Security network should be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired with care. 7.1 NETWORK INSPECTION Security network should be visually inspected at regular intervals by a competent person, and the results of the inspection should be recorded and kept on file at the workplace. The following table provides details on when and by whom visual inspections of the network can be conducted: Situations for visual inspection of the network Who can perform visual inspection When the network is installed The installing employee Before each day's use The using employee Weekly Site supervisor After adverse weather conditions Site supervisor Visual inspections should include checking the following aspects: Incorrect installation, Wear and tear of the net, Cuts and nicks in the net, Damage due to heat or friction on the net, Stitching damage, Damaged or deformed connecting parts, Debris and construction waste on the net, For a knotted net, defects in the knots, UV degradation The network should not be used if it fails the visual inspection. It should be repaired or permanently decommissioned. Ongoing minimum network inspection requirements are defined in Annex B of TS EN 1263-1.
GENERAL EXPERIMENTS
General experiments include the following aspects: Visual inspections, Measurement of network lengths, Measurement of network weight. Test methods and requirements are defined in Clause 7 of TS EN 1263-1 Standard.
UV DEGRADATION TESTS Security nets should be subjected to testing every 12 months to determine the amount of UV degradation and to ensure that the manufacturer's minimum energy absorption capacity will be maintained for the next 12 months. (See 2.11 Removable Test Net) One of the attached test nets is removed for the annual test. Test net eyes should remain attached to the net until required for testing. Safety nets that have been in use for more than 12 months should include the current test label attached to the net that demonstrates compliance with the manufacturer's minimum energy absorption capacity in the most recent test. Test methods related to UV degradation are defined in Clause 7.7 of TS EN 1263-1 Standard.
OBJECTS FALLING ON THE NET
Security nets can catch falling workers as well as falling objects. Falling debris and objects can damage the net and, if left on the net, can pose a danger for the following reasons: Falling workers can get injured, Excessive loading and stretching of the net can occur, It increases the height of the fall. Figure 26: Objects falling on the net When an object (construction debris, etc.) falls onto the net, work should be stopped, the object should be removed from the net, and before work resumes, the net should be inspected by an authorized person. 7.5 NET MAINTENANCE The nets should not be damaged during usage and storage. Damage can occur due to the following reasons: Prolonged exposure to UV rays, Sharp objects, Wear and tear, Sparks or heat exposure due to welding, grinding, or burning, Adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, Heavy loads or impacts. When working with nets during installation or removal, nets should not be dragged on the ground, and they should be prevented from coming into contact with sharp edges.
REPAIR
For the repair of security nets and assessment of suitability for continuous use, contact the manufacturer and repairs should preferably be carried out by authorized individuals in a controlled environment away from the construction site, considering the manufacturer's instructions. Repairs should be made using new materials compatible with the net, similar in nature to the net eye rope, as recommended by the manufacturer. Repair of damaged edge ropes should be done using ropes with a minimum tensile strength of 30 kN. Repair of tie ropes should not be done; they should be decommissioned. After repairing the net, a tag indicating the person who performed the repair and the repair date should be placed on the net.