safety measures, a comprehensive risk assessment should include procedures for rescuing individuals from rigged nets and providing first aid while in the net. These protocols are essential in maintaining a secure working environment and safeguarding the well-being of all personnel involved. 

The mesh size and net material are carefully selected to withstand significant weight and force, ensuring the safety of workers at different heights. Proper installation is critical. Trained professionals must determine the height, size, and location of safety nets, taking into account potential fall distances and the nature of the work. Anchoring the safety nets securely is essential to effectively withstand the impact of a fall.

Regular testing and maintenance are necessary to meet safety standards and ensure the nets remain in top condition. Safety nets not only protect workers at height but also prevent falling objects from causing harm. Construction sites, for instance, involve various activities and materials, making the risk of objects falling a concern. Safety nets act as a reliable barrier, reducing the risk of injury to workers below.

New industry guidance on the use of safety nets

In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at enhancing safety practices, FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment & Training), the esteemed trade body representing the fall arrest and safety net rigging industry, has joined forces with the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA), a reputable organisation representing contractors.

Together, they have issued comprehensive joint guidance that will significantly impact the use of safety nets within the construction industry. Safety nets hold paramount importance as lifesaving measures, proficiently absorbing energy from falling bodies and effectively reducing injuries on construction sites. These essential safety devices are typically rigged beneath structures, making them the primary means of protection due to their close proximity to the working level.

As a result of this new guidance, the use of an additional fall arrest system is deemed unnecessary when safety nets are correctly installed, streamlining safety protocols and facilitating efficient working practices. However, the guidance acknowledges that certain risk assessments might necessitate the use of personal fall protection equipment (PFPE). In such instances, FASET emphasises the following key considerations:

Fall Restraint vs. Fall Arrest: In scenarios where teams of workers operate closely to one another, fall restraint measures might not be practically feasible, leading to potential hazards like slips and trips.

Effectiveness of Fall Arrest Lanyards: Considering the limited distance for lanyard deployment, fall arrest lanyards may not always be the most appropriate solution. FASET underscores the importance of their use not hindering rescue efforts from within the safety net, adhering to the agreed net rescue plan.

The guidance places significant importance on strict adherence to the specifications outlined in BS EN 1263-1 for safety nets. These nets, covering an area exceeding 35m² with a minimum side length of 5m, undergo rigorous type testing involving a 100kg weight falling from a height of 7m (6m with an additional allowance for the human centre of gravity). The acceptable total fall energy on a new net is set at 6kJ, ensuring their reliability in mitigating falls and maintaining worker safety.

By adhering to these established standards, laws, and regulations, employers and responsible personnel affirm their commitment to fostering a safe working environment for employees undertaking tasks at elevated heights. Such compliance not only shields workers from potential fall-related injuries but also ensures the reliability and efficacy of the safety nets in performing their vital role.

With a strong emphasis on fall prevention and protection measures mandated by the legal framework, businesses can prioritise the well-being of their workforce, effectively minimise the risk of accidents, and foster a culture of safety within their workplaces. Strict adherence to the Occupational Safety Act, accident prevention regulations, DGUV regulation no. 101-011, and the EN 1263-1 product standard forms the cornerstone of robust fall protection systems.