Debris nets are designed to catch construction materials (scraps, nails, tools, falling concrete) to prevent them from potentially injuring workers or pedestrians below.  Debris nets can be classified by two types.  Vertical netting systems are used to contain debris and may serve as a visible guardrail.  Perimeter netting systems, also known as personnel safety nets, can be used to catch fallen tools, material and debris as well as personnel.  


(Photo courtesy of ELCOSH)

Debris nets are designed to catch falling debris, such as tools, foreign objects, falling concrete, and other construction debris, to protect workers and pedestrians below. Often safety nets and debris nets are combined. The smaller mesh nets used to catch small debris are used in conjunction with larger and stronger nets used to catch workers. Debris nets must be secured on top of the personnel net and must not compromise the design, construction, or performance of the personnel nets.  In these cases, the nets must be cleared of debris on a regular basis to ensure a falling worker's protection. The strength and size of the mesh must be sufficient to sustain the impact, catch the size, and sustain the weight of the objects that are likley to fall. Typical net sizes range from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch mesh.


Debris net. (Photo courtesy of Guardian Fall Protection Inc.)

When equipment or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a standard toe-board on a guardrail, debris nets must be installed from the top rail to deck level to provide overhead protection for employees working below. When properly installed from a top rail and secured directly to deck level, some nets satisfy OSHA requirements for mid-rail and toe-board protection, as well as overhead protection.

The installation of nets requires careful planning. Workers who are involved in installing and removing safety or debris nets must be protected from fall hazards by aerial lifts, personal fall arrest equipment, or a personal restraint system. Nets and/or horizontal lifelines can provide many solutions to fall hazards if they are planned, installed, and used.

When selecting debris nets, ensure they are compliant with all applicable OSHA 1926 Subpart M regulations.

In cases where personnel safety nets are used, they shall be lined with debris netting of sufficient strength and size to contain tools and materials capable of causing injury.

Mark Fullen, CSP and Kristen Savage - West Virginia University