Safety Netting Company in Taunton
With more than three decades of experience, we specialise in the supply and installation of safety netting systems, helping to safeguard sites in Bristol, Bath, Taunton, and throughout the South West while minimising the risks of working at height.
What You Need to Know About Safety Netting Regulations in the UK
When working at height, understanding UK safety netting regulations is essential for protecting workers, the public, and the progress of a project. A professional safety netting company plays a central role in ensuring safety netting systems, fall arrest netting, new build safety netting, and commercial safety netting are installed and maintained correctly on sites in Taunton and across the wider region. Below is a clear, practical list of what contractors, developers, and site managers need to know.
1. Safety Netting is a Core Part of UK Work at Height Compliance
UK construction law does not always mandate safety nets by name, but the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent falls or reduce the consequences of a fall where prevention is not possible. This is why safety netting systems are widely used on steel frames and open floor areas. Correctly installed fall arrest netting provides collective protection, reducing reliance on individual PPE and helping sites remain compliant.
2. Installation Must Be Carried Out by Competent Personnel
All safety netting systems must be installed, altered, and removed by trained and competent installers. This applies equally to new build safety netting on housing developments and commercial safety netting on large industrial or public buildings. Nets must be fixed in accordance with their design limits and supported by suitable anchor points. Using a qualified safety netting company ensures installation meets required standards and site-specific risk assessments.
3. Nets Must Be Positioned Correctly to Limit Fall Distance
One of the most important principles of fall arrest netting is positioning. Nets should be installed as close as practicable beneath the working area and extend beyond edges and openings. Adequate clearance must be allowed beneath the net to prevent contact with the ground or structure below. Poor positioning undermines even the best safety netting systems and increases the risk of injury.
4. Safety Nets Are Not a Replacement for Other Controls
UK guidance is clear that safety netting systems should not automatically replace guardrails, edge protection, or other collective measures. Instead, fall arrest netting is used alongside additional controls to form a layered safety approach. This applies across commercial safety netting projects and new build safety netting installations alike, particularly on complex or phased sites.
5. All Safety Netting Must Comply With British Standards
All construction safety nets used in the UK must comply with BS EN 1263-1. This standard covers material performance, energy absorption, testing methods, and inspection requirements. Any safety netting company supplying or installing nets must ensure they meet this standard, whether the application is commercial safety netting or residential construction in Taunton.
6. Regular Inspection is a Legal and Practical Requirement
Visual checks of safety netting systems should be carried out regularly, often daily or weekly, to identify damage, contamination, or interference. In addition, nets must undergo a formal inspection by a competent person at least annually. This applies to fall arrest netting used on steel frames as well as new build safety netting installed beneath floors.
7. Nets Must be Identifiable and Testable
Each safety net should have a unique identification number and test meshes or patches that allow its condition to be assessed. During inspection, these test areas are checked to confirm the net still meets performance requirements. This process is essential for maintaining confidence in safety netting systems used on busy construction and commercial sites.
Key Takeaways for UK Construction Sites
Understanding and applying safety netting regulations is critical to maintaining safe, efficient sites. From commercial safety netting on warehouses and schools to new build safety netting on housing developments, compliance depends on correct installation, regular inspection, and responsible management. On projects in Taunton and beyond, well-planned safety netting systems remain one of the most effective collective fall protection measures available.
Speak to a Safety Netting Specialist
If you require a professional safety netting company to design, install, and maintain safety netting systems, including fall arrest netting, new build safety netting, and commercial safety netting in Taunton, our team is ready to help. Contact Magnetech Safety Net Systems UK today on 01179 645511 or 07831 336444 to discuss your project and ensure your site remains safe and compliant.