The British Standards for Debris Netting

Debris netting complies with BS EN 1263-1 and -2 standards. BS EN 1263-1 covers safety requirements and test methods, while BS EN 1263-2 focuses on safety requirements for positioning limits.
October 9, 2024 by
The British Standards for Debris Netting
SP Group Global Ltd

Attention to detail is crucial in the construction industry. It’s not just about ensuring everything is flat and square, but also about ticking off all the requirements for every piece of equipment used on site. Debris netting, as a form of scaffold protection, is no exception—it must meet strict rules for quality and safety. 

This guide covers the British Standards for debris netting. It’s a great starting point to get more familiar with what this standard is and where fall protection net falls under.  

The British Standards in the Construction Industry 

Construction is a demanding and risky industry; the British Standards serve as one of the benchmarks for making it safer. Short for BS, these standards outline requirements, testing procedures, and criteria for each task and equipment used in the UK sector. 

They ensure consistency in measurements, manufacturing, materials, and more, overall. Meeting these guidelines guarantees safety, quality, reliability, and performance. 

What Standards Does Debris Netting Fall Under? 

Debris netting falls under BS EN 1263-1 and –2, standards that cover all aspects of safety netting, including design and installation, and others. 

BS EN 1263-1 

BS EN 1263-1 is the first part that deals with safety requirements and test methods. It also applies to debris netting accessories for construction, e.g., on scaffolding, and assembly work to protect from deeper falls. BS EN 1263-1 is useful for:  

  • Safety net manufacturers  
  • Safety net designers  
  • Safety net test personnel  
  • Occupational health and safety departments  
  • Quality assurance departments 

BS EN 1263-1 sets the standard for safety net quality and reduces the risk and severity of injuries. So, when investing in debris netting, make sure it complies with BS EN 1263-Look for options like blue debris netting and black debris netting, which both conform to EN1263-1 regulations. 

BS EN 1263-2 

BS EN 1263-2 is the second part that focuses on the safety requirements for positioning limits. This follows the manufacturer’s instruction manual, product specifications, and the testing of system S, system T, system U and system V safety nets. 

Other UK Regulations for Debris Netting 

Apart from BS EN 1263-2, the UK has mandated main conditions for adhering to debris netting positioning limits and installation. Requirements vary based on the netting purpose, but some of these are as follows: 

  • Safety netting must be installed, tested, and removed by trained and competent workers (e.g., scaffolders).  
  • The installation 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. 

Are British Standards and UK Regulations the Same? 

No, they’re not. British Standards are formal guidelines created by the British Standards Institution (BSI) Group with a focus on specificiations and best practices. BSI has over 100 years of experience as the UK’s National Standards Body. Their committees work with industries, governments and consumers to develop British, European and International standards. 

In contrast, UK regulations are legal obligations set by government bodies to mandate safety rules in construction. 

For more information on SAFEGARD scaffold protection, FR debris netting, shrink wrap, scaffold sheeting, or monarflex alternative, contact us at +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.