Fall Protection

Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems

On this page
When should a safety net be used ? What should be done when using a
safety net system?
What does your jurisdiction
require? What should be done when safety
nets catch debris?
What should be done before using
a safety net system? What are tips for maintaining a
safety net system?

When should a safety net be used ?

Safety nets are one option that can be used as part of a fall protection plan. Workplaces that
have the risk of falling should have a fall protection plan that outlines the policy and
procedures involved in assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling equipment
such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall
protection equipment.

Safety nets are classified as a passive fall protection system which can be installed as either a
barrier to prevent a fall, or beneath the work to catch a falling worker. Safety nets are
designed to decrease the fall distance, to absorb the energy of a fall, and to reduce the
likelihood or seriousness of an injury.

However, safety nets do not stop the worker from falling. Installing a fixed barrier such as
guardrails, opening covers, or walls are always the preferred method to prevent a worker from
falling. Safety nets are most often used when it is impossible or impractical to install fixed
barriers or to use an anchored and lifeline system (fall arrest system).

What does your jurisdiction require?

Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential
to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). Check with your jurisdiction as exact requirements do vary.
Note that most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in
addition to, personal protective equpment (PPE).

Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems CCOHS

When deciding on the use of a safety net, check your local legislation for requirements such
as:

Is there a specified standard that your safety nets must meet such as ANSI/ASSE
A10.11-2010 (R2016) Safety Requirements for Personnel Nets - Construction and
Demolition Operations?

Is a qualified installer or a professional engineer required to certify the installation of the

safety net?

Is testing by a professional engineer or other competent person required before the

safety net can be used?

Is there a requirement to conduct any testing or for record keeping when using safety
net?

Is there a requirement for fall protection training for workers?

What should be done before using a safety net system?

Create and follow a fall protection plan that outlines the various ways fall hazards will be
controlled or eliminated at each worksite. The nature of the work and the worksite itself will
determine whether safety nets can be used as a fall protection method for that specifc
situation. For example, a fall protection plan should specify all procedures for:

assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and taking down the fall arrest system or
personnel safety net

rescuing of a fallen worker suspended by a fall arrest system or caught by the safety net
(if the worker is unable to return themselves to the ground or another safe surface)

When selecting a safety net, consider:

whether it is being used to catch falling people or objects, or as a barrier to prevent falls

what is located in the areas above, below and around the safety net

the weight and type of load a safety net will need to support

the length of time the safety net will be used and the possible local weather conditions
during that time

all manufacturer's specifications

local requirements for your jurisdiction related to safety net systems specifically, and fall
protection in general

Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems CCOHS

Only use safety nets to catch falling workers when the drop area is clear. If a falling worker
could come into contact with surrounding structures or objects (including sharp edges), it is a
good practice to evaluate other fall protection methods that will minimize the potential for
injury.

What should be done when using a safety net system?

When using a safety net system:

Install all safety nets at the distance beneath the falling hazard as required for your
jurisdiction. For example, Workers Compensation Board of PEI requires personnel
safety nets to be installed within 4.6 m (15 feet) below the work area

Make sure there is sufficient clearance below the net so a falling worker does not come
into contact with the ground or other objects as the net sags when supporting the forces
imposed on it

Look at the entire potential fall area and make sure it is unobstructed. Falls are not
always a direct drop from an opening or edge. This factor can be important on bridges or
when working at heights on construction sites with lots of sharp edges and structural
elements that jut out.

Make sure the safety net extends beyond from the boundaries of the work surface area.
For example, Safe Work Manitoba's Fall Protection Guide states that the net extends at
least 2.5 m beyond the borders of a work area.

It is good practice to:

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when installing, using, and maintaining a

safety net.

Only use or rely on a safety net after it has been properly installed.

Place the safety net so it avoids contact with sharp edges.

Clear the net regularly and do not allow debris to accumulate in the net.

Visually inspect safety nets before each shift to make sure it remains in good repair.

Test the safety net regularly for its integrity and strength. Deterioration from exposure to
ultraviolet (UV or sunlight) light, other weather elements, and regular wear and tear can
weaken a safety net. When testing, make sure the material maintains the minimum
energy absorption capacity specified by the manufacturer.

Test safety nets after they are moved to a new location or repaired.

Do not jump or throw objects into the net.

Do not drag nets across the ground.

Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems CCOHS

What should be done when safety nets catch debris?
Safety nets often catch falling debris or equipment, which impacts their ability to safely arrest
a fall. If left in the net while work is ongoing, debris can damage a safety net system or
become a hazard to the worker if they fall. Debris may:

injure a person who falls into the net

overload the weight or size capacity of the net

cause the net to sag, increasing the distance between workers and the location of the
net meant to break their fall

Stop all work above and below the safety net to remove the fallen debris. Accumlation of snow
or ice should also be removed before work can begin or continue.

What are tips for maintaining a safety net system?

When maintaining a safety net system, follow all the manufacturer's specifications. Safety nets
should be checked daily, or as recommended by the manufacturer or as required by law.

Never use a safety net system with damaged components. Make sure a damaged safety net
is immediately taken out of service and repaired before work continues. Safety nets can be
damaged during use or storage by:

UV exposure

adverse weather such as strong winds, ice, or snow

sharp objects or other abrasions

sparks or exposure to heat (such as near an area where welding, grinding or burning is
taking place)

wear and tear from previous loads or a specific impact.

Visual inspections include checking for:

correct installation

abrasions, cuts or similar damage in the material or mesh

heat or friction damage

damage to the stitching

damaged or deformed fittings

debris or equipment in the net

Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems CCOHS

 defects in the knots of a knotted mesh

other signs of deterioration or damage

Regular testing of the safety net system includes:

when the net is installed

before the work shift

on a regular schdeule by a superviosr or a competent person assigned to the task to

ensure inspections before each use are being performed adequately

after any being in severe weather conditions

Have the required person (e.g., a competent person or professional engineer) check the
safety net after any impact from heavy objects or people.

Keep records of all inspections and tests performed. Also record all repairs or replacemetns,
showing the date of any repairs or replacements and who did the work.

Fact sheet first published: 2019-10-04 Fact sheet last revised: 2019-10-04

Disclaimer
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the
information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information
provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand
arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems CCOHS