Four common types of scaffolding nets

Why install sacffolding net and its scope of application

Scaffolding Nets: Applications and Standards
1. Applications
Debris nets are widely used in various construction and industrial fields
High-rise building construction installs them around external scaffolding to prevent tools, materials or workers from falling.
Bridges and infrastructure projects act on elevated working platforms to improve safety.
Renovation and demolition projects Control dust and debris while protecting pedestrians below.
Industrial maintenance is mostly used in factories, power plants and shipyards where workers work at height.
Provide safety barriers for temporary stages, stands or exhibitions.

2. Key standards
Building Scaffolding Debris Safety Net must comply with international and regional safety regulations, including:
EN 1263-1 (European standard)
Defines the requirements for safety nets used in building construction.
Nets are classified according to mesh size (e.g. A1, A2, B) and energy absorption capacity.
UV resistance and durability tests are specified.
OSHA 1926.105 (US Standard)
Mandates the use of safety nets where the fall hazard exceeds 6 feet (1.8 meters).
Requires nets to withstand a 400 lb (180 kg) fall from a specified height.
AS/NZS 4389 (Australian/New Zealand Standard)
Cover mesh size, strength, and mounting methods.
Requires UV stabilization for outdoor use.
GB 5725-2009 (Chinese Standard)
Specifies material strength, fire resistance, and aging tests.
Distinguishes between vertical (anti-collision) and horizontal (anti-debris) nets.

3. Material and Performance Requirements
Mesh size is typically 20-100 mm (for debris protection, smaller mesh; for fall protection).
Must be able to withstand the dynamic forces of falling objects/workers.
Treated to resist degradation from sunlight exposure.
Required for high-risk environments (e.g. welding areas).

Construction Safety Net Hdpe Construction Netting Debris Netting is essential for fall prevention, debris control and regulatory compliance in building construction. The right choice depends on local standards, project requirements and environmental conditions. Before installation, always ensure that the net meets the certified safety rating.

Advantages and disadvantages of four different scaffolding nets

Four Types of Scaffolding Netting: Pros and Cons
Scaffolding netting varies by material and construction method, and each has its own unique advantages and limitations. Here’s a comparison of the four main types:

1. Polyethylene (PE) Knitted Safety Netting
✔ Pros:
Lightweight and flexible – easy to install and operate.
Weather-resistant – UV-stabilized for long-term outdoor use.
Cost-effective – cheaper than nylon or metal alternatives.
Good debris control – smaller mesh to prevent objects from falling.

✖ Cons:
Lower strength – not suitable for heavy blows (e.g. large tools/workers).
Limited fire resistance – melts at high temperatures unless treated.
Durability issues – degrades faster than nylon in harsh conditions.
Best for: General construction, debris protection netting, and low to medium risk fall protection.

2. Nylon (Polyamide) Knitted Safety Netting
✔ Pros:
High tensile strength – more durable than PE, better fall protection.
Highly elastic – absorbs impact energy effectively.
Abrasion and chemical resistant – lasts longer in harsh environments.

✖ Disadvantages:
Higher cost – more expensive than PE mesh.
Moisture absorption – stretches when wet, reducing protection.
UV degradation – requires UV treatment for prolonged outdoor use.
Best for: high risk fall protection, industrial sites, and long-term projects.

3. Welded Metal Mesh
✔ Pros:
Extremely durable – tear-resistant, fire-resistant, and weather-resistant.
High load capacity – can stop heavy falls (e.g. steel parts).
Non-flammable – ideal for welding or hot areas.

✖ Disadvantages:
Heavy and rigid – difficult to install and adjust.
Sharp edges – risk of cuts if not handled properly.
Risk of corrosion – requires galvanizing or PVC coating to prevent rust.
Best for: heavy industrial sites, steel structures, and fire-prone areas.

4. Expanded Metal
✔ Pros:
Strong and durable – provides structural support in addition to safety.
Non-slip surface – ideal for walkable platforms.
Good ventilation and visibility – allows air circulation while ensuring safety.

✖ Cons:
Heavy and bulky – difficult to transport and install.
Limited flexibility – cannot absorb dynamic shocks like woven mesh.
Higher cost – more expensive than plastic alternatives.
Best for: Permanent scaffolding, walkways, and areas where rigid guardrails are needed.

When and how to install

1. Scaffold Erection
✔ Best time:
Complete the scaffolding before workers officially use it to prevent falling objects and people from falling.
After each layer of scaffolding is built, immediately install the safety net of the corresponding height.

⚠ Notes:
Ensure that the safety net is installed simultaneously with the scaffolding to avoid "bare frame operation".
Check whether the fixing points are firm to prevent the net from loosening or falling off.

