This document has been published by Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training (FASET), the trade association representing the safety netting and temporary safety systems industries. The aim of this document is to provide guidance for clients, managers and employees when procuring, managing, supervising and installing safety nets installed over existing roofs (Roof Over-Netting).

Roof Over-Netting should be viewed as the last resort for providing a fall protection system when over cladding a roof, installing solar panels etc. Efforts should be made to create access to the underside of the roof so traditional safety netting can be installed beneath the roof before Roof Over-Netting is considered.

The Work at Height Regulations define a clear hierarchy in order to avoid or mitigate risks where reasonably practicable. Roof Over-Netting is deemed to come towards the bottom of the hierarchy than other fall arrest and protection methods, so all other options should be assessed before Roof Over-Netting is selected.

At the time of publication there is no British or European Standard for the installation or use of Roof-Over Netting. This Guidance should be used to formulate safe systems of work by all parties who specify, install and handover a Roof Over-Netting system.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the guidance provided is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, it cannot cover all situations that may be encountered and it is the responsibility of all duty holders to ensure that a safe system of work is developed for the specific project needs.