National Safety Council

Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Safety nets: Fall protection for the

construction industry

T here are two basic kinds of fall-protec-

tion systems in use in the construction
industry, namely, passive and active sys-
tems. Passive systems, when installed,
protect workers without the need for them
to take positive action on their own behalf.
Active systems, on the other hand, are pro-
tection systems or devices that require
each worker to take positive action to pro-
tect against a fall, such as putting on a safe-
ty belt, connecting the belt or lanyard to a
safe suspension point or putting on a hard
hat, etc. This data sheet will deal only with
safety nets for the safety of personnel who Figure 1. A typical safety net installed under steel
work on construction projects. workers who are securing a roof beam.

Passive protection net systems ing on the weight and size of the debris to
2. Passive net systems consist of two be contained.
major types: personal nets and debris nets.
Personnel nets are designed to catch per- Other safety nets
sonnel who fall from a high placea bridge, 4. The term safety net is frequently used
building, tower, dam, silo or other structure. to include any kind of net, whether it is a
Personnel nets are made of a variety of nat- personnel net, or a debris net. Also, the con-
ural and synthetic materials in the form of struction industry tends to categorize nets
rope or strips to produce a webbing that according to their application (e.g., bridge
has a mesh strength strong enough to with- nets, interior nets, perimeter nets, elevator
stand the force of a falling person and a shaft nets, roofing nets, polar crane nets,
mesh size small enough to minimize per- etc.). This data sheet will attempt to be spe-
sonal injury. Details of personnel net speci- cific and define nets according to both type
fications will be discussed later. of net and its application.
3. Debris nets are designed to catch small, 5. Interior nets are used on the interior of
lightweight construction debris, tools, structures where the fall distance is greater
building materials and other items that may than 25 feet. Personnel nets and debris
be dropped, pushed or blown from a struc- nets are used together on such applica-
ture. Debris nets are designed to prevent tions where other means of fall protection,
workers, passersby or traffic from being such as flooring or scaffolding, are not
hurt or damaged. The mesh size of debris used or are not practical. Nets should be
nets depends upon the job. They are avail- cleaned on a daily basis, or as needed,
able in many sizes and strengths depend- depending on the debris collected.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

6. Perimeter nets are personnel or debris use best. In addition, recommended mini-
nets that are erected around the perimeter mum design requirements and the usage of
of a building to protect workers from over- nets made with manila rope or with rope or
board falls or to catch construction debris. webbing (tape) of synthetic fibers, filaments
7. Other examples of applications for safe- and their combinations also will be discussed.
ty and debris nets exist in elevator and
mechanical shafts to protect workers and Net design
guard against falling debris. Special struc- 14. Safety nets that meet accepted per-
tures such as cooling towers, chimneys, formance tests may be formed of rope or
containment buildings, civic centers, audi- webbing. Maximum size of mesh openings
toriums, gymnasiums and atriums of large should not exceed 36 square inches nor be
buildings also may be protected with a vari- longer than 6 inches on any side measured
ety of specialized and special-shaped safe- center-to-center on mesh ropes or web-
ty and debris nets. bing. (No mesh opening should exceed 6
8. Spalling nets are designed to catch inches in length measured center-to-center
small- and medium-size chunks of concrete of mesh crossing.)
or stone that scale off or are being 15. All mesh crossings should be anchored
removed from decaying structures. securely to eliminate friction wear and pre-
9. Restoration nets are designed to protect vent enlargement of the mesh openings.
workers, the public, displays and traffic from 16. Each net (or section of it) should have
falling objects during restoration projects. a border rope or bedding of the same qual-
10. Slag nets are designed to be hung ity material as the mesh material. The
below cutting or welding operations to mesh rope or webbing should be anchored
catch the slag of the welders or cutters securely to the border at each crossing.
torch and protect those below. The minimum size of the border rope
11. Windscreen/over spray nets are should be 34-inch diameter for manila and 12-
designed to be used vertically to restrict inch diameter for synthetic; no border rope,
the spreading of paint, sandblast material however, should have a breaking strength
and sprayed-on insulation while still allow- of less than 5,000 pounds when new.
ing for ventilation to the area. 17. Further advances in synthetic material
development may introduce additional
Net specifications acceptable materials. (Substitutes should
12. Only general specifications can be not be accepted without proof of tests indi-
detailed in a data sheet of this kind. cating at least equal durability, sun resist-
Specific data on the various types of nets ance, breaking strength and energy-absorb-
depends a great deal on the application. ing ability. The tests should meet the mini-
The net manufacturer should be consulted mum requirements of the American
for technical data in developing the specifi- National Standards Institute.)
cations for a particular job. 18. Many satisfactory combinations of
13. This data sheet, with the aid of photos, rope and mesh size are possible in safety
diagrams and charts, will explain the hazards net fabrication. Satisfactory performance is
and benefits of safety nets and what meas- the ultimate requirement of safety net qual-
ures should be followed in the use and place- ification. Impact resistance will vary for
ment of these nets to serve their intended several reasons.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Figure 2. A drawing of a net-testing frame. Note: The dimensions are given in the English system only.

