Falling debris can be hard to manage, especially during sudden strong winds or accidental slips of tools or materials. Debris nettingis placed for this purpose. It is used to contain any fallen material and even the workers themselves who might fall from heights.
There’s more to investing in the right nets to guarantee reduced risks and a safer working environment. Consider the following pointers below to ensure your debris netting is doing its purpose well.
Is Your Debris Netting Compliant with Safety Standards and Regulations?
There are specific requirements for debris netting that must be followed to meet safety and compliance standards. These include:
- Safety netting must be installed, tested, and removed by trained and competent workers (e.g., scaffolders).
- The installed should be 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 a fall.
- Debris netting should not replace other safety measures, such as guardrails or harness systems on scaffolding, but rather should be used alongside them.
- Nets should be inspected with annual inspections conducted. (Tip: Include debris netting checks during scaffolding safety inspections.)
The employer or principal contractor is responsible for ensuring compliance with these safety regulations.
How Often Should Debris Netting Be Inspected and Maintained?
Debris netting must be inspected weekly or as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure it remains safe for use. This requirement may also vary based on certain scenarios. For instance, the netting should be checked after a fall or after adverse weather conditions like strong winds. This allows the qualified inspectors to assess for any damage and determine if safety netting replacement is necessary.
SP Group recommends weekly inspections or additional checks whenever needed. This applies to all our debris netting, including:
What is the Best Type of Debris Netting?
High-density polyethylene material is preferred for debris netting as it provides superior strength and shock absorption. Take our CLASSIC Debris Netting, for instance. Its lightweight, UV-stabilised, knitted high-density polyethylene monofilament mesh is designed to reduce wind load and minimize the risk of falling objects on site. Its energy absorption capabilities make it ideal for fall arrest purposes. There’s also a fire-retardant (FR) version available for extra safety, plus various colours including Yellow and Teal for all types.
How Do Height and Project Type Affect Safety Netting Choice?
Construction involving buildings at greater heights and heavier materials, such as concrete blocks and steel beams, generally requires heavy-duty debris netting.
The nets must be designed to withstand increased wind loads and prevent debris from being blown off or through netting for such high-altitude work. Such qualities also account for handling the heavy materials mentioned, which exert more force and can cause greater damage if they fall.
Regardless of the height and type of project, it’s always best to invest in high-performance netting for guaranteed effectiveness under various conditions. If you’re looking for an alternative, scaffold sheeting might be for you.
For more information on debris netting, scaffold sheeting, or monarflex alternative sheeting, contact us at +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a scaffold supplier based in UK and Ireland.