NATL INST. OF STAND & TECH

A11107 3T015S

NBS

PUBLICATIONS

NBSIR 83-2709

Status of Safety Net Standards for

Construction and Research Needs

U S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center for Building Technology

Washington, DC 20234

September 1 983

Prepared for

11 *5. Department of Labor

^*"^^TM*:upational Health and Safety Administration

100 shington, DC

. U56

83-2709

1933

C.2

NBSIR 83-2709

STATUS OF SAFETY NET STANDARDS FOR

CONSTRUCTION AND RESEARCH NEEDS

James H. Pielert

U S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center for Building Technology

Washington, DC 20234

September 1983

Prepared for U S. Department of Labor

Occupational Health and Safety Administration

Washington, DC

NATIONAL BURZAO

Of STANDARDS

USJULRT SEP 3 0 1933

C\0 \CO

^3-^109

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director
' o
ABSTRACT

This report represents the status of standards for safety nets used in

construction and identifies areas of technical inconsistency. Typical applications of safety nets are reviewed including the results of literature and field

surveys. Major technical sections of seven standards are compared in a tabular

format to highlight areas of agreement as well as requirements which vary and

indicate lack of consensus. This information is analyzed and used to develop a list of research needs for safety nets.

Key words: construction; construction safety; occupational safety; safety nets.

iii
PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was conducted by the Construction Safety Group of the Structures

Division of the Center for Building Technology, National Engineering Laboratory,

National Bureau of Standards (NBS). The work was sponsored by the Occupational

Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor as part

of its effort to improve safety in the construction industry. Falls from elevated surfaces during construction are a principal source of worker casualties.

Safety nets are used to impede falls in progress in many situations where active

fall-protection devices are either impractical or ineffective. Areas of

technical inconsistency have been identified in safety net standards along with

needed research.

Special appreciation is extended to Dr. H.S. Lew and Dr. G. Fattel of the NBS

Construction Safety Group for guidance and encouragement throughout this effort.

Mr. Roy Gumham and Mr. Allan Martin, technical representatives of OSHA, were

also very helpful. Sinco Products Inc. provided many of the photographs of

safety net installations used in this report.

iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ABSTRACT iii

PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv

1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 BACKGROUND 1 1.2 PURPOSE AND APPROACH 2

2. TYPICAL SAFETY NET APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION 4

2.1 PERIMETER NET SYSTEMS 4

2.2 INTERIOR NETS 7 2.3 BRIDGE NETS 7

3. LITERATURE SURVEY RESULTS 12

4. COMPARISON OF CONSTRUCTION SAFETY NET STANDARDS 16

4.1 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS 16

4.2 PROTOTYPE TESTING 19

4.3 INSTALLATION CRITERIA 19

4.4 ON-SITE TESTING 25

4.5 SUMMARY 30

5. RESEARCH NEEDS 32

REFERENCES 34

v
LIST OF FIGURES

!!Si

2.1 Use of perimeter safety nets on concrete construction 6

2.2 Various types of perimeter net systems 6

2.3 Interior net system in steel tier building 8

2.4 Use of safety nets under bridge structure 9

2.3 Safety nets on cables between bridge piers to protect work

installing new sections of bridge 10

vi
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Falls from elevated surfaces constitute a major portion of losses in human

life and injuries in construction. The construction industry has one of the

highest occupational disability and death rates, and it has been estimated that one of five workers faces the prospect of being injured or killed at a con- struction site [1, 2 ]i/. Falls from walking or working surfaces are a major

cause of these accidents.

The use of active fall protection equipment by construction workers, such as lanyards, safety belts, lifelines, rope grabs and shock absorbers, and con- trolled ascent and descent devices, tend to inhibit freedom of movement, particularly in congested work areas. The need for mobility, the speed of the

erection process, and the lack of attachment points often make use of such

devices difficult. As a result of this "nuisance" factor, workers are frequently reluctant to wear safety belts, upon which the effectiveness of an active system depends. The problem can be reduced significantly by using

passive systems such as safety nets which can provide safety without requiring

the active involvement of the person working above it. There are no statistics

on the number of lives saved annually by safety nets. Safety net manufacturers

claim that nets not only save lives and prevent injury, they also improve worker

productivity [3, 4, 5]. However, it should be recognized that safety nets are

but one of several approaches for insuring worker safety and safety nets are not always the most desirable approach.

While the safety nets used in construction were initially manila cargo nets,

most manufacturers today use synthetic fibers, such as nylon, dacron and polypropylene. These synthetics have higher strengths than natural materials,

weigh less, are more resistant to wear and the environment, and are more resilient, thereby providing a softer landing. Safety nets come in square patterns,

with the mesh running at right angles to the edges, and in diamond patterns,

with the mesh running at an angle of 45 degrees to the edges. They generally

come in panels that range in size from 8 ft (2.4 m) x 8 ft (2.4 m) to 25 ft

(7.6 m) x 50 ft (15.2 m) . The attachment hardware, usually safety hooks,

permits the panel increments to be joined to accommodate various configurations,

or the nets can be spliced together by using a line threaded between the panels.

