Safety net systems
Safety net systems consist of mesh nets, panels and connecting components. They are typically used as protection for those who work 25 feet or more above lower levels on bridges and at building construction sites. Safety net systems are rarely used for roofing work. The maximum size of each mesh net opening must not exceed 36 square inches or longer than 6 inches on a side, measured center to center. The design and performance requirements for safety net systems are in Subpart M, 1926.502(c).
Safety nets must be installed as close as possible below working surfaces, but not more than 30 feet below the surfaces. An installed net must withstand a drop test consisting of a 400-pound bag of sand 30 inches in diameter dropped from a working surface. The net must be able to withstand the impact without touching anything below it. The outer edge of a safety net must be at least 8 feet from the edge of the working surface; however, the minimum distance varies, depending on how far the net is below the working surface. See the attached extracted page/slide shows the minimum distances.
Regulation and requirements:
29 CFR 1926.105(a). Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the surface where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines or personal fall arrest system is impractical.
29 CFR 1926.105(b). Where safety net protection is required, operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested.
1926.105(c)
1926.105(c)(1)
Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employees are exposed and shall be installed as close under the work surface as practical but in no case more than 25 feet below such work surface. Nets shall be hung with sufficient clearance to prevent user's contact with the surfaces or structures below. Such clearances shall be determined by impact load testing.
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926.105(c)(2)
It is intended that only one level of nets be required for bridge construction.
1926.105(d)
The mesh size of nets shall not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All new nets shall meet accepted performance standards of 17,500 foot-pounds minimum impact resistance as determined and certified by the manufacturers, and shall bear a label of proof test. Edge ropes shall provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
1926.105(e)
Forged steel safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports.
1926.105(f)
Connections between net panels shall develop the full strength of the net.
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