2. Before Working at Heights
✔ Applicable scenarios:
Main structure construction (such as concrete pouring, steel structure installation).
Exterior wall decoration (such as curtain wall installation, paint spraying).
Demolition project (prevent debris from splashing).

⚠ Notes:
If there is a risk of falling in the working area (≥2 meters), the safety net must be installed in advance.
Select the type of net according to the type of operation (such as dust net, anti-fall net).

3. Before Inclement Weather
✔ Applicable situations:
Strong wind season → Prevent lightweight materials (such as insulation boards, packaging materials) from being blown off.
Rainy/snowy season → Prevent rain and snow from penetrating and prevent the scaffolding from getting slippery.

⚠ Notes:
Use UV-resistant and waterproof durable safety nets (such as high-density PE or PVC coated nets).
Check whether the safety net is damaged after the storm and repair it in time.

4. Regulatory Compliance
✔ Mandatory installation situations:
Local building regulations (such as China's "Technical Specifications for Safety of Height Operations in Construction" JGJ 80).
Safety inspection instructions from the owner or supervision unit.
⚠ Notes:
Ensure that the safety net meets national standards (such as GB 5725-2009, EN 1263-1).
Keep the product certificate and test report for reference.

5. Temporary Hazard Zones
✔ Applicable scenarios:
Construction sites are close to public areas (such as sidewalks and major traffic arteries).
Under equipment hoisting operations → Prevent accidental falls and injuries.

⚠ Notes:
Use high-visibility safety nets (such as fluorescent colors + reflective strips) to enhance the warning effect.
Set up warning signs indicating "Danger area, no entry".

❌ Situations where installation is not suitable
Temporary installation in extreme weather (such as forced construction on typhoon days, which may lead to unstable installation).
When the scaffolding has not been inspected or the structure is unstable (it is necessary to ensure that the scaffolding load-bearing capacity meets the standards).

install

1. Preparation before installation
(1) Material and tool inspection
Safety net (complying with GB 5725, EN 1263 and other standards)
Binding straps/wires/special clamps (for fixing)
Safety belts, safety ropes (essential for high-altitude work)
Auxiliary tools such as wrenches, scissors, ladders, etc.
(2) Scaffolding inspection
Ensure that the scaffolding has been inspected and accepted, the structure is stable, and there are no loose parts.
Clean up sharp objects on the scaffolding (such as steel bar heads, nails) to prevent scratches on the safety net.
(3) Safety measures
Workers must wear safety belts and helmets, and set up fall arresters when necessary.
Set up a warning area to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the work area.
2. Installation steps
▶ Method 1: Horizontal safety net (fall prevention net)
Applicable scenarios: Prevent people or objects from falling from heights.
Installation method:
Locate the installation point: Select the scaffolding crossbar or frame node as the fixed position.
Unfold the safety net: Spread it flat below the working layer (≤5 meters from the working surface).

Binding and fixing:
Use special binding tape or galvanized iron wire (spacing ≤50cm) to fix.
Ensure that the net is taut, without looseness or wrinkles.
Check edge sealing:
There is no gap between the net and the scaffolding (≤10cm).
In case of multi-layer construction, the overlap width of the upper and lower nets is ≥50cm.

▶ Method 2: Vertical safety net (dustproof/anti-fall net)
Applicable scenarios: prevent debris from flying or people from falling from the side.
Installation method:
Install from bottom to top: fix the bottom first, then extend upward.
Use U-shaped cards or bolts: fix the net to the scaffolding pole (spacing ≤1 meter).
Tighten the net surface: avoid shaking of the net due to wind.
Joint treatment: overlap adjacent mesh pieces by ≥20cm and reinforce with binding tape.

▶ Method 3: Metal safety net (welded/stamped net)
Applicable scenarios: heavy industry, fire protection area.
Installation method:
Pre-install the support frame (such as angle steel or channel steel).
Fix with bolts or welding to ensure that the mesh surface is flat and without deformation.
Grind the edges: prevent sharp corners from scratching workers.

3. Post-installation inspection
Firmness test: Pull the mesh body hard to confirm that it is not loose.
Integrity check: No signs of damage, tearing or aging.
Compliance confirmation: Comply with local safety standards (such as OSHA, GB 5725).

4. Maintenance and removal
(1) Regular inspection
Inspect once a week and immediately after strong winds/rainstorms.
Replace in time if damaged (holes > 10cm must be replaced).

(2) Safe removal
Remove step by step from top to bottom to avoid falling objects.
Use tools to cut the straps, do not tear them forcibly.
Check whether it can be reused after recycling.

⚠ Key points
❌ Prohibited behavior:
Use damaged or aged safety nets.
Performing aerial work without securing the net.
Using non-fireproof nets near welding areas.

✅ Best Practices:
Choose UV-stable, flame-retardant safety nets (for long-term outdoor use).
Train workers on the correct installation method to avoid incorrect tying.