FASET has developed a new guidance document covering the use of safety nets over existing roofs (more commonly known as over-netting), adding to its existing collection of 20 free-to-download best practice documents on the FASET website www.faset.org.uk
A relatively new development in the safety netting industry, over-netting is used when fixing a new roof over an existing, fragile roof.
Produced with the assistance of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after exhaustive physical testing, FASET says that over-netting should only be used as a last resort, and that standard, under slung safety netting must always be used where possible and practical.
With a forward by the NFRC, the free, 14-page document covers everything from the responsibilities of the client and principal designer, through to the suitability of safety netting materials, safety during installation, and, finally, the six specific steps recommended by FASET for correctly installing roof-over netting.
Other sections include the competence of the installer and how to deal with such things as roof obstructions, valley gutters, mono pitch roofs and rooflights.
Tony Seddon, from FASET, commented: “FASET plays a central role in the development and delivery of best practice for the UK and international fall arrest and safety net rigging industry. This is another example of how the collective experience and expertise of FASET members is being used to expand knowledge and competency for the benefit of the industry at large.”
A founder member of the Access Industry Forum (AIF), the association will be a major contributor to the Forum’s first national conference on working at height on October 13 at Loughborough University: Implementing change and innovation in work at height.
