Safety Netting Maintenance Guide For Safety Regulation Compliance
A safety net is only as strong as its last inspection. In high-stakes construction and industrial environments, "set it and forget it" is a recipe for disaster. Implement our safety netting maintenance guide to keep your site compliant and safe.
UV degradation, chemical exposure, and mechanical wear can compromise a net’s energy-absorption capacity without visible signs. That’s why regular maintenance checks and repairs are critical. Follow our recommendations in this guide to ensure your safety net is always up to code and ready for use.
Safety Netting Maintenance at a Glance:
- Safety nets must be inspected daily, formally checked every 7 days, and tested annually to remain compliant with FASET and BS EN 1263-1 standards.
- Regular inspections should focus on mesh integrity, secure fixings, correct tensioning, and gaps no larger than 100mm.
- Annual test mesh testing is essential to monitor UV degradation and confirm that nets can still absorb fall impact safely.
- Nets should be cleaned with mild detergents, air-dried, and stored using the “3 D’s”: Dry, Dark, and Detached from the floor.
- Damaged nets must follow strict repair limits, with major defects requiring certified repair or replacement after two significant repairs.
Understanding Safety Netting Regulations
If you're in charge of health and safety on construction sites, you'll be well aware of the regulations surrounding safety netting. However, we all know that a refresher of the specifics is always helpful.
HSE & FASET Standards
FASET (Fall Arrest and Safety Equipment Training) sets the standard for best practices in the safety netting and fall arrest industry. Through guidance, training, and accreditation, they ensure high safety standards are maintained on construction sites.
Industry-respected bulletins like SN05 and SN08 provide detailed recommendations for the BROKEN LINK correct installation, maintenance, and inspection of safety netting.
Following these guidelines helps you comply with regulations, reduce risks, and uphold a high standard of on-site safety.
Huck Nets are proud members of FASET, which means we are committed to providing excellent safety netting solutions. This membership shows our dedication to following top industry standards, ensuring all our products and services are high-quality, reliable, and compliant.
BS EN 1263-1 & 2
The BS EN 1263-1 & BS EN 1263-2 standards are key guidelines for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of safety netting.
A crucial part of these standards is the requirement for annual testing of test meshes to check for UV degradation. Over time, UV exposure can weaken the netting, making it less effective.
Test meshes are important because they represent the safety nets being used on-site. When these meshes are tested, their remaining strength is measured after being exposed to the elements.
This process confirms that the safety nets still meet the necessary safety requirements and can provide reliable protection for workers.
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The Three Tiers of Safety Net Inspection
When it comes to inspecting safety netting, three tiers of inspection should occur at various intervals.
1. Pre-Use Checks (Daily)
Before starting any work, the on-site rigger or user must perform pre-use checks to ensure the safety nets are in good condition.
Check for debris on the netting, as it can affect functionality. Inspect the net for any tears or damage that could weaken its protection.
Make sure all fixings and attachments are secure to keep the net properly fastened. These checks are essential for maintaining safety and preventing accidents.
2. Formal 7-Day Inspections (Weekly)
The Work at Height Regulations require formal 7-day inspections to ensure safety nets are safe and meet standards.
These inspections should include:
- Checking that the net is properly tensioned
- Gaps between the net and structure are no larger than 100mm
- All anchor points are secure and undamaged.
Following these rules is essential for preventing accidents and keeping the work environment safe.
3. Annual Strength Testing
To ensure your safety nets remain safe and compliant, regular testing of the test mesh is essential. Safety nets are built to absorb the impact of a fall, but exposure to sunlight, wind, and moisture can weaken them over time.
Every safety net comes with a removable test mesh. This patch experiences the same environmental conditions as the main net, serving as an accurate sample for testing.
To verify if your net still meets safety standards, you can send this test mesh to a certified facility like Huck Nets. We will conduct energy-absorption tests to confirm its strength and continued usability.
It's also important to remember the "year of manufacture" rule. A safety net typically expires 12 months after its manufacturing date unless testing confirms it is still safe. This prevents the use of degraded nets in hazardous situations.
