Do’s and Don’ts :- Safe Use Of Safety Nets.

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The Safety in Use - Do's & Don'ts

Do’s and Don’t - Safe Use of Safety Nets.

Safety nets are being rigged and used on this site to protect the roofing contractor and other who need to work on the roof from falls.

Anyone damaging, or tampering with safety equipment can be prosecuted under the Health & Safety at Work Act.

Do….👍

• Only qualified personnel shall erect, handle, maintain and repair the Safety Nets.
• Report any falls into the Safety Net (net and tie points should be checked by the riggers.)
• Keep the Safety Net clear of debris (debris, particularly sharp and heavy materials, presents a hazard to the integrity of the net and could injure someone falling into the net. It also presents a hazard, when striking the nets, for both riggers and those working below.)
•  Report any signs of loose, damaged, or disconnected tie cords, large (greater than 300mm wide) gaps, or loose or sagging nets (by more than 15% of span).
•  Report to Management any damage to the nets (cuts, burns, tears, spillage of sealant or other chemicals etc.)
• Check Safety nets are a high performance, textile safety product.
• In the event of a person falling into the Safety Net, the “recovery procedure” must  be followed.

Don’t…👎

• Stack heavy or sharp materials over the netted area unless agreed within the method statement and ensure they are stable and secured in accordance with the agreed method statement.
• Jump into or walk in the Safety Net for any reason. The net will stretch, and will lose some of its energy absorption capacity. The net will require a full inspection, and might have to be rejected for further use. There will be a charge for the replacement of any nets that have been abused in this matter. (You don’t test an energy-absorbing lanyard by jumping with it, do you?)
•  If you walk in the net (other than to recover an injured person), the tie points will move, opening gaps etc. at the sides, and the debris protection could be compromised with joints being pulled open and requiring re-fixing. The Safety Net is not for access, but for the safety of those working above and below it.
• Throw rubbish into the net. Rubbish and debris causes a hazard as previously described
• Tamper with any part of the rigged Safety Net system (tie points, debris cover etc.) it is not acceptable to release and reconnect tie points to access certain points to access certain areas. In doing so you are personally taking responsibility for the performance of the Safety Net system and the Safety of those who rely on it. Are you suitably trained and experienced? There are legal implications.
• Spill any substances onto the net (sealant, paint, oils, and other chemicals). If spillages occur report them immediately to site management.
• Tie the Safety Net into your works. We have experienced significant damage by other trades, too lazy to request that the nets be moved before they work in the area. High costs are involved, and prosecution could result if the damage causes an accident. If they need to be moved, refer to the site management.
• Erect scaffold structures, or other intrusions within the clearance distance below the Safety Net (about 3m with 8m truss bays). They could damage the net, tie the net in preventing movement, and most importantly seriously injure a person falling into the Safety Net. If in doubt of net clearance requirements contact the Site Manager.

Note: It is to protect persons from serious injury in the event of a fall. Its ability to perform can be compromised by misuse.