Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Safety nets and safety net installations must be drop-tested at the jobsite:
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After initial installation and before being used
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Whenever relocated
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After major repair
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At 6-month intervals if left in one place
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The drop test consists of a 400-pound bag of sand, 28 to 32 inches in diam-
eter, dropped into the net from the highest surface at which employees are
exposed to fall hazards, but not from less than 42 inches about that level.
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When the employer can demonstrate that it is unreasonable to perform the
drop test described above, the employer or a designated competent person
shall certify that the net and net installation have sufficient clearance and
impact absorption by preparing a certification record prior to the net being
used as a fall protection system. The certification must include
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Identification of the net and net installation
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Date that it was determined that the net and net installation were in
compliance
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Signature of the person making the determination and certification
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The most recent certification records for each net and net installation must
be available at the jobsite for inspection.
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Safety nets must be inspected for wear, damage, and other deterioration at
least once a week and after any occurrence that could affect the integrity
of the system.
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Defective nets must not be used, and defective components must be removed
from service.
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Objects that have fallen into the safety net, such as scrap pieces, equipment,
and tools, must be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least
before the next work shift.
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Maximum mesh size must not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All mesh cross-
ings must be secured to prevent enlargement of the mesh opening, which
must be no longer than 6 inches, measured center-to-center.
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Each safety net, or section thereof, must have border rope for webbing with
a minimum breaking strength of 5000 pounds.
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Connections between safety net panels must be as strong as integral net
components and must not be spaced more 6 inches apart.
Personal Fall Arrest System
A personal fall arrest system is one option of protection that OSHA requires for
workers on construction sites who are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more. To
use fall arrest systems safely,
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Be sure that the personal fall arrest system will, when stopping a fall,
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Limit maximum arresting force to 1800 pounds.
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Be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet
nor contact any lower level.
