Safety Nets

There are two types of safety nets: personnel and debris safety nets. When a fall is possible and there is no secure anchorage point to which a worker can attach a fall protection system, safety nets can be used as an alternative. Safety nets can also be used in conjunction with fall protection systems as an added safety measure.

• Personnel safety nets are used to prevent workers from hitting a lower level or object if a fall occurs. They must meet the following guidelines:
• Safety nets should be installed as close as practical to the working surface but no more than 30 feet below the working surface level.
• The maximum size of the mesh opening must not exceed 36 square inches or be longer than 6 inches on any side.
• The border rope must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
• Any materials, equipment, or tools that have fallen into the safety net must be removed as soon as possible and at least before the next working shift.
• Debris nets are used to prevent debris from falling onto workers on a lower level or platform of a work site. They must meet the following guidelines:
• The net must be constructed of a small enough mesh to prevent debris from slipping through and continuing to fall.
• If a debris net and a personnel safety net are used together, the debris net must be constructed on top of the personnel safety net.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.