Type T safety nets – steel console system fixed to the slab
EN 1263 System T is a horizontal steel bracket console anchored to a building edge (floor slab or facade) supporting a fall arrest safety net. The cantilever console extends beyond the facade envelope, catching workers falling from the floor above as well as any construction material that comes loose from it. This system is typically deployed during the construction of multi-storey reinforced concrete and steel structures when steel fixing, formwork assembly, and concreting take place on the uppermost, exposed levels. When traditional guardrails cannot yet be installed along slab edges, System T safety nets becomes as vital Collective Protection Equipment (CPE). Below, we detail the steel console assembly, attachment methods to host structures, the vertical folding mechanism against facades, EN 1263-1 System T requirements, and installation guidelines.
What the T type is and when it is applied
Under the EN 1263-1 classification, system T is a safety net attached to horizontal steel brackets — consoles — deployed horizontally along the edge of the building. The rigid bracket frame carries the netting 3 m or 4.5 m beyond the slab edge, creating a wide horizontal catch fan directly beneath the working level. Consoles are installed storey by storey along the slab edge and moved upwards as the work progresses. In system T, fall impact energy is absorbed partly by the safety net and partly by the structural deformation of the console frame. Therefore, the entire assembly is evaluated as a system, unlike System S where only the netting panel itself is tested. The other three EN 1263 systems address different situations:
- System S – a horizontal net stretched below the working level and fixed directly to structural members. This is the simplest and most economical system. Read more under type S safety nets.
- System V – A net with border ropes mounted on gallows-type brackets, suspended vertically along slab edges. Read more under type V safety nets.
- System U – A vertical net attached to a supporting framework used as edge screening. An example of this is our hall edge protection.
Construction of the T system console
The console frame is fabricated from modular steel components bolted together. A standard assembly comprises:
- Main vertical post (2,5 m) and a 1.0 m telescopic extension — Anchors to the facade or slab edge of the lower floor
- Diagonal brace arm — Transfers loads from the outer edge to the lower anchoring point.
- Upper support, lower support and intermediate prop — Form the structural framework supporting the console.
- Net support tubes, 6 m length — threaded directly through netting meshes, forming the front and rear edges of the catch system.
- Swivel joint and a locking pin — allow the console frame to fold vertically against the facade and lock securely into working position.
- Single and double couplers — for connecting net tubes and structural frame components.
- Clamping brackets — single and double-position clamps securing net tubes to diagonal arms.
Components are assembled using M14 and M8 bolts; diagonal braces are secured with M10x90 bolts. All structural elements are manufactured from high-strength galvanized steel for multi-project durability.
| Component Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Main vertical post | 2,5 m |
| Telescopic extension | 1,0 m |
| Console frame width | 6 m |
| Console frame projection | 4 m, adjustable |
| Weight of the 6 × 3 console frame | 95,2 kg |
| Console angle adjustment | approx. 0–15° |
| Netting mesh | 100 × 100 mm |
| Additional fine mesh | 20 × 20 mm |
| Diagonal brace arm | 700 × 324 mm, 5,2 kg |
| Fasteners | M14 i M8; diagonal support M10 × 90 |
Parameters according to the instructions for use of the system. The height of the console, the platform angle and the method of fixing are selected for each building from its documentation.
Mounting Consoles to concrete and steel beams
System T nets are assembled at ground level, after which the complete console module is lifted by crane and anchored to the building facade or slab. Consoles attach to the floor level directly below the active work deck. Mounting methods depend on the supporting structure characteristics, with three primary attachment families:
- Slab mounting: Console rests against the concrete slab edge and is anchored through the floor deck.
- Facade mounting: Console is anchored to external concrete walls or columns.
- Scaffolding attachment: Console integrates into existing heavy-duty scaffolding frameworks.
System T compliance has been verified for both reinforced concrete slabs and steel H/I section beams.
Vertical console folding – what sets T system apart
The innovative swivel hinge design allows the entire console frame to be folded vertically against the façade with ease. This feature is crucial in two site situations:
- Enabling Crane Access: Folding the console frame upward allows crane hooks to deliver formwork or rebar to lower storeys without colliding with the safety net.