A report by Pals, Kane, and Marcello [3] evaluates the Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) standards regarding the use of safety belts, safety

nets and training at the point of erection^ in steel and concrete structures.

J_/ References are listed on page 34.

2J Reference [3] defines "point of erection" as "that place where initial

placement and connection of structural members occurs and where employees

performing the initial connection are exposed within the swing radius of

the member being erected."

1
While there are the obvious benefits to the use of nets described above, the

report points out several limitations which should be considered:

1. Nets are generally more expensive than active protection systems.

2. Without advanced planning, there is often no secure anchorage to which nets

can be attached.

3. It is often necessary to span large distances with nets (e.g., bridges)

which can be time-consuming and expensive.

4. Time must be spent to assemble, disassemble, and move the net system as the

construction process continues.

5. Safety nets can have significant impact on the use of cranes to handle

construction materials by interfering with crane movement within or adjacent to the structure.

However, many of these concerns can be minimized with advanced planning if the use of safety nets is considered during the design process. As an example,

the U.S. Corps of Engineers determines if safety nets are required before a project goes to bid and includes the requirements in the bid specifications.

Therefore, all contractors who submit a bid for a particular project know in

advance that the protection must be provided and the requirement will be part

of the contract executed by the successful bidder.

1.2 PURPOSE AND APPROACH

This research was conducted to identify the content and technical bases of

criteria in standards related to the application of safety nets in construction,

to determine areas where the technical bases are inadequate and to formulate

a research agenda to address identified needs.

The approach used in this project was as follows:

A. U.S. and international standards for safety nets were critically reviewed

and evaluated in terms of comprehensiveness, consistency, clarity, technical adequacy, and enforceability. Where possible, deficiencies in these

standards were attributed to a lack of adequate technical information

and/or underutilization of available data.

B. Available technical information on safety nets was compiled including

research in the literature, information provided by net manufacturers, and

data available from governmental agencies.

C. Selected construction sites were visited to identify current trends in

safety net installations. Pertinent structural and geometric aspects of

the various installations were documented along with physical constraints

of the work environment.

2
D. Telephone and personal contacts were made with representatives of the safety

net industry, contractors, enforcement officials, and unions.

E. Information collected above was used to develop a research agenda for

safety nets used in construction.

No attempt was made to compile statistics other than those available in the

literature on the types and locations of construction accidents. Where such

data are given in this report, the pertinent references are cited.

3
2. TYPICAL SAFETY NET APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

Safety nets have been used in a number of construction situations: buildings,

bridges, power plants and other structures. The most common applications are discussed below. References [3, 4] present discussion of various net types from

which much of the following is taken. The results of the field investigation

are also incorporated into this discussion.

2.1 PERIMETER NETS

Perimeter safety nets, as shown in figure 2.1, have been used for some time as

a type of safety device for workers in possible fall situations. The geometry

of this type of net is controlled by the applicable standards shown in table

4.3. The minimum horizontal projection from the side of the structure is

either 8 ft (2.4 m) or 10 ft (3.1 m) , and the net must be positioned within

25 ft (7.6 m) or 30 ft (9.1 m) of the working surface above. The net must also

have passed a prototype load test (table 4.2) and, according to some standards,

an on-site load test as well (table 4.3).

Figure 2.2 shows schematically some of the available perimeter net systems.

These systems differ primarily in the method of support and attachment to the

structure. System A consists of a metal frame supporting the nets and attached

to the building at floor level and supported by cables from the floor above.

The net is sloped toward the building with the perimeter of the net higher than

the perimeter of the building so that if a worker falls into the net, he will

be thrown toward the structure. This system can be moved up and down the

structure as needed and the frame support members can be taken apart and stored

when not in use. However the system has two disadvantages; (1) the worker could

fall onto the cables supporting the net and be thrown out of the building, and

(2) the worker could fall on the net's metal support frame and be injured.

Perimeter net system B consists of movable metal pipes attached to the columns

of the building with cables strung between them to support the safety net. The

net and cables are attached to the pipe within the building and the pipes are

then extended to the necessary distance from the building, unfolding the net to

provide perimeter fall protection. When in position, the pipe is secured to

the column. The net is at an angle to throw a worker back toward the building.

The poles can easily be pulled back into the building to allow cranes or other

equipment to work near the building. There are two disadvantages of the system; (1) a falling worker may hit the pole instead of the net and be injured,

and (2) since the net is not at floor level, a worker could possibly fall under

the net and out of the building.

Perimeter net system C consists of a net attached to a floor with cables and

supported from the floor below with support arms. Since the supporting structure for this system is below the net, a worker falling into the net would be

less likely to hit one of the pipe supports. The net will fold against the

building when catching a worker or debris. The net can be folded against the

building to allow cranes or other equipment to work near the building. As

with other perimeter net systems, the attachment mechanism must be preplanned

during the design phase.