As the overall size between supports of loads, with a maximum deflection in any
identical net increases or decreases with- direction of 4 inches. (A test frame of 12 x
in reasonable limits, the impact resist- 12 inch timbers or equivalent is recom-
ance will vary approximately in direct pro- mended.) The frame should be elevated
portion to the minimum dimension. sufficiently to prevent the net from contact-
As the mesh size decreases, using the ing any surface or object under the net dur-
same diameter mesh rope, the impact ing the tests.
resistance of the net increases. 20. Precautions should be taken so test
Other pertinent factors are the method observers are kept at a distance in the
of suspension, spacing of ties and secur- event the test weight bounces out or the
ing the border ropes to fixed structures. net fails.
19. A prototype test should be conducted 21. The impact resistance necessary for a
by a reliable and independent agency. net to qualify as a safety net should be such
Qualification as a safety net should be that it absorbs the impact of a 350-pound
based on the performance of a 17 x 24 foot bag of sand 24 inches (+ 2 inches) in diam-
sample net secured in a frame as detailed eter dropped 50 feet into the net and at
in Figure 2. The test frame should provide each quarter-point of the long dimension (6
an opening that is the same size as the net feet from the end of the net) and the center
when it is hung and should have sufficient point of the short dimension (812 feet from
strength to absorb the specified impact the side of the net). There should be no bro-

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

ken strands or significant distortion of the one level of nets is required for bridge con-
net pattern after two drops of the test struction.
weight with a 5-minute interval between Safety nets may be provided where traf-
drops to allow time for net recovery. fic or workers are permitted to be under
22. The net should not sag more than 3 a work area.
feet at the center of the net (test weight Nets for overhead protection shall be
impact point) when hung. Border ropes lined with wire or synthetic netting of
should be level. A typical tie of border rope not more than 1-inch mesh. Wire mesh
to test frame uses 34-inch manila rope, sup- shall be made of not less than 22 gage
ported by the frame at ends and center. wire and synthetic mesh of not less than
The net should be supported from the rope Number 18 twine.
at approximately 3-foot intervals, center-to- Operations requiring safety net protec-
center, along the 24 foot, 8 inch length (and tion shall not be undertaken until the net
2 foot, 10 inch, center-to-center along the is in place and has been tested.
17 foot, 8 inch length. Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the
23. It is accepted in the industry that any edge of the work surfaces where work-
net identical in fabrication, except for size, ers are exposed.
to a prototype net, which has met the The maximum mesh size of nets shall be
specified requirements, may be considered 6 inches x 6 inches.
satisfactory for use as a safety net. Each All new nets shall meet accepted per-
acceptable net shall carry a label with the formance standards of 17,500 foot
following information: The name of the pounds minimum impact resistance as
manufacturer, identification of the net determined and certified by the manu-
material, date of manufacture, date of pro- facturers and shall bear a label of proof
totype test and the name of the testing test. Edge ropes shall provide a mini-
agency. mum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
24. For work performed under the spon- The net suspension system shall be
sorship of the U.S. Army Corps of designed and constructed with a safety
Engineers, the net requirements given in factor of four and as a minimum shall
the remainder of this paragraph are con- withstand the test loading without per-
tained in EM 385-1-1, April 1981.2. Safety mitting contact between the net and any
nets shall be provided when workplaces surface or object below the net.
are more than 25 feet above the ground, Forged steel safety hooks or shackles
machinery, water surface or other surfaces shall fasten the net to its supports.
where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch Connections between net panels shall
platforms, temporary floors, lifelines or develop the full strength of the net.
safety belts is impractical. Nets shall be The net installation shall be tested by
installed as close under the work surface dropping a 400-pound bag of sand, not
as practical but in no case more than 25 more than 30 inches 2 inches in diam-
feet below such work surface. Nets shall eter, onto the center of the net from a
be hung with sufficient clearance to pre- height of 25 feet above the net or from
vent users contact with the surfaces or height equal to the distance from the net
structures below. Such clearance shall be to the highest surface for which protec-
determined by impact load testing. Only tion is furnished, whichever is greater.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Nets shall be tested immediately after outermost projection of the structure.

