One alternative for a fall protection strategy is the usage of safety nets. A fall protection plan that specifies the policies and procedures for setting up, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling tools like ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall protection equipment should be present in any workplace where there is a risk of falling. Safety nets are categorized as a passive fall prevention system and can be deployed either beneath the work to catch a worker in the event of a fall or as a barrier to prevent one. Safety nets are intended to shorten the distance of a fall, absorb the energy of the impact, and lessen the chance or severity of an injury. Safety nets do not, however, prevent a worker from falling. The best technique to stop a worker from falling is to install a fixed barrier, like guardrails, opening covers, or walls. When it is unfeasible or impractical to install fixed barriers or to employ an attached and lifeline system, safety nets are typically used (fall arrest system).
What rules does your country have?
In general, workplace health and safety laws demand action when a worker faces a 3 meter fall risk (10 feet). As specific criteria do differ, check with your jurisdiction. Keep in mind that the majority of jurisdictions demand the use of certain fall protection techniques either in place of or in addition to personal protective equipment (PPE). When considering whether to employ a safety net, look up any applicable municipal laws for specifications like: Are your safety nets required to adhere to a specific standard, such as ANSI/ASSE A10.11-2010 (R2016) Construction and demolition operations personnel net safety requirements Is the installation of the safety net necessary to be certified by an experienced installer or a licensed engineer? Is it necessary to have the safety net tested by a licensed engineer or another qualified individual before using it? Is it necessary to carry out any tests or keep records when employing safety net? Are workers required to receive fall protection training?
Before utilizing a safety net system, what should be done?
Create and adhere to a fall protection strategy that details the various measures that will be taken at each worksite to reduce or eliminate fall hazards. Whether safety nets can be utilized as a fall protection measure in a given circumstance depends on the nature of the work and the worksite itself. For instance, a fall protection plan should outline all processes for setting up, inspecting, operating, and dismantling a fall arrest system or persons safety net as well as how to rescue a worker who has fallen and is suspended by one or caught in one of these devices (if the worker is unable to return themselves to the ground or another safe surface) When choosing a safety net, take into account whether it will be utilized as a barrier to stop falls or to catch falling people or things, as well as what will be in the spaces above, below, and around the safety net. the type and weight of load that a safety net must support, the duration of operation, and any potential local weather conditions during that time. all of the manufacturer's requirements Local rules for safety net systems in particular, and fall protection generally, in your jurisdiction When the drop zone is clear, only employ safety nets to catch workers who could fall. It is a good practice to consider alternative fall protection strategies that will reduce the risk of injury if a worker in danger of falling could come into contact with nearby items or structures (especially those with sharp edges).
What actions are necessary when utilizing a safety net system?
In the case of a safety net system: Install every safety net at the required distance below the potential for falling, per your jurisdiction. For instance, the Workers Compensation Board of PEI mandates the installation of staff safety nets within 4.6 meters (15 feet) below the work area. As the net sags while supporting the pressures applied to it, ensure there is enough space below it so that a worker who falls won't make touch with the earth or other objects. Verify that there are no obstructions in the entire area where a fall could occur. Falls don't necessarily occur as a direct drop from a gap or edge. This issue can be crucial when working at heights on construction projects with many jagged edges and protruding structural components, such as bridges. Ensure that the safety net extends past the limits of the work surface area. For instance, the Fall Protection Guide for Safe Work Manitoba specifies that the net must reach at least 2.5 meters beyond the boundaries of a work area. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for setting up, using, and caring for a safety net. A safety net should only be used or relied upon once it has been erected correctly. Place the safety net to keep it away from any dangerous edges. Do not let debris build up in the net; constantly clean it out. Before every shift, visually check the safety nets to make sure they're still in good shape. Check the integrity and sturdiness of the safety net on a regular basis. A safety net may become less effective due to deterioration brought on by exposure to ultraviolet (UV or sunshine) light, other weather conditions, and everyday wear and tear. Make that the material continues to have the minimal energy absorption capability required by the manufacturer while testing. After being relocated or repaired, safety nets should be tested. Avoid jumping or hurling things into the net. Nets should not be dragged on the ground.
What actions should be taken when safety nets snag objects?
Safety nets frequently snag falling objects or machinery, which hinders their ability to effectively stop a fall. Debris left in the net during construction can harm the safety net system or endanger the worker if they fall. Debris may: harm someone who falls into the safety 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 safety net intended to break their fall. Halt all work above and below the safety net to clear the fallen debris. Before work may start or continue, any snow or ice accumulation should be cleared away.
What advice is there for keeping a safety net system in place?
Keep in mind all the instructions provided by the manufacturer when maintaining a safety net system. Safety nets should be inspected every day, or more frequently if the manufacturer or the law specify it. Never employ a safety net system that has broken parts. Ensure that any damaged safety nets are removed from service right away and fixed before work is finished. UV radiation is one factor that might harm safety nets during usage or storage. Sharp objects or other abrasions caused by inclement weather, such as snow, ice, or strong winds sparks or heat exposure (such as near an area where welding, grinding or burning is taking place) wear and tear caused by prior loads or a particular impact. Visual inspections involve looking for things like: proper installation cuts, abrasions, or other types of damage to the fabric or mesh heat or friction damage damage to the stitching broken or deformed fittings Debris or equipment in the net flaws in a knotted mesh's knots various indications of wear and tear When the net is installed before the work shift on a regular schedule by a supervisor or a competent person assigned to the duty to ensure inspections before each use are being completed adequately after any being in severe weather conditions, the safety net system is subjected to regular testing. After any collision from large objects or persons, have the required person (such as a competent person or professional engineer) inspect the safety net. Keep track of each inspection and test that is conducted. Keep a record of all repairs and replacements, together with the date and the person who performed the work.""" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
