Man-safe safety netting is the most effective collective fall protection for people working at height. Installed horizontally beneath the work area, a fall arrest net catches anyone who falls — protecting the whole workforce at once, without relying on each operative to clip on. As a FASET-accredited specialist, Red Safety Netting supplies, rigs and inspects fall arrest netting to BS EN 1263-1 for principal contractors and roofing trades nationwide.
What man-safe safety netting is
Man-safe netting (classified System S to BS EN 1263-1) is a horizontally tensioned net with a strong border rope, rigged below the working level to arrest a falling person. It is collective protection — unlike a harness and lanyard, it protects everyone in the area without individual clipping-on, and keeps the workforce free to move. It is the recommended fall protection for new-build roofing, steel frames and similar work at height where a fall cannot otherwise be prevented.
Why choose Red Safety Netting
- Genuine fall arrest, not debris containment. Our man-safe nets are System S nets to BS EN 1263-1, with a border rope rated to a minimum 30kN and roughly 100mm mesh, designed and tested to absorb the energy of a falling person.
- Rigged as close as practicable below the work platform. Keeping the fall height low is the single biggest factor in a net performing safely; we rig nets close beneath the working level and extend a minimum of 3m beyond the leading edge.
- FASET-accredited and audited. Our riggers hold the CSCS Safety Net Rigger qualification and we work to BS EN 1263, BS 8411 and FASET guidance — the standard a principal contractor needs to evidence a competent appointment under CDM.
- Inspected and documented. Every installation is inspected at rigging and handover, with the records and test tags that keep your site compliant.
Our man-safe safety netting service
- Site assessment and rig design — we survey the structure and design the net layout, anchorage and clearance around your programme.
- Supply and installation — nets rigged by qualified Safety Net Riggers, tensioned correctly with the right initial sag and clearance beneath.
- Handover inspection — a competent person inspects and signs the system over before any trade works above it.
- Ongoing inspection — seven-day re-inspections while work continues above the net, plus checks after adverse weather or any fall.
- De-rig and removal — safe decommissioning once the work at height is complete.
Applications
- New-build residential and commercial roofing
- Steel frame and industrial structures
- Refurbishment and re-roofing projects
- Warehouse, distribution and large-span buildings
- Any work at height where a fall cannot be directly prevented
Compliance and competence
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and CDM 2015, collective fall protection such as safety netting sits above personal protection in the hierarchy of control — and the contractor appointed must be competent. As an audited FASET member, Red Safety Netting can evidence that competence: trained and carded riggers, correct installation to BS EN 1263 and BS 8411, valid insurance, and full inspection records. After a net has arrested a fall it is taken out of service and checked by a competent person before any further use.
Man-Safe Safety Netting FAQs
What is the difference between man-safe netting and debris netting?
Man-safe netting is a horizontal fall arrest net designed to catch a falling person, tested to BS EN 1263-1. Debris netting is a lighter, finer mesh designed to contain falling materials and fragments — it is not designed or rated to arrest a person and must never be used as a substitute for a fall arrest net.
How close to the work platform should the net be installed?
As close as practicably possible. Keeping the fall height low reduces the impact on the net and the person. Where it can be achieved, nets are rigged no more than around 2m below the working platform, and always extend a minimum of 3m beyond the leading edge where operatives are working.
How often does safety netting need to be inspected?
A competent person inspects the net during rigging and at handover. The user should carry out a visual check before each use, and fall arrest nets should be re-inspected by a competent person every seven days while work continues above them, as well as after adverse weather or any impact.
Are your installations FASET accredited?
Yes. Red Safety Netting is an audited FASET member and our riggers hold the CSCS Safety Net Rigger qualification. For a principal contractor, appointing a FASET member is the simplest way to evidence a competent appointment — you can ask to see our Annual FASET Membership Certificate and SSiP accreditation.
What happens to a net after it has caught a fall?
It is taken out of service immediately. Once a net has absorbed the energy of a fall it must be inspected by a competent person and only returned to use if it is confirmed fit for purpose, or replaced.
Do you cover our region?
Yes. Red Safety Netting installs man-safe safety netting nationwide for principal contractors, roofing contractors and main contractors.
Protect your workforce at height
Need fall arrest netting rigged to programme by a FASET-accredited team? Get in touch with Red Safety Netting to discuss your project and arrange a quote.