installation, relocation or major repair. Perimeter nets should follow the work
Tests shall be repeated at not more than upward and be positioned not more than
6-month intervals. 25 to 30 feet below any level at which
Nets shall be inspected daily for cuts and men are working.
damage from abrasions, chemicals or 29. When wire rope net supports are tied
heat. Repairs shall be made before work to a structure, the tying intervals should not
above the net is resumed. Rapid loss of exceed 30 feet, except for certain types of
strength of small net components net rigging used between piers on bridge
should be considered. construction. Wire rope for such purposes
Debris shall be removed from safety should withstand full impact stresses with
nets at least daily and combustible mate- a minimum safety factor of four.
rials shall be removed before welding, 30. Drop forged steel safety hooks or
cutting, or other operations producing shackles, which will support the design
sparks, slag or other ignition sources are load, should be used to attach nets to sup-
done above the net. porting cables, structures or beams pro-
25. Nets should be installed as close under jecting from structures. Such attachments
the working level as practical and placed should be spaced at intervals of not more
with sufficient clearance to prevent contact than 4 feet.
with surfaces or structures below, when 31. Hanging safety nets inside structures
the anticipated maximum impact load is (such as stacks, silos and shafts, or below
applied. floor openings) does not present a difficult
26. Except under unusual conditions (such problem. However, the nets should be
as on some bridge construction) where the arranged to provide easily removed panels
net placement prohibits normal net erec- that permit the passage of materials being
tion at 25 feet or makes it impractical, the hoisted.
distance from the highest work level to a
net should be no more than 25 feet. Materials
27. When two or more nets are secured 32. Materials for safety net fabrication
together to form a larger unit, the perime- should be tested for durability, weather
ter ropes should be wrappedthat is, resistance, breaking strength and impact
laced at not over 6-inch intervals with a lac- resistance.
ing rope of a diameter equal to the mesh 33. The materials and fabrication for safety
rope, and securely tied off at every 4-foot nets, recommended by American National
interval of the net perimeter. Otherwise, Standard A10.l 1-1979, are as follows:
drop-forged shackles or special safety Section 4.1. Each unit of net width and
hooks may be used for securement at length equal to 6 x 6 inches shall be fabri-
intervals of not more than 1 foot. cated of materials that provide a minimum
28. The perimeter suspension system breaking strength of 4,000 pounds. This
should be installed so suspension points may be achieved by the use of 38 inch No.
are level. Any deviation should slope 1 grade pure manila rope, 14-inch nylon
toward the structure, so that a rebounding rope, 516-inch polypropylene rope, 1-inch
load will be guided toward a protected nylon webbing or their equivalent.
area. When suspended, safety nets Section 4.2. Materials used shall be com-
should extend 8 feet horizontally from the patible with each other.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

