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Safety nets
Installation and use of safety nets
The safety net, according to standard EN 1263-1, is designed to reduce injuries caused by falls from height. Nets conforming to the standard must be installed in accordance with EN 1263-2.
Safety nets can be installed both horizontally and vertically to prevent the fall of people and materials from open edges, such as floor edges, rooftops, stairs, and pit edges, or to restrict vertical openings, such as window openings or stairwells. It is also possible to install safety nets for use as a work platform.
Prevention and competence
Typically, a Type S safety net (horizontal net) is installed below the work area of a person working at heights, and in the event of a fall, the worker is caught by the safety net. Additionally, according to standard EN 1263-1, other types of safety nets are available – Type V for hanging on the exterior of buildings, Type U for the sides of scaffolds, and Type T for installation on structure cantilevers.
Gallery
Safety Net Installation (System S)
To meet the standards, each safety net must be equipped with a unique serial number and label. In addition, it must contain information about the manufacturer or distributor, the type of net, the year and month of manufacture, the minimum energy absorption capacity of the net, and the standard to which the net conforms.
Safety nets should be stored in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and corrosive substances. Nets and ropes should not come into contact with sharp edges. Objects that have fallen onto the net should be removed immediately. The installer is responsible for inspecting the safety net and the attachment system. Safety nets may only be repaired by a competent person approved by the manufacturer.
Safety nets should be inspected every 12 months to ensure their condition has not deteriorated due to UV radiation and that they are not dangerous. Each year, a test sample (attached to the net) must be removed and sent to the net manufacturer for testing.
The following values apply assuming that the minimum size of the net is 35 square meters, and the shortest side is at least 5 meters.
The production of safety nets is governed by EN 1263/1. Safety nets that comply with this standard must be installed according to EN 1263/2. Additionally, local standards may also apply.
Anchor Points
Safety nets must be anchored to a supporting structure at least every 2.5 meters. Each anchor point must be able to withstand a force of 6kN at a 45° angle.
The perimeter rope of the net must always be connected to the anchor point in use.
It is recommended to install safety nets without gaps between the edge of the net and the supporting structure or adjacent nets. Horizontal gaps of up to 100 mm are allowed, and in exceptional cases, gaps of up to 225 mm are permitted.
Lashing ropes
There are various attachment methods, with EN 1263/2 specifically describing the use of lashing ropes.
Lashing ropes are typically made from 12 mm diameter 3-strand polyamide (type L, type M, type R, type Z). For single attachment, the strength of the lashing rope must be at least 30kN, and for double lashing, at least 15kN. The lashing ropes are tied around the perimeter rope and the edge of the net, securing them to the structure. Knots used must be capable of arresting a fall. The ends of the ropes should be protected against fraying.
Connection devices that comply with EN 362, EN 12275, or DIN 5299 can be used.
Fall height
EN 1263/2 addresses the maximum fall height of up to 6 meters and a maximum fall height of 3 meters within 2 meters from the edge of the net. It is considered good practice to install safety nets as close as possible to the working surface (preferably within a 2-meter range) – this minimizes the potential fall height and reduces the impact force on the faller, the net, and the supporting structure of the net.
Net size and tension
When a net is stretched between two fixed points, it sags, pulling the perimeter of the net inward. For this reason, the net should be at least 10% longer on each side.
The net must be installed with a tension that allows it to fulfill its purpose in the event of a fall. Excessive pre-tension can prevent the net’s mesh from deforming properly, which hinders its intended function. Insufficient tension results in a longer fall distance and potential obstacles in the fall path. The correct tension should be around 10% of the distance between two adjacent supports.
The degree of net deformation depends on the fall height and the net size. A larger net experiences more deformation when falling from a greater height compared to a smaller net from a lower height.
Fall catching width
It is advisable to cover a larger area with the net to reduce the risk of the user stumbling forward and falling past the safety net. The distance the user may fall forward depends on the working height. For example:
- Fall height <1 m = minimum catching width >2 m
- Fall height <3 m = minimum catching width >2.5 m
- Fall height <6 m = minimum catching width >3 m
It is common practice to extend the net-protected area by at least 3 meters. If safety nets are used for roofs with a slope greater than 20 degrees, the minimum catching width should be at least 3 meters, with the lowest point positioned at least 3 meters below the working surface.
Connecting nets
Overlap
When connecting nets, the connecting rope must be threaded through every other mesh (grabbing the perimeter rope of both nets) to ensure that no gaps larger than 100 mm are left or formed in the covered area. Use an 8 mm diameter nylon connecting rope with a minimum breaking strength of 7.5 kN (type O). Both ends of the rope must be securely tied. The overlap between the two nets should be more than 2 meters.
Tying
If a 2-meter overlap cannot be achieved, the upper perimeter rope of one net should be tied to the mesh of the other net. This should be repeated on the other side of the overlap. Use an 8 mm diameter nylon connecting rope with a minimum breaking strength of 7.5 kN (type O).
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Kukkumiskaitse.ee
Kukkumiskaitse.ee is a high-altitude work center founded in 2011, aimed at providing the best safety solutions for working safely at heights and in confined spaces. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive solution – consultation for finding the right solution, system installation, training for users, and periodic inspections of products. We have manufacturer-provided training for the installation of all the systems we offer. The necessary tools for performing the work can be purchased from our online store, our warehouse in Tartu, or through our authorized dealers.
Kukkumiskaitse OÜ is a member of the Estonian High Altitude Work Association, ERCA, and BSA.