Considerations To Keep In Mind When Choosing Scaffold Netting

But choosing debris and safety netting to secure a job site isn't a task that you should take lightly. That being said, there are several things you'll want to consider before you decide which scaffolding netting to use at your construction site.

Why Do I Need to Know How to Tie a Cargo Net?

Choosing a durable, quality pickup cargo net is the first step towards ensuring the safety of your pickup truck bed loads. The number of different types of cargo trailer tie-downs has multiplied recently, serving numerous industries, the US Military and private citizens worldwide. But choosing your ideal cargo net and knowing how to secure cargo in a pickup truck are two separate matters.

Pickup cargo netting, first of all, serves as a safety precaution. Whether you're driving at high speeds on the interstate or hauling delicate furniture, you'll want to protect your load to the nth degree. Traditional strapping techniques such as paracord, bungee cord or DIY protection netting can be effective for transporting lighter loads with less chance of tip-over or damage. However, it's only with a cargo tie-down net that you cover the load evenly.

At US Netting, we provide you with a wide variety of truck cargo net options. From grommet-based nets to tie-down netting and more, we keep a large inventory in stock along with in-depth resources to help you navigate the world of safety and cargo nets.

What Does Scaffolding Netting Protect?

Construction netting protects workers in many ways. For example, the netting protects construction workers from heat or rain. It also ensures that if a worker were to fall off equipment, something is below to catch them.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that workers falling on construction sites is the leading cause of injury and fatalities on a work site. OSHA guidelines for mesh size on debris construction netting are as follows:

"The maximum size of each safety net mesh opening shall not exceed 36 square inches (230 cm) nor be longer than 6 inches (15 cm) on any side, and the opening, measured center-to-center of mesh ropes or webbing, shall not be longer than 6 inches (15 cm). All mesh crossings shall be secured to prevent enlargement of the mesh opening."

Scaffold netting also protects the people around construction sites. The mesh is very strong, and if pieces of building material fall, it can prevent a passerby from getting injured or worse. When you have a scaffold net properly in place, it can, quite literally, save someone's life.

What's the Difference Between Vertical and Horizontal Netting?

Not all scaffold netting is the same. Before choosing the type of scaffold netting for your site, you'll want to choose between vertical or horizontal mesh. The main difference between the two is in the way in which you hang them.

Vertical Scaffold Netting

Vertical scaffolding debris netting is helpful when you're working on a building that is higher up. The vertical setup of the building netting can keep debris from falling on citizens below or structures that are next to your project.

This type of construction debris netting is also beneficial to use as a partition during demolition projects. In addition, a vertical mesh is easy to install and relocate. More often than not, you'll install vertical scaffold netting with cables.

Horizontal Scaffold Netting

Horizontal scaffolding nets are usually hung at various heights when working. This type of scaffold debris netting also serves as a protective barrier between potential debris and the people below.

Is It Fire Retardant?

Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time on construction sites, including the occasional fire. If a fire were to break out at the construction site, the last thing you want is to feed the fire. You'll want to instead limit the number of products or materials that can act as kindling. Utilizing fire-retardant scaffolding safety nets can help.

While most scaffold netting is fire retardant nowadays, there are still some options that are not. Therefore, it's best to double-check whether it is or isn't before purchasing any. Scaffold netting that is fire retardant typically has reinforced edges and is made of non-flammable material.

How Much Reinforcement Does It Provide?

The last thing you want is for your fall-protection netting systems to not hold up for long periods of time. Most construction netting is reinforced with eyelets to prevent it from falling. If the scaffolding net isn't supported with eyelets, it most likely has strengthened edges.

Heavy-duty debris netting has knitted polyethylene threads to make sure it provides that extra level of protection. However, it's important to note that while scaffold netting can prevent a construction worker from falling too far or scaffolding from doing the same, you shouldn't rely solely on the scaffolding netting.

Fall-protection netting should always be used in conjunction with the proper safety mechanisms in place.

Is It UV Resistant?

UV rays can do a number on your skin. From sunburns to more permanent damage, sunscreen can only do so much. Therefore, using debris netting that is UV resistant is always a good idea, primarily if workers work on these projects during the daytime.

How much UV resistance the scaffold netting has will depend on the type of netting you purchase as well as how long the product has been up. The UV resistance may wear over time but making sure that it has even a little bit of resistance is critical.