34. Special precautions shall be taken to rig a net on every job. Each job is different
shield ropes 12-inch in diameter and smaller so that in each case planning is required.
from the suns rays. Ropes of natural or Even on two identical jobs, the work
synthetic fibers can lose a significant sequence may alter the quantity and meth-
amount of strength after prolonged expo- ods of netting the job.
sure to direct sunlight. It is suggested that Do as much work as possible on the
6-6 nylon safety netting be dyed with an ground, and then hoist the net into
ultraviolet-absorbing dye stuff of known position.
ability to significantly increase outdoor Use a work basket wherever possible to
durability. protect the person who must make the
high or exposed connections to secure
When and where to use nets the net. Safety belts with lifelines,
35. Safety nets should be used when the boatswain chairs or scaffolding also may
workplace is more than 25 feet above the be used.
ground, water or other surface, such as Planning makes everything easier.
adjacent structure or intermediate floor. Nets must be rigged to catch and stop a
Where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch worker who fallsbefore he hits anoth-
platforms, temporary floors, safety lines or er surface or a net support rod.
safety belts are impractical, nets should be
used. (In areas where nets offer the best 40. The American National Standards
protection, it might be desirable to have Institute has these installation require-
the contract provide for their use, so all ments.
contractors can provide for safety on an Nets shall be installed in accordance
equal basis.) with the net manufacturers specifica-
36. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tions and instructions.
Manual requires similar protection. Nets shall be installed as close under the
37. Safety nets should be used as over- working level as practical but not lower
head protection where public traffic or than 30 feet and shall be hung with suf-
workers are required to be underneath the ficient clearance to prevent contact with
work area. In such cases, nets should be the surface or structures below when
lined with wire or synthetic netting of such the users impact load testing is applied.
strength and mesh (which is generally 34- (Exception: On bridge construction the
inch) that, in normal circumstances, falling lowest part of the structure should be
tools or material would be prevented from considered the highest working surface.
falling on persons who may be standing It is intended that only one level of nets
below. be required for bridge construction.)
When two or more nets are secured
Installation together to form a larger unit, they shall
38. There are as many ways of erecting be laced at not more than 6-inch inter-
nets as there are construction jobs. The vals with a lacing material equal in
function of this section is to suggest some strength to the mesh rope or webbing.
basic ideas and some fundamental rules, Drop-forge shackles or safety hooks may
but the details of safe rigging must be the be used instead of lacing.
responsibility of the persons on the job. Drop-forge safety hooks or shackles (or
39. Look for the most convenient way to other equivalent fastening means) that

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Figure 3. An example of rigging a net under a bridge Figure 4. The ground method for connecting nets.
using the ground method.

Figure 5. An example of hoisting the eye beam rig- Figure 6. A net that has been raised to position
ging from the ground. from ground.

will support the design load shall be the center to reduce the sag in the net.)
used to attach nets to supporting cables, Connect the ends of the I-beam across
structures or beams projecting from the gap with ropes, one rope on each
structures. side (see Figure 3).
Safety nets shall extend outward 8 feet Some nets are designed with a right and
horizontally from the outer-most projec- a left side. Therefore, spread the nets on
tion of the structure. the ground across the gap and fasten
the span hooks on each net to the ropes
Rigging a net under a bridge and to each other (see Figure 4).
ground method Fasten the ends of the nets to ropes fas-
41. Assuming that the span is 100 feet or tened to the I-beams.
less, set out one I-beam at the base of Hoist I-beam L to the top of pier A
each pier. The length of each I-beam should and fasten it to the pier using the inserts
be the width of the bridge plus 16 feet to that had been previously placed to
extend 8 feet on either side of the outside accept the I-beam (see Figure 5).
edge of the structure. (Spans greater than Hoist I-beam R to the top of pier B
100 feet usually require an extra I-beam in and fasten it in place (see Figure 6).