4
I

Figure

2.1

Use

of

perimeter

safety

nets

in

building

construction
Figure 2.2 Various types of perimeter net systems

1/ Figure is taken from reference [3]

6
Cost estimates have been developed for a perimeter net installation for a 10-story steel frame structure covering an area of approximately 250 ft (76.2 m) x 70 ft (21.3 m) [3]. The cost for rental of nets and supporting hardware and

labor for installation and movement was estimated at about $14,000 (1982).

This did not include cost effects caused by crane use and delays in project

completion caused by installation of nets.

The discussion of typical perimeter net systems is not intended to be all

inclusive, but only representative of many possible configurations. While using

the basic configuration, manufacturers may vary attachment methods, support

hardware, and installation/ removal procedures which could have a significant

impact on costs. Costs will also be affected by configuration of the structure,

accessibility of the structure for construction equipment, and the construction

sequence used.

2.2 INTERIOR NETS

Interior nets can be installed in a variety of ways when a substantial

structure is available beneath the construction operation. Figure 2.3 shows an interior net system in a steel tier building. There are various methods for

attaching the nets to the structure: (1) the nets could be connected to the

steel frame as shown on figure 2.3; (2) when support beams are not available;

cables can be run from column to column to encompass the area with the nets

mechanically attached to the cable; and (3) a separate frame can be constructed

to support the nets which could be moved from location to location as protection is needed. There are, of course, many other possibilities for interior

net configurations which depend on specific site conditions. The use of safety

nets should be considered during the construction management phase in order

that special connectors can be fabricated into the building members to provide

for more efficient net installation.

Although interior nets are very effective for catching personnel and debris,

there are several disadvantages (see figure 2.3): (1) a falling worker could

strike the steel structure supporting the net instead of the net; (2) a worker

could impact a structural member higher up in the building before hitting the

net; (3) an impact force could cause the net to be cut by any sharp edges present on structural steel members on which the net is draped; and (4) the nets

could interfere with vertical movement of material and equipment in the building. Costs of interior net systems are difficult to generalize because of the

many different construction situations encountered.

2.3 BRIDGE NET INSTALLATIONS

Safety nets are commonly used in bridge construction and maintenance. During

construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, 19 men who fell from the structure were

caught in safety nets [5]

.

It is relatively easy to install nets on the

erected bridge structure to protect those installing the deck and doing other

jobs (figure 2.4). A major problem is how to provide nets for workers who are installing new sections of the bridge. Such protection requires that a special

support structure, not related to the bridge, be placed in front of the bridge

section being erected.

7
Figure 2.3 Interior net system in steel tier building!/

!/ Photograph courtesy of Sinco Products Inc.

8
Figure 2.4 Use of safety nets under bridge structural

}j Photograph courtesy of Sinco Products Inc.

9
Figure 2.5 Safety nets on cables between bridge piers to protect workers

installing new sections of bridgai'

_1/ Photograph courtesy of Sinco Products Inc.

10
f

It is often possible to install cables between bridge piers to support the nets

before the structure is in place as shown on figure 2.5. Application of this

concept depends on the location of the bridge, type of terrain spanned (land,

water), construction techniques used to place bridge members, length of bridge

span, etc. Reference [3] provides case studies of actual bridges where

innovative approaches for safety net installation were used.

A U.S. Corps of Engineers study of net installations on five bridges showed

that costs ranged between 0.3 and 3.2 percent of total contract costs [3].

These estimates included only costs of nets and labor, but not the cost of

additional design nor of hardware nor special support structures.

11
3. LITERATURE SURVEY RESULTS

A survey was conducted to find available literature relating to technical

aspects of safety net systems used in construction. The content of each of

these is summarized below:

A. A Study of Personal Fall-Safety Equipment [1]

This research was directed towards providing a valid basis for developing

a comprehensive OSHA performance standard for fall-safety systems and

their components. The project methodology included a literature search,

work site visits, and laboratory testing. The primary components in the

investigation included active fall-arrest equipment such as safety belts,

harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines. Safety nets were not included. However, information which could be useful in safety net research is provided

on the physics of fall arrest, physiological aspects of fall injuries, and

anthropometric applications.

B. Occupational Injuries in the General Building and Heavy Construction

Industries [2]

This study was conducted to identify significant hazards in the general

building and highway construction industries and to recommend solutions to

reduce the injury and severity rates. The study involved an analysis of

Federal and state regulations and an evaluation of relevant safety problems.

Actual accident/injury case records were reviewed to identify causal factors

and to determine the extent of OSHA coverage. Safety nets were listed as one of the five problem areas highlighted in the 261 accident/injury case reports reviewed during the field investigation effort. The other areas listed are education and training, protective headgear and medical screening. The only recommendation made relative to safety nets was to reduce

the vertical distance between the working level and the safety net to

10 ft (3.1 m) from 25 ft (7.6 m). Experience in California showed this

reduced distance has caused a significant reduction in both the number.!/

and severity of accidents.

