S system safety nets
S system safety nets are intended to protect people working on roofs, laying trapezoidal sheeting, working on hall frame structures, securing openings in building ceilings and building bridges and viaducts from falling from height. In this particular case, the safety element is the high-strength (knotless) polypropylene net itself. S system safety nets has an edge rope with a strength of 30 KN. By using certified tie ropes, we fix the netting directly to the support structure. As a means of collective protection equipment (CPE), it is the best solution to prevent falls from height.
S system safety nets use
S system safety nets are fixed to the supporting structure of a building or structure by means of a tie rope as defined in European standard EN ISO 1263-2. To make easier their installation, this particular netting is usually tailor made according to given dimensions. By using so-called coupling ropes (7,5 kN), nets can be connected during assembly to prevent gaps. The way the meshes are joined together is also specified in the aforementioned standard. It is important to remark that according to EN ISO 1263 requirements, S system safety nets should have a minimum area of 35 m2 and the smallest side greater than 5 m.
Despite the fact that the EN ISO 1263-2 European standard allows the installation of the S system safety nets up to a height not exceeding 6 meters from the working level, S netting should be placed as high as possible on the working level in order to minimize the length of fall. Before installing the safety nets, it is also necessary to analyse the so-called “free space” under the net (netting deformation).
Benefits of S system safety nets (CPE)
The use of S netting has many advantages over the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Above all:
- increases the mobility of people working at height. This directly affects in a better efficiency on the construction site.
- increases the level of safety at the construction site. Safety work at height is ensured regardless of the employee’s approach. When entering the danger zone, the employee does not have to do anything to ensure his own safety.
- collective protection equipment increases the feeling of a safety work environment for people working at height, which results in a faster pace of work.
- the price of safety nets is competitive compared to the use of scaffolding.
Legal basis - European standard EN ISO 1263
S system safety nets are regulated on the basis of the European standard EN ISO 1263. Horizontal netting are one of the four systems listed in the aforementioned standard. This aforementioned standard specifies both the requirement for their manufacture and certification (part 1) as well as its correct installation (part 2). A label sewn to the horizontal net should have with information about:
- name of the manufacturer
- date of manufacture
- net type according to European standard EN ISO 1263-1
- minimum breaking strength of the test mesh
In accordance with the requirements of the EN ISO 1263-1 European standard, S system safety nets have patches with an identification number. They allow us to determine the condition of a safety net without the need to dismantle it. In this way, the manufacturer can extend the shelf life of the nets one additional year after a positive result of the patch testing.
It is important to remark that if the workplace is more than 1 m above the surface, regulations require us to protect hazard areas from falls from height. European Directive 89/391/EEC, which lays down the principles of preventive action, prioritizes CPE over personal protective equipment (PPE). The regulations clearly state that personal protective equipment should only be used when it is not possible to use collective protection equipment, such as safety nets EN ISO 1263.
Certifying S type safety nets for skylights according to EN ISO 1263 – Mission impossible
In the case of S type safety nets, certification of small safety nets is almost impossible according to EN ISO 1263 European standard. Point 5.1 of the standard says that “In the case of installing S system safety nets, the area of the net should be at least 35 m2. In the case of rectangular nets, the length of the shorter side should be at least 5.0 m.”
According to this, due to the standard skylights dimensions, certifying safety nets based on EN ISO 1263 European standard is not possible. We must remember that during a fall from a height, S system safety nets must absorb the energy of the falling object. The sizes included in the European standard guarantees the required dynamic load strength of the net. In the event of an accident, the use of small nets that do not comply with the EN ISO 1263 standard may result in an unfavorable legal assessment.
More information on how to secure skylights, right here
Safety nets from AITANA SAFETY
AITANA SAFETY has been a pioneer in using Collective Protection Measures to prevent falls. We have been designing and installing both safety netting and other roof safety devices for over ten years. All our systems are tested by notified bodies in accordance with European standards.
Final conclusions
S system safety nets are the most effective solution for protection against falls from height. They are mainly used in the assembly of roofs of industrial warehouses. To make easier their installation, this particular netting is usually tailor made according to given dimensions. Contrary to other types of nets EN ISO 1263, with S system safety nets, the safety element is the net itself, which, by means of ropes, is attached directly to the supporting structure.
Thanks to our wide range of netting systems, we can offer our customers the best option depending on the specifics of the project. Please contact us and we will send you an offer tailored to the needs of the project.
If you want to read more about EN ISO 1263 safety nets as well as nets outside the scope of the standard, please read our guide.