Resources —

Residential Projects — Client Responsibilities and Checklist Following Handover

Inspections should be carried out to ensure that safety nets remain fit for purpose following handover. Clients need to check that the net system remains compliant throughout the period of installation, by visually surveying the system prior to works being undertaken above the net system.

All persons have a duty to inspect the nets on a daily basis, and advise Safety Nets NZ Limited of any concerns.

DO's

• Do read through the documentation provided at handover, including instructions on how to recover a person from the net should they fall.
• Do report any fall immediately, and complete the incident report.
• Do ensure that there is a minimum of 2m clearance below the nets.
• Do ensure that wall bracing is kept away from the centre of the room/net clearance zone whenever possible.
• Be aware that there may be small areas that cannot be protected by nets. Additional protective measures by the builder may be required. Refer to the Handover Certificate before commencing works above nets to confirm area certified.
• Do report any damage to, or excessive sagging of, the nets to the installer immediately.

DON'TS

• Do not walk in the nets. Safety nets are your best form of fall protection and are NOT to be used as an access device. Walking in, or working from the nets will result in the nets sagging more than the 10% permitted, which may result in an Infringement or Stop Work notice being issued.
• Do not use saw bench, etc. in the centre of room / net clearance zone.
• Do not use any tools that may produce a spark or flame in the vicinity of the nets.
• Do not allow any debris to fall into the nets — they must be kept free of any materials that could injure a person falling into the nets.
• Do not alter or adjust nets once the Hand Over Certificate has been issued. If additional work to the net system is required following handover, contact Safety Nets NZ Limited immediately. Do not attempt to reinstall the net yourself.
• The client will accept liability for any damages caused while the nets are in position.
• If nets remain in position for more than 1 month from date of installation, contact Safety Nets NZ to arrange for nets to be inspected/scanned to ensure ongoing compliance of the nets.

How often should safety nets be inspected after handover?

All persons have a duty to inspect the nets on a daily basis, and advise Safety Nets NZ Limited of any concerns. If nets remain in position for more than 1 month from date of installation, contact Safety Nets NZ to arrange for nets to be inspected or scanned to ensure ongoing compliance.

What should I check when inspecting safety nets?

Key things to look for include: whether the net has serial number test meshes and labels, if the net is free from damage, if repairs are tagged, whether supports and brackets are secure, that rope ties are at maximum 1.7m centres, no gaps over 100mm, sufficient clearance below the net, and that appropriate paperwork was provided at handover.

Can I walk on or work from the safety nets?

No. Safety nets are your best form of fall protection and are NOT to be used as an access device. Walking in, or working from the nets will result in the nets sagging more than the 10% permitted, which may result in an Infringement or Stop Work notice being issued.

What should I do if the nets need adjustment after handover?

Do not alter or adjust nets once the Hand Over Certificate has been issued. If additional work to the net system is required following handover, contact Safety Nets NZ Limited immediately. Do not attempt to re-install the net yourself.

Who is liable for damage to the nets while they are installed?

The client will accept liability for any damages caused while the nets are in position. It is important to report any damage to, or excessive sagging of, the nets to the installer immediately.