C. Pilot Program to Evaluate the Effectiveness of OSHA Construction Standards

at the Point of Erection [3]

The effectiveness of OSHA construction standards at the point of erection

was evaluated for steel and precast/prestressed concrete erection. Construction workers at the point of erection install the first members in

the structure where there is little support or room for error. According

to the study, the need for mobility, the speed of the erection process, and

the lack of attachment points often make it difficult to implement construction safety standards. An extensive field assessment of the construction

process is documented and related to the OSHA enforcement process. The

U Cases where workers are successfully caught by safety nets are often not

reported as accidents.

12
feasibility of using various safety belt systems, safety nets, and implementation of training programs are discussed. Various safety net standards

are evaluated and economic comparisons of various fall protection systems

are provided. Research areas for safety nets are identified as follows:

"1. Design criteria are needed for determining if a net system is safely

designed and constructed. There is currently no way to evaluate the

adequacy of an installed net except by load testing prior to use. There

are no specifications on the way a net should be rigged, the force it

will withstand, or the strength requirements of support elements.

2. A standardized procedure should be specified for impact testing an installed net system. Currently, standards vary from very general

performance requirements to specific criteria for net configuration,

loading system, and test results evaluation. A technically valid

procedure is needed.

3. Specific information should be provided to establish how often debris

should be removed from a net and when inspections should take place."

Comparison of the various standards indicated that the OSHA [13] and the

CAL/ OSHA [20] standards expressed a preference for safety belts over safety

nets. The CAL/ OSHA steel erection standard specifies that nets should be

used to protect connectors^/ when tying off to the structure is not

possible. The need to arrange a safety net in such a way that a person

rebounding from it will not be thrown over the edge and subjected to a further fall is not covered in the standards. An example is provided in

the reference where a fatality occurred because of rebound from a net

system installed in compliance with the standard.

D. Perimeter Net Systems - A State-of-the-Art Study [6]

An analytical model is presented on perimeter net systems which includes

the interrelationships between the impact force and net response. Parameters

considered in the model include safety net properties, horizontal component

of velocity, weight of the falling person, and the distance of the fall to

the net. Simplified tables are presented for evaluating these variables.

There were no test data presented to validate the model.

The following conclusions are presented relative to the perimeter safety

net parameters evaluated:

1. The horizontal velocity and fall height of a falling person are the

two major factors for determining the required net width projection.

2. Connections, type of net support system, and the behavior of net rope

under impact forces are the principal parameters in the determination

of net deformation and deceleration forces.

1 / Personnel who erect steel members.

13
3. Rope construction and mesh configuration are Important factors In

calculating the force distribution of the system.

4. Magnitude of impact force is significantly dependent upon the location

at which the falling person strikes the net.

5. A light weight falling person results in less tensile force in the

rope, but is subject to a large impact deceleration G value.

6. Net dimension does not significantly affect the tensile force acting

on the net rope.

7 . The maximum value of the allowable impact deceleration is an important

and non-negligible parameter in the determination of the net application.

8. The most effective way to achieve the desired softer landing is by

reducing the fall height or by providing the most flexible system.

The paper calls for additional research including: (1) accurate information

on mesh-rope properties under various loading; (2) maximum human tolerance

limits for the falling person; (3) effect of non-uniform flexibility of net

and its support system; and (4) on-site tests and field inspection

procedures.

E. Safety Nets - Fall Protection for the Construction Industry [7]

A general discussion of safety nets is provided including definitions,

specifications, installation techniques, job testing, and care and maintenance. This is a revision of the National Safety Council Data Sheet 608

published in 1974 [8]. The data sheet explains with the aid of illustrations and charts the hazards and benefits of safety nets and procedures to

follow in their use and placement.

F. Safety Belts, Lifelines, Harnesses and Nets Offer Fall Protection [8]

This paper is primarily concerned with belts, lifelines, and harnesses

including applicable regulations, and care, testing and inspection. Safety

nets are discussed only briefly and the reader is referred to ANSI A10. 11-79

[12] for further information.

G. The Safety Net Standard: When Does it Apply [10]

A United States Court of Appeals decision on an interpretation of OSHA's

safety net standard 1926.105(a) is discussed. The effect of the ruling in

the case was to make some form of fall protection mandatory for all workers

stationed higher than 25 ft (7.6 m) above ground. Ladders, scaffolds, lines,

and lanyards are acceptable, but if it is not practical to use any of them,

the employer must provide safety nets.

14
H. Safety Net Result: Money Spent, Lives Saved [11]

A general discussion on the use of safety nets in construction is given

including typical applications, safety concerns, and cost considerations.

Instances where workers were saved by nets are described; nine workers were

saved on the construction of the Sears Tower in Chicago and 19 men who fell

during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge were caught by nets.

Advantages of safety nets are discussed including saving lives, preventing

injuries, and making construction workers more productive because they are more confident about their safety. Disadvantages include costs and time

of net erection, interference with the erection process, and hazards

associated with net installation.

I. Net Gains for Accident Prevention [12]

Applications of safety nets by the English firm of Bridport-Gundry Ltd. are described including the history, market perspective, costs, and testing and

inspection procedures. Specific costs are not provided but they are often

justified by the knowledge that insurance premiums would increase if a worker

was killed or badly injured.