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

The net is now in place. lowered from the center of the bridge in a
It is important to have all sides of the net work basket or harness to clip the nets
raised so that if a worker falls, he is cap- together at the center.
tured by the net and cannot roll out.
Curtain nets
Rigging a net under a bridge 45. Occasionally it may be desirable to pro-
no access between piers vide a curtain net for a bridge to protect
42. Proceed exactly as in the previous workers in only the unfinished area, or dur-
example except that all rigging must be ing a maintenance program. A curtain net is
done at the base of the pier or on a barge generally not recommended because it is
adjacent to the pier. Instead of spreading so easy for the workers to forget to move
the nets across the gap, assemble the nets the curtain as the work progresses. Also,
bunched on a rope, accordion-fashion, like very often, the work gets spread over a
a shower curtain folded back upon itself larger area than the curtain covers, leaving
(see Figure 7). In addition, attach a spread- some workers unprotected.
er bar to the leading edge of the net. Also 46. A curtain net is rigged on ropes in much
attach two lines to the spreader and run the same fashion as shown in Figure 7, and
them across the gap. The net can be the lead lines are used to move the curtain
spread across later by pulling the lead lines to the proper location under the work area
from the opposite side. (see Figure 8). Important: A spreader bar
43. It also is possible to feed the lead lines must be used at both ends of a curtain-type
across, around a sleeve on the net-anchor- net to keep the ends of the net at the same
ing I-beam and back to pier A. The net level as the ropes that support it. Otherwise,
can be spread across by pulling from the it might be possible for a worker who had
pier A side of the gap. fallen into the net to roll out the end and fall.
44. If a span is too long or the space at the
bottom of pier A is too crowded to Rigging perimeter nets on buildings
assemble all the nets on one side, half of 47. On the ground, in position below
the nets can be assembled at pier B and where the nets are to be used, assemble
two sets of lead lines can be used to the rope, the outrigger bars and sufficient
spread the nets. Then, someone must be nets to rig one side of the building.

Figure 7. An example of rigging a net under an Figure 8. An example of a curtain net rigged for use
access between piers. under a bridge.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Tighten all connections and the net is

ready to be tested.

Decking nets in steel construction

buildings
48. The net should go up with the steel.
Figure 10 shows one method used by iron-
workers. Erect three beams outlining a
rectangular bay with ropes for anchoring
the nets fastened to brackets welded on
the I-beams. Also attach a rope for the net
to the fourth beam. On the ground, attach
the net to the fourth beam. Then attach
the free end of the net to a spreader bar.
Figure 9. An example of rigging perimeter nets. Lift the entire assembly (the beams, the
net, the rope and the spreader bar) into
place. The beam completes the fourth side
Hoist the whole assembly to the level of the bay. Then, two workers starting at
where it is to be installed. A and A, fasten the net to the ropes
Fasten the outrigger bars to the deck of on the side I-beams and push the spread-
the floor below (see Figure 9). er bar ahead of them as they crawl along
Anchor the rope ends in each corner of the beams. When they reach the end of
the building. the bay, they unhook the net from the
Fasten the inside edge of the net to the spreader bar and hook it onto the rope
floor where the rope is anchored. attached to beam No. 1.

Figure 10. The rigging of decking nets in steel construction.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

49. Net panel construction is another nets are suspended from cables that are
method of assembling a safety net. A rec- supported by a bracket fastened to the col-
tangle of thin-walled aluminum conduit is umn as shown in Figure 12. These same
assembled to act as a spreader on a specif- nets are used along the end walls as well
ic size net. The thin-walled conduit merely as the side walls. Figure 13 shows a plan
shapes the net and fastens to the cable view of nets in place just before the start of
that supports the net. The rope is anchored a roofing operation. Because sheets of
in the same way as in Figure 10 and the roofing material are installed first from a
inside edge of the net is clipped to a rope corner of a building, the end-wall and side-
attached to the beam. The advantage here wall nets should be in place as well as the
is that the frame provides a convenient main nets under the roof inside the build-
way of spreading the net and provides a ing, prior to starting roofing operations.
much more convenient way of moving the
nets, formed and in place. Nets for reactor buildings
52. In the construction of a nuclear reactor
Nets for roofing buildings building, personnel and debris nets are
50. Figure 11 shows an end view and a employed around the outside during rebar
plan view of a typical metal building. Ropes, welding. Inside, both 4-inch mesh person-
across which personnel nets are hung, are nel and 14-inch mesh debris nets are
installed along the length of the building to employed under the dome.
cover each building module. Often curtain
nets are used under the section of the roof Other net applications
being assembled. This is permissible only if
the roofing operation stops and the nets are Beneath a polar crane
moved when the roofing work progresses 53. A semicircular 4-inch mesh and a 34-
to within 8 feet of the edge of the net. inch mesh net are used in conjunction with
and on one side of the polar crane in the
Sidewall nets containment building. The net is rigged so
51. Workers on the edge of a roof should that it moves with the polar crane and fur-
be protected with sidewall nets. Sidewall nishes protection on one-half of the area.

