What You Need to Know About Safety Netting Regulations in the UK
The importance of complying with safety netting regulations cannot be understated when it comes to ensuring the safety of workers and the public on construction sites.
Whether it be for fall arrest, debris protection, scaffold towers, or any other purpose, safety netting plays a critical role in preventing accidents and injuries on construction sites.
Therefore, it is essential for construction companies, warehouse operators, contractors, and other relevant parties to understand and adhere to proper safety standards.
We've compiled a list of key things you need to know about safety netting regulations in the UK to help you ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment.
What are the Requirements for Safety Netting?
The UK has strict requirements for safety netting, and these may vary depending on the purpose of the netting.
For instance, debris protection requirements may differ from those for fall arrest systems. However, the main requirements for safety netting in the UK are:
- The nets must only be installed, tested, and removed by trained and competent personnel
- The nets should be installed as close as possible to the work area to minimise fall distance
- There should be enough space underneath the net to prevent workers from hitting the ground or a lower level in case of falls
- Safety nets shouldn't be used as a replacement for other safety measures, such as guardrails or harness systems, but rather used in conjunction with them
- All safety netting must comply with BS EN-1263-1 standards
- All nets should be inspected on a regular basis (daily or weekly), with official annual inspections carried out by a competent person or body
- Each net should have a net number and test patches
We'll look at each of these requirements in more detail below.
What are the British Standards for Safety Netting?
Safety netting standards in the UK fall under BS EN-1263-1, which covers all aspects of safety netting, including design, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
This standard sets out the requirements for safety nets, including material selection, test methods, and other performance criteria to ensure their effectiveness in preventing injuries or fatalities from falls.
What is the Best Type of Safety Net?
Knotless polypropylene or polyamide material is preferred for safety netting as it provides more strength and absorption shock than knotted designs.
At Huck Nets, we're one of the most trusted safety netting suppliers in the UK, using high-quality knotless polypropylene and complying with BS EN-1263 standards.
Our nets have exceptional energy absorption capabilities, making them ideal for fall arrest purposes.
Many of our nets are also UV-stabilised, ensuring durability in outdoor environments, and we can add fire-retardant treatment for extra safety.
We supply our safety nets with border rope and safety net rigging ropes, which are also essential components for netting systems, as well as with optional safety net rope ties.
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Who is Responsible for Ensuring Compliance with Safety Netting Regulations?
The responsibility of ensuring compliance with safety netting regulations ultimately falls on the employer or principal contractor.
They are required to ensure that all safety netting is in place, meets regulatory requirements, and is regularly inspected by a competent person or body.
However, employees and workers also have a role to play in adhering to safety netting regulations and using them properly as part of their daily work practices. This should be part of a construction site's overall health and safety culture.
Risk assessment should also be carried out to identify potential hazards that may require safety netting, and the appropriate measures should be taken to ensure compliance.
Who Should Install Safety Netting in the Workplace?
The correct installation of safety nets is paramount to their effectiveness in preventing falls and injuries. Therefore, it is essential that only trained and competent personnel install safety nets.
This includes employees who have undergone specific training on the installation of safety netting or those who hold a recognised qualification in fall arrest systems.
Installation methods will depend on the net type (for example, only nets that can take a minimum 6kN load at 45-degree vertical can be attached to handrails; otherwise, other means of support must be used), the location, and other factors.
Official installation companies, or those with CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) accreditation, should also be considered for safety netting installation to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
The same applies for the removal of safety netting, as this also requires specialised knowledge and skills to avoid potential hazards.
Does the Safety Net Need to Be Replaced After Every Fall?
After a fall has occurred, the safety net must be inspected by a competent person to determine if any damage has occurred and whether the net needs to be replaced or repaired.
In most cases, the net will need to be replaced after a fall to ensure its continued effectiveness in preventing future falls.
How Often Should Safety Nets Be Inspected?
Daily or weekly inspections of safety netting are crucial to ensure any damages or wear and tear are addressed immediately.
However, official annual inspections should also be carried out by a competent person or body to ensure compliance with safety netting standards.
These inspections assess the nets' strength, integrity, and suitability for their intended purpose and identify any necessary repairs or replacements. You will then receive a certificate of inspection confirming compliance.
Official Safety Net Testing With Huck Nets
Here at Huck Nets, we have a team of qualified technicians who can carry out annual safety netting inspections and provide any necessary repairs or replacements to ensure compliance with regulations.
We are able to do this for both our own safety nets and those of other manufacturers.
We test the breaking strain of the net using the net patches method in accordance with the requirements of BS EN-1263-1.
Our safety net test machine will break the net patch to get the energy absorption (kilonewtons per mesh) and compare that to the requirement of BS EN-1263-1.
Following a successful test, we'll provide you with an official report for your records and offer any necessary repairs or replacements.
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What Happens if the Net Fails the Test?
If a safety net fails an annual inspection, it must be taken out of service, and the necessary repairs or replacements must be carried out before it can be used again.
This is why regular inspections are crucial to identify any potential issues before they become a hazard.
Key Takeaways: Ensuring Compliance with Safety Netting Regulations in the UK
Staying up to date with safety netting regulations in the UK is essential for maintaining a safe working environment on construction sites. There are specific requirements for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of safety nets, and these should be adhered to by both employers and employees.
Regular inspections, both daily/weekly and annually, are necessary to ensure compliance with safety netting standards and identify any potential hazards.
At Huck Nets, we are committed to helping businesses comply with regulations and ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Contact us today for more information on our safety netting services, including testing, repair, and supply.
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FAQs
When Should a Safety Net Be Installed?
A safety net should be installed immediately when there is a risk of falls or debris on a construction site.
How Long Do Safety Nets Last?
This depends on various factors, such as the type of net, frequency of use, and maintenance. However, with proper care and regular inspections, safety nets can last for many years.
Can Safety Nets Be Used Instead of Other Safety Measures?
No, safety nets are not a replacement for other safety measures, such as handrails or harness systems, but rather used in conjunction with them for added protection.
How Often Should Safety Nets Be Drop Tested?
Safety nets should be drop tested at least once a year by a competent person or body to ensure their effectiveness in preventing falls.
Regular daily or weekly inspections should also be carried out to identify any potential issues.
Where is the Ideal Place to Install Safety Nets?
Safety nets should be installed as close as possible to the work area to minimise fall distance. There should also be enough space underneath the net to prevent workers from hitting the ground or a lower level in case of falls.
Soft landing systems should also be used where possible.