Bulletin Archive

Maximum Gaps

Rigging Gaps between the edge of the safety net and the structure are not covered within EN 1263-2. To-date, rigging and inspection training has been based around a German code of practice, ZH 1/560. This permitted maximum wasting gaps (gaps formed along the side of the net between the edge of the net and the structure, as the net is flattened and tensioned), of 300mm. The maximum gap always occurring between tie points.

With improved rigging techniques this is considered unnecessarily large, and it may present a fall through hazard. The FASET training details have been amended to include the following wording:

"In most cases it should be possible to rig safety nets in such a manner that no gaps larger then the mesh size of the net (nominally 100mm) are present in the netted area and this should always be the intention of the rigging effort. In certain localised circumstances this may not be possible (such as around certain large diameter service drops) and here a MAXIMUM permissible gap of 225mm can be accepted."

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