J. Guidebook on Anthropomorphic Test Dummy Usage [13]

This report discusses the role which may be played by impact testing of

anthropomorphic test devices (dummies) in coping with the high incidence of

safety problems related to building structures. It discusses their use in

safety countermeasure development, compliance testing, and problem identification through accident reconstruction. The primary emphasis on dummy

applications is for simulating human injuries which occur during the normal

and abnormal usage of common structures such as doors, railings, floors,

and a variety of products utilizing architectural glazing materials. The

role of dummy testing in saftey net applications is not specifically

covered.

15
4. TECHNICAL COMPARISON OF CONSTRUCTION SAFETY NET STANDARDS

The following standards for safety nets used in construction have been reviewed

and the technical provisions are compared in tables 4.1 through 4.4. Criteria

in these standards have been broken down into the following categories;

material-specifications, prototype testing, installation, and on-site testing.

A. OSHA Part 1926.105, Safety Nets [14]

B. ANSI A10. 11-79, Minimum Requirements for Safety Nets [15]

C. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 07. D Safety Nets [16]

D. British Standard CP93-72, The Use of Safety Nets on Construction

Workers [ 17]

E. British Standard BS3913-73, Specification for Industry Safety Nets

[18]

F. Proposed OSHA 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, Safety Net Systems [19]

G. Calif ornia/OSHA Standard, Article 24, Safety Belts and Nets [20]

4.1 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS (table 4.1)

Only the ANSI A10.ll [15] and the Corps of Engineer standards [16] give a general prescriptive designation of minimum acceptable rope material used in

the net; "3/8-inch diameter No. 1 grade pure manila, 1/4-inch nylon or 5/ 16-inch

polypropylene rope." Additionally, the ANSI A10.ll standard [15] states that

the net "shall be fabricated of materials that provide a minimum breaking

strength of 4000 pounds (17.8 kN)."

The OSHA 1926 [14], ANSI A10.ll [15], Proposed OSHA [19], and the California/

OSHA [20] standards require a minimum breaking strength of 5000 pounds

(22.2 kN) for edge ropes. The Corps of Engineers standard [16] requires

performance equivalent to a prescriptive rope while the British standards [17,

18] have no similar requirements.

The British standards [17, 18] require that the length of mesh size shall not

be greater than 4 in (100 mm) while all other standards specify a maximum size

of 6 in (152 mm) by 6 in (152 mm).

The OSHA 1926 [14] and Calif ornia/OSHA [20] standards requires that the nets

bear a label of proof test. ANSI A10.ll standard [15] requires a label stating name of manufacturer, identification of net material, date of manufacture, date

of prototype test, and name of testing agency. The British standards [17, 18]

require a label with manufacturer's name, nominal size of net, number of

applicable British standards, date of manufacture, and maximum distance below

the working height at which the net is designed for use.

16
Table

4.1

Comparison

of

Material

Specifications

in

Safety

Net

Standardsi/

U

Standards

are

quoted

without

change.
Table

4.1

(Continued)
4.2 PROTOTYPE TESTING (table 4.2)

The prototype test loading procedures in the standards vary relative to energy

input and method of load application.

OSHA 1926 [14], Corps of Engineers [16], and California/OSHA [20] standards

specify a minimum net impact resistance of 17,500 ft-lb (23,700 J) without

designating the weight or height above the net of the test load. The ANSI

A10.ll [15] standard specifies a 350 pound (159 kg) bag of sand dropped 50 ft

(15.2 m) for an energy input of 17,500 ft-lb (23,700 J). The Proposed OSHA

standard [19] requires that safety nets and their installation be capable of

absorbing the impact of a 400 pound (180 kg) of sand dropped into the net from

the walking/working level to be protected. The British standards [17, 18]

specify that a 309 pound (140 kg) bag of sand be dropped from a height equal to

the duty of the net but not less than 19.7 ft (6 m) and not more than 39.4 ft

(12 m) . The ANSI A10.ll standard [15] and the British standards [17, 18]

require drop tests into three different locations.

The ANSI A10.ll standard [15] and British standards [17, 18] provide

configuration criteria for the prototype test frame. ANSI A10.ll standard [15]

requires a 17-ft (5.2-m) by 24-ft (7.3-m) test frame elevated sufficiently to

prevent the net, when hung, from contacting any surface below the net during

the test. British Standard BS 3913 [18] specifies that the dimensions of the

frame conform to the net being tested with necessary sag being provided.

Pass/fail criteria in the standards range from meeting acceptable performance

levels to specific prescriptive criteria. OSHA 1926 [14], Proposed OSHA Standards [19], and California/OSHA [20] require that the prototype net meet acceptable performance standards of 17,500 ft-lb (23,700 J). ANSI A10.ll standard

[15] specifies that there be no broken strands or significant distortion after

the prototype test. Corp of Engineers standards [16] requires that the net

suspension system be designed and constructed with a safety factor of four.