Be sure to schedule your tests in advance to avoid any gaps in safety certification.
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Safety Net Inspection Checklist
If you're going to be in charge of the daily checks for your construction site, here's a basic inspection checklist to make sure you don't miss anything important:
- Mesh Integrity: Looking for broken strands or knots.
- Border Ropes: Checking for fraying or cuts in the 30kN border rope.
- Debris Removal: Leaving "minor" debris, such as bricks or timber, in a net, reduces its ability to stretch and absorb a fall.
- Contaminants: Identify damage from sparks (welding), chemicals (acid/concrete), or excessive UV fading.
Cleaning and Storage Best Practices
Dirt and small debris can cause damage to your nets, causing them to decay prematurely. To get the most out of your safety netting, they need to be maintained properly.
When it comes to washing safety netting between jobs, stick to mild detergents and avoid using high-pressure washers, both of which can damage the fibres of the netting and weaken the structure.
Once clean, the netting should be air-dried only. Don't use artificial heat to speed up the process. Only put the net away once it's completely dry.
The "3 D's" of Storage
The "3 D's" of netting storage are essential for ensuring your safety netting remains in optimal condition for as long as possible.
- The netting must always be stored Dry. Storing damp netting can lead to mould and mildew, which weaken the fibres and compromise the safety of the net.
- Keep your netting in a Dark location. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the material over time, particularly if the netting is left where UV rays can reach it.
- Ensure the netting is Detached from the floor. This prevents vermin from gnawing at the fibres and avoids the risk of damp rising from the ground.
By following these simple guidelines, you can extend the life of your safety netting and maintain its reliability.
Repair Vs Replace: When is a Net "End of Life"?
Sticking to a project's budget is always a challenge, and we understand the tendency to lean towards netting repairs over replacing the full net to stay under budget.
While this can be a sensible and safe choice for some types of damage, you have to remember that the cost of a net is less than the cost of an injured worker.
Here's a general guide to when repairs to safety netting are appropriate and when it's best to replace worn or damaged safety netting.
Temporary Vs Permanent Repairs
To decide if a rigger can perform a temporary fix or if the safety net needs to be sent to a certified repair centre, you must consult the FASET SN08 guidelines.
A rigger can only carry out temporary repairs on minor damage that doesn’t affect the net’s overall safety. For instance, small tears or damaged spots within the size limits specified in the FASET SN08 document can be patched or tied using approved techniques and materials.
If the damage is significant, affects key load-bearing sections, or is larger than the limits in FASET SN08, the net must be removed from service and sent to a certified repair centre.
These centres have the specialised equipment and knowledge to carry out advanced repairs and ensure the net is safe before it's used again.
The 2-Repair Rule
As a general guideline, a single net should not exceed two significant repairs during its service life, in accordance with industry standards.
After two major repairs, the structural integrity of the net may be compromised, even if it appears to be in good condition.
It's crucial to maintain detailed maintenance and repair logs to document all work carried out on the net. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and helps determine whether the net should remain in service or be retired.
Always prioritise safety and consult with certified professionals if there is any uncertainty about the net's condition.
Safety Net Disposal Guidelines:
To safely dispose of old netting, start by cutting it into smaller sections to prevent reuse. Remove any hardware, like hooks or fasteners, and dispose of these separately.
If possible, recycle the materials by following your local recycling guidelines. Use authorised disposal facilities to ensure proper handling and avoid harming the environment.
Keep a record of the disposal process for compliance and documentation.
Order Fire Retardant Safety Nets
Final Thoughts: Safety is a Continuous Process
It is the legal duty of site safety crews and foremen to ensure that maintenance of safety equipment, including nets, is carried out diligently. Regular inspections and upkeep not only comply with safety regulations but also significantly extend the lifespan of netting.
Well-maintained nets are more reliable, providing critical protection and ultimately saving lives on-site.
Consistent maintenance is not just a job responsibility; it's an essential investment in workplace safety.
