Safety net requirements

Safety nets must be provided when workers are more than 25 feet above the ground, water surface, or other surfaces where ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts are impractical.

• The requirement is in 1926.105(a).
• If traditional fall protection (ladders, scaffolds, safety belts, etc.) is practical, safety nets are not required under this paragraph.

No — work must not begin until the safety net is in place and has been tested.

• The rule is stated in 1926.105(b).
• Testing ensures the net will arrest falls and provide the protection intended before employees are exposed.

A safety net must extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employees are exposed and be hung as close under the work surface as practical, but no more than 25 feet below that surface.

• See 1926.105(c)(1).
• In addition, nets must be hung with enough clearance (determined by impact testing) so that a fallen worker cannot hit the surface or structures below the net.

Clearance is the vertical distance between the net and the surface or structure below it; it must be enough so a falling worker will not contact the underlying surface when the net deflects.

• The requirement to determine clearance by impact load testing is in 1926.105(c)(1).
• Use the manufacturer's impact test data or perform a qualified impact test to confirm required clearance for the specific net and installation.

For bridge construction, OSHA intends that only one level of nets be required.

• This guidance is stated in 1926.105(c)(2).
• Employers should still ensure that the single net level meets the extension, clearance, and performance requirements in the standard.

New nets must have a mesh no larger than 6 inches by 6 inches, meet a minimum impact resistance of 17,500 foot-pounds as certified by the manufacturer, and have edge ropes with at least 5,000 pounds breaking strength.

• These specifications are in 1926.105(d).
• New nets must also bear a label of proof test showing they meet the 17,500 foot-pound requirement.

All new nets must meet the 17,500 foot-pound minimum and bear a proof-test label; for older nets, you must ensure they still provide equivalent protection before use.

• See 1926.105(d) for the new-net requirement.
• If using an older net, consult the manufacturer or a qualified person to verify current performance, and remove nets from service if they cannot be shown to meet safe performance levels.

Forged steel safety hooks or shackles must be used to fasten the net to its supports.

• This is required by 1926.105(e).
• Use hardware rated for the loads expected and installed per the manufacturer's instructions to maintain the connection strength.

Connections between net panels must develop the full strength of the net.

• The requirement appears in 1926.105(f).
• Use manufacturer-approved splices, connectors, or stitching that maintain the net's rated strength rather than improvised ties that reduce capacity.

A competent or qualified person, using either manufacturer-certified test data or an impact load test, should determine clearance so the net will prevent contact with surfaces below.

• The need for testing to set clearance is stated in 1926.105(b) and 1926.105(c)(1).
• Keep documentation of test results and manufacturer data as part of your safety file.

Nets must be hung with sufficient clearance—determined by impact load testing—so a falling worker and the net's deflection won't allow contact with obstructions or structures below.

• See 1926.105(c)(1).
• When obstructions exist, consider relocating the net, using additional protection, or providing stronger clearance margins based on impact tests.

New nets should bear a label of proof test certifying the 17,500 foot-pound minimum impact resistance and you should retain the manufacturer's certification documents.

• The labeling and certification requirement is in 1926.105(d).
• Keep the proof-test label on the net and maintain the manufacturer's test certification in your safety records for inspections.

No — safety nets are required only where other fall protection methods (ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines or belts) are impractical; when those methods are practical, follow the applicable fall protection rules.

• The condition is set out in 1926.105(a).
• Evaluate feasibility of alternate protections per other parts of 1926 before relying solely on nets.

The mesh size must not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches.

• This mesh requirement is in 1926.105(d).
• Finer mesh may be used when necessary to prevent objects or small workers from passing through; choose mesh based on the hazard.

Edge ropes must maintain at least 5,000 pounds breaking strength and panel connections must develop the net's full strength; both must be inspected and maintained so they continue to meet these requirements.

• Requirements for edge rope strength and panel connections are in 1926.105(d) and 1926.105(f).
• Implement regular inspections and remove/repair nets or hardware that show damage, deterioration, or reduced capacity.

You should inspect nets and hardware before initial use and at regular intervals during use, and after any event (like a heavy fall) that could damage the net, to ensure they still meet the standard's performance requirements.

• While 1926.105 emphasizes testing and strength requirements (1926.105(b), 1926.105(d)), routine inspections are standard good practice to verify continued compliance.
• Document inspections and any repairs or removals from service.

Employees should be trained in the purpose of the nets, not to intentionally ride or overload the nets, how to avoid falling objects, and how to recognize damaged nets or hardware so they can report them.

• The net performance and installation requirements are in 1926.105; while training specifics are covered in other fall-protection and safety training guidance in 1926, employers are responsible for ensuring workers understand the protections and limitations of nets.

You must not use splices that reduce the net's strength; connections between panels must develop the full strength of the net, so only manufacturer-approved splice methods or connectors that meet that requirement should be used.

• See 1926.105(f) for the connection-strength requirement and 1926.105(d) for net strength standards.
• If improvised splices cannot be shown to develop full net strength, replace with proper panels or approved connection hardware.

Yes — safety nets can help catch falling workers and may also limit falling-object hazards, but nets must still meet mesh, strength, and installation requirements to be effective for both purposes.

• The relevant performance and mesh rules are in 1926.105(d) and installation/clearance rules in 1926.105(c)(1).
• For objects, consider using toe boards, catch platforms, or debris nets in addition to safety nets when small items could fall through the mesh.

While 1926.105(e) requires forged steel safety hooks or shackles, the hardware must be sized to maintain the net's rated capacity (including edge rope strength of at least 5,000 pounds), so select hardware rated equal to or greater than the loads imposed.

• The forged-steel requirement is in 1926.105(e) and edge rope strength in 1926.105(d).
• Use hardware certified by the manufacturer or a qualified person and maintain records of hardware ratings.

One level is intended for bridge construction, but if site-specific hazards, extreme heights, or installation geometry prevent the net from meeting clearance, extension, or performance requirements, additional levels or other protections may be necessary.

• The intention for one net level on bridges is in 1926.105(c)(2).
• Conduct a site-specific hazard analysis and use impact testing and manufacturer guidance to decide if extra nets or different fall protection are required.

The employer is responsible for ensuring safety nets are installed, tested, maintained, and used in compliance with 1926.105 and other applicable provisions of 1926.

• Employers must not commence operations until nets are in place and tested per 1926.105(b).
• Documenting testing, inspections, and maintenance helps demonstrate compliance during inspections.

After a fall, the net and its hardware must be inspected and, if damaged or degraded, repaired or removed from service; nets that have arrested a fall should be evaluated by a competent person before being returned to use.

• The testing and performance expectations are in 1926.105(b) and 1926.105(d).
• Keep records of the inspection and any repairs; replace nets that cannot be certified as meeting original performance specifications.

No — nets must be installed as close under the work surface as practical and in no case more than 25 feet below it.

• This installation limit is specified in 1926.105(c)(1).
• If you cannot install a net within 25 feet, you must use other appropriate fall protection methods.