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Site inspections/What to look for in residential installations

The aim of inspections should be to ensure that safety nets remain fit for purpose throughout their service life. Therefore, following initial inspection by an SNNZ inspector immediately following erection, if satisfied that the net system is fully compliant, a Handover Certificate will be issued.

Clients also 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. The nets should be treated in the same way as scaffolding, i.e it is to be inspected by the client prior to use, and any defects/concerns made known to SNNZ management immediately.

When inspecting, note should be made of whether the net has been loaded, that the anchorages remain in good order, no ties/strops/hooks have been removed or undone, that it is clear of debris, that no mesh cords have been cut and there is adequate clearance distance. 

It is important that safety nets should be kept free of all debris that may cause injury to persons falling into them. If this requires the net to be disconnected and reinstalled, it must be carried out by a competent rigger.

Any debris likely to cause damage to the net, or to any person likely to fall into it, identified at the inspection should be reported to the responsible person.

Special attention should be given to safety net systems which are adjacent to operations giving rise to agents which may damage the net, e.g welding, cutting of roof tiles etc…. In such areas, the frequency of inspection should be increased. If any deformations, fraying or discolouration is noticed, Safety Nets NZ Limited management should be advised.

General points to look out for: 

• Do the nets have serial number test meshes and a label detailing where and when the net was made
• Is the net free from damage?
• Are any repairs to the net tagged?
• Is the primary support suitable?
• Are all rope ties /strops/hooks and at a maximum of 2.0m centres?
• Are brackets at a maximum 1.7m centres in residential installations?
• That there are no gaps/voids greater than 100mm
• Where clearance distance below the net is less than 2.1m, are additional catenary ropes securely installed to limit maximum short side span to 3.0m
• Is there sufficient clearance below the lowest point of the net?
• Has any object been introduced to the area immediately below the net?
• Is there suitable edge protection in place beyond the leading edge of the net or will additional fall arrest measures i.e. harnesses/lanyards be required in these areas?
  

How often should residential safety nets be checked?

Before work proceeds above the nets each day, after any significant weather or impact event, and whenever nearby activities (such as hot works) could affect the system. Formal reinspection is required after any alteration.

Who is responsible for daily inspections?

The client or designated responsible person on site must visually survey the nets before use. Everyone on site has a duty to report concerns to Safety Nets NZ Limited management immediately.

What documents should I have on site?

Keep the Handover Certificate issued after the initial inspection, plus any reinspection or modification records. Record daily visual checks in your site log.

What should I do if I find debris, damaged mesh, undone ties or inadequate clearance?

Stop work above the affected area, cordon of if needed, report to the responsible person and SNNZ management, and arrange inspection. Only a competent rigger may disconnect or reinstall nets.