Safety nets are one way of minimising injury in the event of a fall at work. In simple terms, a safety net is installed below the working platform and catches the falling worker. They provide passive, collective protection because they protect all those operating above the netted area.
Safety nets manufactured to EN 1263 Part 1:Safety requirements, test methods, will deform or stretch when loaded thus reducing the impact on the workers body. Typically, safety nets are used to protect roofers, flooring contractors, steel erectors and joiners. Safety nets are known to save hundreds of lives each year. According to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, safety nets rigged close to the working level will minimise the distance of the fall and importantly minimise the injury to the faller.
Critical to the performance of a safety net system is the way in which it is installed. EN 1263 Part 2: Safety requirements for the positioning limits, specifies installation parameters based upon testing carried out by European test laboratories. The standard includes performance criteria of anchorage points, fall heights, clearance distances, UV degradation, marking and labeling. A new British Standard (BS 8411:2007) provides guidance on UK specific safety net use and this forms the basis of the FASET syllabus.
The industry body representing safety netting industry is FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training). Active Technical, Health & Safety and Training Committees under the FASET umbrella respond to and direct industry issues. It represents its members on construction and safety forums to encourage consistent standards and practice. A key function of FASET is the ownership of a training and competence scheme. This is managed alongside the CITB who administer the assessing and issue of NVQ's and competence cards.
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