Vertical protection nets are installed in a vertical plane around a scaffold or building perimeter to contain falling materials, tools and fragments — protecting the public, neighbouring properties and operatives below during facade, cladding and glazing works. Red Safety Netting supplies and installs vertical protection netting nationwide for principal contractors and main contractors.
What vertical protection nets are for
Unlike horizontal fall arrest netting, which catches a falling person, vertical protection nets work in the vertical plane to stop materials leaving the working zone — tools, offcuts, fixings and glass fragments that would otherwise fall to the area below. They are a containment measure, used during facade and perimeter work, and are typically deployed alongside other fall protection rather than instead of it. They do not provide fall arrest for workers.
Why choose Red Safety Netting
- The right net for the job. We will specify vertical protection netting where the risk is falling materials, and horizontal fall arrest netting where the risk is a person falling — the two are not interchangeable, and we make sure you get the correct system.
- Public and perimeter protection. Vertical nets are ideal for urban and public-facing sites where materials must be prevented from reaching pavements, roads or neighbouring properties.
- Installed by competent operatives. Our teams rig vertical protection netting safely to the scaffold or structure, coordinated with the scaffold and the wider site programme.
- Part of a complete fall protection package. We can combine vertical protection with fall arrest netting, edge protection and access so the whole working-at-height package comes from one accredited supplier.
Our vertical protection net service
- Site assessment — we identify what needs containing and design the netting layout around the scaffold and structure.
- Supply and installation — vertical nets rigged securely to the scaffold or building perimeter by competent operatives.
- Coordination — sequenced with the scaffold erection and the wider site programme.
- Inspection and removal — checked through the works and removed on completion.
Applications
- Facade, cladding and glazing works
- Urban and public-facing sites where falling materials are a risk
- Scaffold perimeters on multi-storey buildings
- Refurbishment of occupied or partly occupied buildings
- Sites adjoining pavements, roads or neighbouring property
Vertical protection or fall arrest? We will advise
A common and serious mistake is treating vertical protection nets and fall arrest nets as the same thing. Vertical nets contain materials; they are not designed or rated to arrest the fall of a person. Where workers need fall protection, a horizontal fall arrest net to BS EN 1263-1, edge protection, or another suitable measure is required. As a FASET-accredited specialist across the full range of systems, we will specify the correct protection for each risk on your site.
Vertical Protection Nets FAQs
Do vertical protection nets stop a person falling?
No. Vertical protection nets are designed to contain falling materials, tools and fragments — not to arrest the fall of a person. Where worker fall protection is needed, a horizontal fall arrest net or other suitable measure must be used. The two systems are not interchangeable.
When would I use vertical protection netting?
During facade, cladding and glazing works, and on any perimeter or scaffold where materials, tools or fragments could fall to the area below — particularly on urban and public-facing sites where the public, roads or neighbouring property must be protected.
How are vertical protection nets installed?
They are rigged in the vertical plane, secured to the scaffold or building perimeter by competent operatives, and coordinated with the scaffold erection and wider site programme.
Can you provide both vertical protection and fall arrest netting?
Yes. As a FASET-accredited specialist across the full range of systems, we can supply vertical protection nets, horizontal fall arrest netting, edge protection and access — specifying the correct combination for the risks on your site.
Do you install nationwide?
Yes. Red Safety Netting installs vertical protection netting across the UK for principal contractors and main contractors.
Protect the area below your works
Need to contain falling materials on a facade or perimeter? Contact Red Safety Netting to discuss your site and arrange a quote.