British Standard BS 3913 [18] specifies that the net shall retain the test load

without failure or excessive displacement of any of the chords of the net.

4.3 INSTALLATION CRITERIA (table 4.3)

Safety nets are generally required when the work surface is higher than a specified distance above the ground, machinery, water surfaces, or other sur- faces where the use of other safety devices may be impractical. All the standards specify such a minimum distance above which safety nets are required.

The Proposed OSHA standard [19] specifies 6 ft (1.9 m) . The British standards

[17, 18] specifies 6.5 ft (2.0 m) while all others use 25 ft (7.6 m). The ANSI

A10.ll [15], Corps of Engineers [16], and British standards [17, 18] specifically discuss the need for safety nets to protect public traffic and workmen

from falling objects.

All the standards specify a maximum distance between the working surface and

the safety net: 25 ft (7.6 m) in OSHA 1926 [14], Corps of Engineers [16], and

Proposed OSHA [19]; 30 ft (9.1 m) in ANSI A10.ll [15]; 19.7 ft (6 m) to 39.4 ft

19
Table

4.2

Comparison

of

Prototype

Testing

Procedures

in

Safety

Net

i/

Standards

are

quoted

without

change.
(

Continued)

i

I

1
Table

4.3

Comparison

of

Installation

Criteria

In

Safety

Net

flJ

t/5 |I

Standards

are

quoted

without

change
Table

4.3

(Continued)
Table

4.3

(Continued)
(12 m) under special circumstances for the British standards [17, 18]; and 10

ft (3.0 m) or 25 ft (7.6 m) for steel erection for California/OSHA [20]. All

standards require sufficient clearance under the net to prevent user's contact

with the surface below. The British Standards [17, 18] specify a minimum

clearance under the net equal to one half of the length of the shortest side or 6.6 ft (2 m) , whichever is the greatest. They also specify an initial sag of

between 1/4 to 1/5 of the shortest side of the net.

Horizontal projection of the net from the edge of the structure varies among

the standards: 8 ft (2.4 m) in OSHA 1926 [14], ANSI A10.ll [15], Corps of

Engineers [16], and California/OSHA [20]; 10 ft (3.1 m) in the Proposed OSHA

Standard [19]; and 2 + 1/5 H ("H" is the vertical distance between the net and

the outermost working point above) in the British standards [17, 18].

There is some inconsistency in the standards relative to defining the location

on the building from which the horizontal projection is measured. ANSI A10.ll

[15] and the Proposed OSHA standard [19] define this point as the "outermost

projection of the structure" which could be a main perimeter member or a secondary member which extents beyond the perimeter. Two standards (OSHA 1926

[14] and Corps and Engineers [16] define the point as the "edge of the work

surface where employees are exposed." British standards [17, 18] specify the

"outermost working point above the net" while the Calif ornia/OSHA standard [20] uses the exterior perimeter of the structure.

All the standards specify that connections between net panels forming a larger

net shall develop the full strength of the net. ANSI A10.ll [15] and the

Proposed OSHA standard [19] require that connections between nets be spaced at

intervals not more than 6 in (150 mm). Forged steel safety hooks, shackles,

rings, etc. are required in all standards for attachment of the net to the

support structure. The Proposed OSHA standard [19] is more specific by

requiring such attachments to be spaced at intervals not to exceed 4 ft (1.2 m)

.

In regard to the use of safety nets on bridges, all the standards except one specifically point out that only one level of nets is required for bridge

construction. The exception, the British standards [17, 18], do not provide

unique considerations for bridges.

4.4 ON-SITE TESTING (table 4.4)

There is a difference of opinion in the standards regarding the need for on- site testing of safety nets. OSHA 1926 [14], ANSI A10.ll [15], Corps of Engineers [16] and Proposed OSHA standards [19] specify that operations shall not

be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested. All of these

except for OSHA 1926 [14], and Proposed OSHA [9] further require testing at

6-month intervals thereafter. Corps of Engineers standards [16] also require

testing after net relocation or major repair. Calif ornia/OSHA standard [20]

only requires testing to determine adequacy of clearance under net. The British

standards [17, 18] take the opposite approach to site testing by stating that

"in no circumstances should a net which is to be used for the safety of

personnel be subjected to a loading test." (See also table 4.2.) Instead,

25
Table

4.4

Comparison

of

On-Site

Testing

Criteria

in

Safety

Net

Standards

A/

Standards

are

quoted

without

change.
Table

4.4

(Continued)
Table

4.4

(Continued)
Table

4.4

(Continued)
test cords built into the net are tested periodically for strength, but in no case should the period exceed 3 months.

Load test criteria for installed safety nets are given in only three of the

standards. ANSI A10.ll [13] provides for dropping a 400-lb (181 kg) bag of

sand from a height of 25 ft (7.6 m) into the center of the net. The Proposed

OSHA standards [19] specifies dropping the same weight bag from the working

level into the center of the net. Corps of Engineers standards [16] specifies

a 400 pound (181 kg) bag of sand to be dropped into the center of the net from

25 ft (7.6 m) or from a height equal to the distance from the net to the

highest surface for which protection is furnished, whichever is greater. ANSI

A10.ll [15] specifies a pass/fall criteria: "there shall be no broken strands

or significant distortion of the net pattern or the suspension system."

