Choosing the Right Mesh Size and Energy Absorption Capacity
If you’re considering a fall protection netting system for your workplace, you may want to know more about mesh size, energy absorption capacity, and positioning limits. To learn more, read our article on fall protection netting. We’ll also discuss the Classification system used in the industry and why mesh size is a crucial factor. Using the correct mesh size is essential to protect workers. Choosing the right type of fall protection netting can prevent injuries and save money in the long run.
Classification of fall protection netting
Safety nets must be installed at least six inches below the height of the workplace. The net’s tensile strength is calculated as the difference between the edge of the building and the height of the net. The height of the net cannot exceed three meters or six meters, depending on the fall height. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides more details. You can also check the safety netting classification at OSHA’s web site.
A fall safety net is a horizontally-spanned net with border ropes pulled through the meshes. Its primary function is to catch people in the event of a fall. Often, fall safety nets are used in bridge construction or under roofs. They protect workers by preserving their freedom of movement and act as collective protection. In addition, fall safety nets are softer than roped safety equipment and allow workers to walk and move around them.
There are several fall safety netting types that meet or exceed the required requirements. Type 6 nylon is UV-inhibited and has UV resistance. It is also bordered by 5,000-pound synthetic rope, and comes with a serial number, manufacturing date, composition, and prototype test date. You can check the safety netting classification by using the product’s certification information online. While this classification will vary by country, there are a few common standards for fall safety netting.
BS EN 1263-1 also provides details about the testing procedures used for assessing fall protection netting. Nets must meet the manufacturer’s requirements when tested. Test meshes must be attached to safety nets for a certain period of time to confirm that they meet the energy absorption capacity requirements. They must also have a current test tag or certificate that does not expire while in use. BS EN 1263-1 specifies test methods for UV deterioration and increases the net sag and fall distance.
Mesh size
OSHA regulations stipulate that safety nets must be at least 6 inches square and have a breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. If you are looking for more information, you can visit the OSHA web site. The size of the mesh is also important, and it should be able to protect the entire fall path. To help you make the right decision, here are some important tips. Mesh size is the most important factor when selecting fall protection equipment.
Energy absorption capacity
A safety net has an energy absorption capacity of 4.4 kJ. However, it is not enough to simply make a net. Fall protection netting must also be tested to ensure its safety. To determine this, test meshes are used. These are also called test patches or mesh ropes. The higher their energy absorption capacity, the longer their lifetime. If they fail to meet the minimum requirements, they must be removed from service.
In the construction industry, fall arrest nets and edge protection netting are used extensively. Their energy absorption capacity gradually decreases as they are exposed to the elements. Therefore, annual inspection is essential. To determine whether fall protection netting is still effective, a construction site must inspect it regularly. The resulting reports will indicate which types of fall protection netting are suitable for use. A construction safety net must be labeled with its energy absorption capacity to protect workers and property.
The manufacturer of safety netting must conduct regular testing to ensure the netting meets minimum safety standards. The test meshes used must be the same as those used for the nets. The safety net must be accompanied by a label showing the manufacturer’s name and identity. The safety netting must also be UV-tested to determine its energy absorption capacity. The test meshes must be attached loosely to the safety net. The test meshes should be identical to one another in size, material, and ID number. They should also have labels showing the date of the last test, energy absorption capacity, and validity period.
Safety netting must be able to handle both forward and downward movement. Therefore, the safety net must have sufficient width to deal with the forward movement of a falling person. This is known as the catching width. A safety net that has a minimum catching width of three meters should meet the requirements of BS EN 1263-2. However, some safety netting may have a smaller catching width.