- High Wind and Snow Protection: During severe weather or heavy snowfall, the folded console lies flush against the façade wall, preventing damage to the structure.
Maximum spacing between vertical bracket posts is up to 4 m for a 6 m module. To ensure continuous edge protection without gaps between adjacent consoles, units are installed with an overlap width of 0,75 to 1 m, or joined using certified coupling ropes (Type O, min. 7,5 kN breaking strength).
Safety netting and mesh specifications
Netting is threaded onto support tubes along both edges of the console, secured at the four corners, and tied to the structural frame and diagonal arms. The tensioned net combined with the steel frame forms a rigid catch fan. Consoles are equipped with EN 1263-1 Class A2 safety nets (100 mm mesh).
Where work on the floor above generates small falling debris, concrete chips, or small tools, a fine-mesh overlay (20×20 mm micro-mesh) can be sewn onto the primary net. Note that finer netting increases wind resistance, requiring independent wind load verification. For dedicated ground-level debris protection, refer to our page on falling object protection.
Legal compliance – EN 1263-1 System T dynamic testing
The complete assembly—combining steel console frames and safety netting—underwent dynamic compliance testing under clause 7.10 of EN 1263-1 standard (dynamic load testing of System T safety nets). During official laboratory testing:
- Dynamic 7 kJ Impact Test: A 100 kg smooth steel sphere was dropped twice from a 7 m height, generating a kinetic energy of 7,000 J (7 kJ) at the moment of impact.
- Single Module & Overlap Testing: Tests were performed on both reinforced concrete slab mockups and steel H/I beams, evaluating impacts in the center of the net span and directly over the overlap zone between adjacent consoles.
- Positive Result: The system successfully arrested the test mass in all test drops. Maximum instantaneous dynamic net deflection did not exceed the short side length (3 m), and the sphere did not make contact with any part of the steel support frame.
Under EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and national OHS regulations, Collective Protection Equipment (CPE)—such as System T safety nets—holds absolute legal priority over personal harnesses (PPE).
FAQ – frequently asked questions about System T safety nets
What is the difference between System T net System V safety nets?
System T is a horizontal steel bracket console anchored to a slab or facade, creating a 3 m rigid horizontal catch fan beyond the edge. System V is a tall net hung vertically on movable gallows brackets, forming a kind of cage on the upper storey of the building along slab edges. The whole danger zone is completely screened off by a vertical barrier.
At what height below the active working area are System T nets installed?
Under EN 1263-2 the maximum allowable fall height onto a type T net is 6 m. In building practice, consoles anchor on storey slab immediately below the active reinforcement and formwork level — usually 3 to 3.5 m below the edge — where the concrete has already reached the strength needed to carry the anchoring loads.
What does the independent body mark on the net label mean?
EN 1263-1 requires the safety net label to display the mark of an accredited inspection body alongside manufacturer details, manufacture date, system type, and minimum energy absorption. The absence of this mark is a warning sign. For System T, ensure certification covers the entire system assembly (console frame + netting) rather than the net alone.
How many consoles are required per linear meter of edge?
A single 6 m console module rests on two main vertical posts, averaging one anchor point roughly every 3 meters. Actual spacing depends on allowable anchor locations, module overlap, and facade geometry. We prepare custom console layouts based on site plans prior to issuing a quote.
How do I protect the area beneath System T from falling small tools and debris?
Standard 100 mm mesh System T nets protects against people and large formwork timber falling. To protect lower levels from small rubble, bolts, or tools, a fine micro-mesh overlay (20 mm or smaller) is stitched to the primary net. Note that fine mesh increases wind resistance. We have devoted a separate page to protecting the zone under the structure: protection against falling objects.
Need edge protection for multi-storey building?
Planning the construction of a high-rise, commercial building, or industrial facility? Please contact us. Send us your elevation drawings and slab cross-sections—our engineering team will prepare a custom System T console layout, anchor plan, and quotation.
System T is one of four safety net configurations described under EN 1263 standard. To compare all options, consult our main guide: when to use safety nets on a construction site.