All the standards except OSHA 1926 [19] and California/OSHA [20] provide

guidance on field Inspection of safety nets, connections, suspension systems,

etc., for mildew, damage from abrasions, chemicals or heat, or other forms of

wear, damage or deterioration. Weekly examinations of installed nets are required except that the Corps of Engineers standard [15] requires daily

inspection. The British standards [17, 18] require a complete Inspection of

the net prior to erection including an examination of individual strands.

The level of competence of the person inspecting the net is not specified in

any of these standards. ANSI A10.ll [15] and the Corps of Engineers [16]

standards require removal of debris daily while the British standards [17, 18]

and the California/OSHA standard state that the net shall be kept free of

debris.

The ANSI A10.ll [15] and the British standards [17, 18] provide guidance on factors affecting net life such as sunlight, abrasion, sand, rust, chemical

attack, contact with sharp edges, and welding. Much of this is very general

(e.g., high concentrations of chemicals can adversely affect nets) making

enforcement difficult. The British standards [17, 18] provide guidelines on

the storage of nets in order to prevent deterioration.

4.5 SUMMARY OF INCONSISTENCIES IN THE STANDARDS

The relationship between the various criteria in the standards and technical

data is generally not very clear. The standards do not include such information

and a study of available literature was not very helpful.

The primary areas where inconsistencies exist between the standards are as follows:

A. Procedures for prototype testing of a net by the manufacturer

including specified loadings, test set-up, and evaluation criteria.

B. On-site testing of an in-place net including the need, frequency,

loading criteria, and evaluation criteria.

30
C. Location of safety nets relative to the ground, working level, and

horizontal projection of perimeter nets from the building.

D. Field inspection of safety nets including frequency, qualifications of

inspector, and evaluation criteria.

31
5. RESEARCH NEEDS

The data discussed above has indicated a lack of a firm technical bases for

much of current safety net regulations and has pointed out several areas where

additional safety net research would be desirable.

A. Evaluation of Long Term Durability of Safety Net Material

The effects of light, moisture, heat, age and usage on safety nets as a function of time of exposure are not clear. Standards discussed in section

4.1 either prescriptively require a type of material (manila, nylon or polypropylene) or provide a minimum breaking strength. Criteria are needed

for evaluating and ensuring the durability of a net while in service.

B. Development of a Uniform Prototype Net Test

As discussed in section 4.2, prototype test loading procedures in standards

differ relative to energy input, method of load application, test frame

configuration, and pass/fail criteria. The development of prototype test

criteria with a firm technical base will provide for greater uniformity in

the manufacture and use of safety nets.

C. Evaluation of Horizontal Projection Criteria for Perimeter Nets

Standards analyzed in section 4.3 specify a minimum horizontal projection

of perimeter net systems ranging from 8 ft (2.4 m) to 10 ft (3.1 m). These

minimum projections may be questioned relative to their adequacy in catching a worker who may fall as much as 25 ft (7.6 m) with some horizontal

velocity at the point of fall initiation. Full scale test data along with

a computer model to simulate falls into nets are needed to evaluate minimum

projection criteria.

D. Development of Uniform On-Site Test Procedures

Criteria listed in table 4.4 for on-site testing of installed safety nets

differ relative to the frequency and desirability of the test, test con- figuration and loading, and pass/fail criteria. It is necessary to reconcile these differences and to evaluate the long-term effect of on-site

proof testing on net performance. It may be possible to delete the need

for such a proof test.

E. Flexibility Criteria for Safety Nets

While current safety net standards specify both prototype and on-site test

procedures, there are no flexibility requirements. It is possible that the

catching surface may be excessively stiff, causing injury to workers

falling into them. Full-scale laboratory tests using anthropomorphic

dummies would provide acceleration/deceleration data which could be related

to net flexibility and potential injury to workers.

32
F Assessment of Maximum Vertical Drop to Safety Net

Table 4.3 shows that the maximum distances specified in U.S. standards

between the working surface and the safety net range from 25 ft (7.6 m) to

30 ft (9.1 m). Reference [2] recommends that this distance be decreased

since California data shows that a reduction to 10 ft (3.05 m) has caused

a significant reduction in both the frequency and severity of accidents.

Research is needed to determine the impact of such a reduction including

the effect on the worker and economic impact to the construction industry.

G. Data Base for the Performance of Various Fall Arrest Systems

Currently available data on the performance of fall arrest systems does not

contain sufficient data to determine inadequacies which can be addressed in

standards or by equipment manufacturers. Such data are needed to show how

safe such devices are and what are the problems with their use. A mechanism should be set up by Federal, state and local government agencies in con junction with key elements of the construction industry (contractors,

unions, manufacturers, etc.) to collect data in a meaningful format which

can be of direct use to standards development bodies.