Figure 11. An example of rigging nets for the roof- Figure 12. The rigging of sidewall nets for roofing
ing of a building. jobs.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Figure 13. A plan view of an example of rigging safety nets for roofing operations.

The other half of the area is left open to plant. Personnel and debris nets are used
allow materials to be passed up above the to protect all the workers in this area
polar crane to the workers. throughout the length of the jobsteel-
workers, electricians, steamfitters, carpen-
On the turbine pedestal in power plants ters, painters, etc., (see Figure 17).
54. Personnel nets with 4-inch mesh and
debris nets with 34-inch mesh are used Elevator shaft nets
around the turbine pedestal to protect per- 56. Elevator shafts and mechanical chases
sonnel from falling and to protect those are dangerous voids in the decks of high-
below from falling objects. rise buildings and they must be covered.
Nets offer the most economical protection:
Power plant boiler cavity lower initial cost, lower installation cost
55. The boiler cavity is a large area framed compared with the cost of materials, time
by structural steel. It is open for a long peri- and labor required to construct a wooden
od of time during the erection of a power platform.

Figure 14. An example of nets in use on a reactor Figure 15. The use of nets on a polar crane.
building.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Figure 16. Nets mounted on a turbine pedestal of a Figure 17. The use of nets to protect construction
power plant. personnel who are working on the boiler cavity at a
power plant.

They also have the following character- shall be thoroughly inspected by qualified
istics: personnel before and after every installa-
Lightweight, easy to handle, install, tion, and not less than once each week
move and store. (A 10 foot x 10 foot net thereafter. Additional inspections shall be
weighs only 10 pounds including hard- made after alterations, repairs, impact load-
ware). Wooden platforms are heavy and ing, and welding or cutting operations are
bulky. made above the net. Nets that show
Long lifecan be rolled into small bun- mildew, wear, damage or deterioration that
dles and moved quickly from deck to might affect their strength shall be immedi-
deck and job to job, compared with ately removed from service for complete
expendable wooden platforms. inspection and repair.
Offer a soft catch in the event of a fall;
rigid wooden covers can cause human Job testing
injury and damage tools. 58. Nets and suspension systems should
Easily moved and replaced by one per- be tested after each installation, alteration
son (in seconds) for easy access to the or major repair before being returned to
shaft, compared with bulky, heavy service and at 6-month intervals thereafter.
wooden platforms. If a net is more than 18-months old, a rea-
Allow visibility and permit air, light and sonable test interval should be established.
sound to pass through. 59. Job tests differ slightly from prototype
Stay in place. Wood platforms may slip tests conducted by the manufacturer. For
and slide or can be blown or kicked out nets of normal size, the American National
of position and fall. Standards Institute says tests should con-
sist of dropping a 400-pound bag of sand
Inspection not more than 30 inches 2 inches in diam-
57. Each safety net, mesh rope, perimeter eter from a height of approximately 25 feet
rope, connector, suspension system, etc., above the net into the center of the net.

