SAFETY NET DO’S AND DON’TS

 

Do's

•        Ensure you use competent safety net rigging companies, with relevant experience.

•        Ensure you use competent safety net riggers.

•        Ensure that methods of access for work at height have been properly assessed, and the safest method reasonably practicable has been chosen.

•         Carryout a formal inspection if nets are in place for more than 7 days, or subject to extreme weather conditions. A visual user inspection should be carried out before working above the safety nets.

•         Ensure that all materials are secure before lifting/craning above a safety net.

•         Ensure that a handover certificate is completed before allowing works above a safety net.

•         Ensure that nets are struck before any hot works being carried out above.

•         Report any damage to a safety net. Don’t tamper with or adjust any nets and attachment points.

•         Ensure all fall into a safety net are reported to site management and Ensure the supervision of the removal of the loaded net from service.

•        Don’t allow work above the net if it is positioned >2m from the working level.

Don’ts

•        Don’t allow the use of nets unless there is evidence of appropriate inspection & maintenance regime and UV testing within the last 12 months.

•        Don’t allow the use of nets, unless a competent person has verified there, is sufficient clearance distance (rule of thumb no less than 3m).

•        Don’t allow work above nets without evidence that any repairs have been carried out by a competent person authorized by the manufacturer.

•        Don’t allow work above nets which don’t have serial numbers or labels.

•        Don’t attach nets to any structure without first confirming it has the capacity to deal with a minimum 6kN loading at a 45º angle.

•        Don’t allow gaps >100mm unless exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise (in these cases, not >225mm).

•        Don’t allow work above net systems that have been damaged or loaded.

•        Don’t allow work above the net if it is positioned >2m from the working level.