H. Application of Anthropomorphic Devices in Safety Net Research

The most important aspect of the performance of a safety net system is the

effect on workers who are caught. Anthropomorphic dummies can be used to

simulate such workers much the way they are used in the automotive and aero

space industries and in some aspects of the construction industries (e.g.,

guardrails). Related research to date should be determined and extended

to safety nets and other fall arrest systems, if possible.

I. Performance Criteria for the Design of Net Support Systems

While standards are generally very specific about the performance expected

of the safety net, criteria are less detailed concerning the design and con struction of the support system. Performance criteria are needed in order

that the total safety net system can be analytically evaluated in a consistent manner.

J . Mathematical Model for Safety Net System

Current safety net systems represent a wide range of configurations. A

mathematical model representing a generalized safety net system would be

extremely useful in evaluating various net configurations and support

systems. Such a model could be validated by results of laboratory and

field testing.

33
REFERENCES

1. Steinberg, Harold L., A Study of Personal Fall-Safety Equipment , NBSIR

76-1146, National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C., June 1977.

2. Planning Research Corporation, Occupational Injuries in the General

Building and Heavy Construction Industries , Sponsored by NIOSH, Report

PRC-R-2452 , NTIS PB80-193345, McLean Virginia, May 1979.

3. Pals, James H. , Kane, Joe D., and Marcello, Jody, S., Pilot Program to

Evaluate the Effectiveness of OSHA Construction Standards at the Point

of Erection , Western Institute for Research and Education, Inc.,

NIOSH #210-81-3008, January 1982.

4. Sinco Products Inc., The Fall Protection Handbook , East Hampton,

Connecticut, 1980.

5. Safety Net Result: Money Spent, Lives Saved , Engineering New Record,

Pages 16-18, July 8, 1976.

6. Wang, Chen H. , Perimeter Net Systems - A State-of-the-Art Study , Professional Safety (pp. 36-41;, February 1978.

7. National Safety Council, Safety Nets - Fall Protection for the Construction

Industry , National Safety News, September 1982.

8. National Safety Council, Safety Nets for Construction Projects , Data

Sheet 608, National Safety News, January 1974.

9 . Safety Belts, Lifelines, Harnesses and Nets Offer Fall Protection , National Safety News, March 1978.

10. The Safety Net Standards: When Does it Apply? , Occupational Hazards,

January 1975.

11. Safety Net Result: Money Spent, Lives Saved , Engineering News Records,

July 8, 1976.

12. McKinnon, Robert, Net Gains for Accident Prevention , Occupational Safety

and Health, London, April 7, 1977.

13. Robbins, D.H. , Guidebook on Anthropomorphic Test Dummy Usage , Report No.

UM-HSRI-BI-77-19 , Highway Safety Research Institute, University of

Michigan, March 1977.

14. U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, General Construction

Standards - 29 CFR 1926.104 Safety Belts, Lifelines and Lanyards , Washington D.C., 1979.

15. American National Standards Institute, Minimum Requirements for Safety

Nets , A10. 11-79, New York, 1979.

34
16. State of California, Administrative Code, Title 8 - Industrial Relations , Article 24, Safety Belts and Nets, Sacramento, 1980.

17. British Standards Institution, Code of Practice for the Use of Safety Nets

on Construction Works , CP 93-72, London, 1972.

18. British Standards Institution, Specifications for Safety Nets , BS 3913-73,

London, 1973.

19. U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, Proposed Revisions to

OSHA Construction Standards on Fall Protection, Prevention and Warning

Line Systems , 29 CFR 1926 (Subpart M) , Washington, D.C., February 1981.

20. State of California, Administrative Code, Title 8 - Industrial Relations,

1980.
NBS-1 14A (REV. 2*60 ) I. Publication Date

September 1983

U.». DEPT. OP COMM. 1. PUBLICATION OR 2. Performing Organ. Report NoJ

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

REPORT NO. f

’

' - SHEET (See instructions) NBSIR 83-2709

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

STATUS OF SAFETY NET STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RESEARCH NEEDS

5. AUTHOR(S)

James H. Pielert

6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS, see Instructions)

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

7. Contract/Grant No.

I. Type of Report & Period Covered

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street. City. State. ZIP) U. S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Washington, D.C.

10. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

| | Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, Is attached.

11. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant Information. If document Includes a significant

bi bllography or literature survey, mention It here)

This report represents the status of standards for safety nets used in

construction and identifies areas of technical inconsistency. Typical

applications of safety nets are reviewed including the results of literature

and field surveys. Major technical sections of six standards are compared

in a tabular format to highlight areas of agreement, as well as, requirements

which vary and indicate lack of consensus. This information is analyzed and

used to develop a prioritized research plan for safety nets.

12. KEY WORDS (Six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key words by semicolons)

Construction; construction safety; occupational safety; perimeter nets; safety nets

13. AVAILABILITY

| V | Unl imited

| | For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

| | Order From Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

20402.

pyl Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161

14. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

35

15. Price

$8.50

USCOMM'DC 0O43-P8O