How Often Should Safety Nets Be Inspected?
Inspection of safety nets is a vital safety precaution. Whether installed properly or not, they should be checked at least weekly and preferably after every use. Failure to inspect safety nets regularly will lead to accidents. If you are unsure of how often to inspect your safety nets, here are a few tips to help you keep them in top condition. Inspecting safety nets on a weekly basis will ensure that they are still working properly.
Inspection of safety nets at least once a week
Safety nets must be inspected regularly, ideally at least once a week. They must be checked for wear, deterioration, and damage. Inspection should take place according to the manufacturer’s specifications, but should be conducted even after any occurrence to ensure safety. Defective nets should be removed from service and replaced with new ones. Hoisting material should be free from PFAS, and nails and screws must be the correct size. Safety nets must be installed in areas with adequate clearance underneath.
Safety nets must be installed as close to the walking surface as possible, and they must be placed in such a way that falls individuals will not strike any objects below the net. Inspections must take place at least once a week, but they should be done more often after major repairs or any other occurrence that might impact their integrity. Ensure that the safety nets are installed as close as possible to the level of work, as working heights must be no higher than six metres.
Inspection of safety nets before installation
Before you get a safety netting installed on your construction site, you should carefully inspect the netting. Be sure to keep it free from debris – the presence of snow or other items on the net will cause it to deflect excessively and may even cause an injury to a person who falls into it. Also, never throw objects into the netting. It is important to get a trained rigger to install the safety netting properly and safely.
The manufacturer must provide the safety net with a test label bearing its ID number, and the same number as the safety net attached to it. This label also indicates if the net has passed the first test. The test label shows that the net was tested in the last 12 months, and meets the manufacturer’s minimum test requirements for energy absorption. Typically, the test results will last for 12 months, but the net owner should keep the label and report any negative results to the local authority.
Safety nets must be installed at least 1.7m apart on residential installations. In commercial settings, additional catenary ropes should be installed to limit the short side span to three metres. The net must also be installed with sufficient clearance below the lowest point and appropriate edge protection. Some safety nets may require additional fall arrest measures beyond the leading edge. Make sure the nets are correctly rigged and have the required paperwork.
Once you have installed the safety nets, it is essential to perform regular inspections of them. The safety nets should be inspected on a weekly basis or after any incidents that may compromise their integrity. If the safety nets are found to be defective, they will not be used in the workplace. Any materials or equipment falling into the net must be removed before the end of the work shift. If the nets are not working properly, the workplace can be a hazardous place for employees.
The height of the fall from which the net will fall must be no higher than three metres. In residential timber frame construction, the net may need to be attached closer to the edge of the building, but it must be secure. The safety nets should be attached directly to hot-rolled structural steel members, such as purlin support cleats. They should not be installed on pipes, electrical service installations, or gutter supports. You should not use cold-formed sections unless they have been tested and proven to be strong enough.
In addition to the physical protection that safety nets provide, they also protect workers from falling debris. However, it is important to remember that workers must be protected by personal fall-arrest equipment and/or a fall-restraint system. Before installing a safety net, make sure you understand its requirements and how it will benefit your employees. If you are unsure about the safety net requirements, you can consult a best practice guideline for the installation of safety nets on your construction site.
Inspection of safety nets every two years
There are two main types of inspections carried out for safety nets. One is carried out every 12 months. This is done by attaching test meshes to the nets and then removing them one at a time. The meshes must have the same ID number and must have been produced in the same batch as the safety nets. The other type of inspection is performed to determine if there has been a significant reduction in UV degradation.
The first inspection of a safety net should be done within one year of production. Nets containing three test meshes may be used for four years before needing replacement. After this period, however, these safety nets must undergo another inspection. The inspection is done to ensure that the meshes are still within required limits. After this time, the test meshes are removed from service and tested again. If the testing results are positive, a new inspection tag will be attached to the safety nets.
The inspection of safety nets should take place on a regular basis. A trained individual should check the safety nets and take measures to repair any damage. Failure to do this may prevent workers from catching themselves. Another method is to hire a person to conduct visual checks of safety nets. The inspection should be conducted by a competent person who is not only familiar with safety net installation but also has the training to carry out inspections. The inspection regime is given in Table 3.
In addition to regular inspections, safety nets should be repaired and replaced after any occurrence. Defective safety nets must not be used, and any materials or scrap that may have fallen into the net should be removed before the next work shift. Furthermore, nets must be drop-tested after installation and during major repairs, and at 6-month intervals. If the test fails, the net should be removed from service.
When used, safety nets should have an identification label. Fall arrest and edge protection nets are commonly used on construction sites. The energy absorption capacity of nets diminishes slowly with exposure to weather. This is why annual testing is necessary. The European Standard EN 1263-1 is the standard for fall arrest and safety nets. The safety nets that comply with this standard are certified by DGUV and approved by the German government.
The height of fall into a safety net must be no higher than six metres or three metres from the floor. Depending on the level of work, the net should extend between five and ten feet below the working surface. Typically, personnel nets are not deployed 30 feet below the edge of the building. If you are installing a safety net on a building, it is best to have a competent scaffolder install the safety net.