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

60. A job should be considered satisfacto- hot slag or other ignition sources are done
ry if there are no broken members and no above the net.
significant distortion of net pattern or the 63. Repairs to nets should be made
suspension system. promptly and properly by qualified person-
nel. Defective ropes should be satisfactori-
Care, maintenance and storage ly spliced and replaced with new ropes.
61. Care, maintenance and storage of Dirt and grit act as abrasives and should be
safety nets shall be in accordance with the removed by washing with clean water.
net manufacturers recommendations with After washing, manila ropes should be
due attention being given to the factors dried and re-lubricated with oil recom-
affecting net safety: mended by the rope manufacturer.
Sunlight affects all fibers, including 64. Proper storage of nets is essential.
those commonly used. All nets not in Nets may be stored in dry/shaded areas;
use should be protected from direct and they may be hung or folded on pallets.
indirect sunlight. Good air circulation is necessary. Confined
Abrasion. There is no test that will pre- dampness is detrimental to manila rope,
dict the life of a net under the wide vari- but does not affect synthetic ropes.
ety of abrasion conditions that may be 65. All types of nets should be protected
encountered. The adverse effects of against damage from heated surfaces,
abrasion should be constantly borne in sharp materials, fungi, rodents and falling
mind. Nets should not be dragged over objects. Synthetic fiber ropes are not
the ground or other rough surfaces. affected by mildew, and the resistance to
Sand. Embedded sand cuts fibers, reduc- mildew by untreated manila rope is good
ing the strength of nets. Care should be except in humid climates. Therefore, a
taken to keep nets as clean and free of mildew-resistant treatment of manila rope
sand as possible. is recommended. Treatment can be applied
Rust. Prolonged contact with rusting iron during manufacture, or nets can be dipped
or steel can cause significant degrada- in a fungicide solution at the jobsite.
tion and loss of strength. Nets should
not be stored in metal containers that Fire prevention
are rusty and should be suspended on 66. Manila and synthetic rope nets can be
non-rusting hooks. seriously damaged by fire. Therefore, com-
Airborne contaminants. Extremely high bustible material should not be allowed to
concentrations of many chemicals can accumulate in suspended nets, as empha-
adversely affect the strength of nets. sized in paragraph 62. When riveting, weld-
Where high concentrations may exist, ing or burning is done above nets, they
the chemicals should be identified and should be under constant observation.
the concentrations measured. The effect Serious damage has resulted when weld-
on the net material involved should be ing slag has fallen into nets piled or rolled
determined by test if it is not known. up under construction work. Nets hung ver-
62. Debris shall be removed from safety tically when stored are least exposed to
nets at least daily, and combustible materi- these overhead hazards.
als shall be removed before welding, cut- 67. Manila rope is fire-resistant to a degree
ting or other operations producing sparks, and does not support combustion under

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 National Safety Council
Data Sheet 608 Rev. February 2006

Safety Requirements for Demolition, ANSI A 10.6-

normal conditions. However, fire-retardant 1969.
treatments have not proved practical when
Safety Requirements for Scaffolding, ANSI A 10.8-
nets are exposed to the weather. 1977.
Furthermore, application of fire-retardants
Safety Requirements for Concrete Construction and
to synthetic ropes is of no value, because Masonry Work, ANSI Al0.9-1982.
these ropes will melt instead of burn when
Safety Requirements for Window Cleaning. ANSI
exposed to heat. A39. 1-1969.
Manually Propelled Mobile Ladder Stands and
Sources of information Scaffolds (Towers), ANSI A92. 1-1977.
American National Standards Institute, 1819 L
Street, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036. Safety Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial
Nets used During Construction, Repair and Devices. ANSI A92.2-1979.
Demolition Operations, ANSI A10.1l-1979.
OSHA, Washington, D.C. 20210: Occupational
Safety and Health Standards, Title 25 CFR Chapter Acknowledgment
XVII, Part 1926. Subpart E (Personal Protective and This data sheet was prepared by the
Life Saving Equipment), Section 1926.105. Construction Division of the National
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake Drive,
Army, The Pentagon, Washington, DC 20314. Safety Itasca, IL 60143.
and Health Requirements. EM 385-1-1, April 1981.
SINCO Products Inc., 3965 Pepin Avenue, Red Wing, Copyright 2007 National Safety Council.
MN 55066. Fall Protection Handbook, 4th ed., 1982.
All rights reserved.

Related standards Although the information and recommendations con-

When the following related American National tained in this publication have been compiled from
Standards are superseded by a revision approved by
sources believed to be reliable, the National Safety
the American National Standards Institute the revi-
sions should be used. Council makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no
responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or
Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists, ANSI
A10.4-l981. completeness of such information or recommenda-
tions. Other or additional safety measures may be
Safety Requirements for Material Hoists. ANSI
A10.5-1981. required under particular circumstances.

14