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 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 nets 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 discoloration is noticed, Safety Nets NZ Limited management should be advised .

How should your safety fall arrest system look when the nets are rigged?

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

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 maximum of 2.0m centres?
• Are brackets at maximum 1.7m centres in residential installations?
• That  there are no  gaps/voids greater than 100mm
• 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?

When all the safety nets are rigged were they handed over with the appropriate paperwork?