Keep Your Safety Netting Compliant With Huck Nets
At Huck Nets, we’re proud FASET members providing certified annual safety net testing for all manufacturers, ensuring compliance. We also stock BS EN 1263-1 safety netting to protect your workers.
Learn more about our netting testing services or browse our full range of BS EN 1263-1 compliant netting to upgrade your safety netting today to meet safety regulations.
The "3 D's" of Storage
The "3 D's" of netting storage are essential for ensuring your safety netting remains in optimal condition for as long as possible.
- The netting must always be stored Dry. Storing damp netting can lead to mould and mildew, which weaken the fibres and compromise the safety of the net.
- Keep your netting in a Dark location. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the material over time, particularly if the netting is left where UV rays can reach it.
- Ensure the netting is Detached from the floor. This prevents vermin from gnawing at the fibres and avoids the risk of damp rising from the ground.
By following these simple guidelines, you can extend the life of your safety netting and maintain its reliability.
Repair Vs Replace: When is a Net "End of Life"?
Sticking to a project's budget is always a challenge, and we understand the tendency to lean towards netting repairs over replacing the full net to stay under budget.
While this can be a sensible and safe choice for some types of damage, you have to remember that the cost of a net is less than the cost of an injured worker.
Here's a general guide to when repairs to safety netting are appropriate and when it's best to replace worn or damaged safety netting.
Temporary Vs Permanent Repairs
To decide if a rigger can perform a temporary fix or if the safety net needs to be sent to a certified repair centre, you must consult the FASET SN08 guidelines.
A rigger can only carry out temporary repairs on minor damage that doesn’t affect the net’s overall safety. For instance, small tears or damaged spots within the size limits specified in the FASET SN08 document can be patched or tied using approved techniques and materials.
If the damage is significant, affects key load-bearing sections, or is larger than the limits in FASET SN08, the net must be removed from service and sent to a certified repair centre.
These centres have the specialised equipment and knowledge to carry out advanced repairs and ensure the net is safe before it's used again.
The 2-Repair Rule
As a general guideline, a single net should not exceed two significant repairs during its service life, in accordance with industry standards.
After two major repairs, the structural integrity of the net may be compromised, even if it appears to be in good condition.
It's crucial to maintain detailed maintenance and repair logs to document all work carried out on the net. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and helps determine whether the net should remain in service or be retired.
Always prioritise safety and consult with certified professionals if there is any uncertainty about the net's condition.
Safety Net Disposal Guidelines:
To safely dispose of old netting, start by cutting it into smaller sections to prevent reuse. Remove any hardware, like hooks or fasteners, and dispose of these separately.
If possible, recycle the materials by following your local recycling guidelines. Use authorised disposal facilities to ensure proper handling and avoid harming the environment.
Keep a record of the disposal process for compliance and documentation.
Order Fire Retardant Safety Nets
Final Thoughts: Safety is a Continuous Process
It is the legal duty of site safety crews and foremen to ensure that maintenance of safety equipment, including nets, is carried out diligently. Regular inspections and upkeep not only comply with safety regulations but also significantly extend the lifespan of netting.
Well-maintained nets are more reliable, providing critical protection and ultimately saving lives on-site.
Consistent maintenance is not just a job responsibility; it's an essential investment in workplace safety.
Keep Your Safety Netting Compliant With Huck Nets
At Huck Nets, we’re proud FASET members providing certified annual safety net testing for all manufacturers, ensuring compliance. We also stock BS EN 1263-1 safety netting to protect your workers.
Learn more about our netting testing services or browse our full range of BS EN 1263-1 compliant netting to upgrade your safety netting today to meet safety regulations.
FAQs
What Are the 5 C's of Safety Netting?
- Compliance
- Certification
- Capacity
- Craftsmanship
- Care
When Should a Safety Net Be Inspected?
What are the Standards for Safety Nets?
How Do You Install Safety Netting?
Our sister company, Huck Tek, specialises in professional installation services, guaranteeing high-quality and secure fittings for all safety net applications.