35 7.12 Testing the dynamic strength of safety nets System V net with border rope attached to a gallow type support ..... This European Standard is one of a series of standards as listed
Symbols
The mainly used symbols are given in Table 1
1 γ 1 general safety factor for production and handling of the material; γ 1 = 1,5 —
2 γ 2 specific coefficient for the deterioration due to ageing, see 7.7 or 7.8, γ 2 never less than 1 and shows at least 12 months service life
4 E A action value of energy for a net of class A (characteristic value) kJ
5 E B action value of energy for a net of class B (characteristic value) kJ
6 E 0 value of breaking energy under reference conditions obtained from the recorded data of a net sample in the as new state kJ
7 E 12 calculated value of breaking energy under reference conditions of a net sample after 12 months of ageing kJ
8 E 6 calculated value of breaking energy as of a net sample after six month of ageing kJ
9 E vi from recorded test data calculated value of energy capacity of the mesh sample i subjected to ageing adjacent to the maximum tensile force F vi
10 E oj from recorded test data calculated value of energy capacity of the mesh sample j in the as new state adjacent to the maximum tensile force Fvj
11 A vi definite integral in the interval 0 ≤ Δv ≤ Δv vi obtained from the recorded data of the breaking test with the mesh sample i subjected to ageing, see Figure 12 cm 2
12 A oj definite integral in the interval 0 ≤ Δv ≤ Δv 0j , obtained from the recorded data of the breaking test with the mesh sample j in the as new state, see Figure 13 cm 2
13 F vi recorded maximum tensile force of the mesh sample i subjected to ageing
14 F oj recorded maximum tensile force of the mesh sample j in the as new state
15 Δv vi extension at maximum tensile force F vi of the mesh sample i (i
16 Δv oj extension at maximum tensile force F oj of the mesh sample j (j
= 1,…,10) in the as new state m
NOTE “as new state” means: of the same properties as a new one.
Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply
3.2.1 mesh series of ropes arranged in a basic geometric pattern (either in squares or diamonds) with four knots or connecting points, forming a net
3.2.3 safety net net supported by a border rope, other supporting elements or a combination of these designed to catch persons falling from a height
3.2.4 mesh size distance between two knots or connections of mesh rope measured from the centre to the centre of these connections
3.2.5 mesh rope rope from which the meshes of a net are manufactured
3.2.6 border rope rope which passes through each mesh at the perimeter of a net and determines the perimetric dimensions of the safety net
3.2.7 tie rope rope used for securing the border rope to a suitable support
3.2.8 coupling rope rope that joins two or more safety nets together
The test mesh section of the safety net is designed to be removable, allowing for the assessment of any deterioration caused by aging while ensuring the net's performance remains unaffected.
Note 1 to entry: The test mesh should consist of at least three meshes
3.2.10 supporting framework structure to which nets are attached and which contributes to the absorption of kinetic energy in case of dynamic actions
3.2.11 class classification for the net respective to energy absorption capacity and mesh size
3.2.12 system assembly of safety net components, which forms an equipment to be used in accordance with the instruction manual
Nets
This standard specifies four classes of net with maximum mesh sizes (l M , see Figure 6) and nominated values of energy which may act on the net (E A and E B ) as follows:
The values \(E_A\) and \(E_B\) indicate the characteristic energy values, excluding the general safety factor \(\gamma\) and the specific coefficient \(\gamma_2\) related to aging deterioration, which are detailed in section 6.3.
Safety nets
Four systems of safety net shall be identified:
1) System S: Safety net with border rope (for example, see Figure 1), the smallest size shall be at least
35 m 2 For rectangular safety nets the length of the shortest side shall be at least 5,0 m;
Small safety nets (less than 35 m 2 and 5,0 m on the shortest side) are not part of this standard and should be determined by national regulations where applicable
2) System T: Safety net attached on brackets for horizontal use (for example, see Figure 2);
3) System U: Safety net attached to supporting framework for vertical use (for example, see Figure 3);
4) System V: Safety net with border rope attached to a gallow type support (for example, see Figure 4) a) square mesh (Q) b) diamond mesh (D) Figure 1 — Safety net System S (net with border rope)
Figure 2 — Safety net System T (net attached on brackets for horizontal use)
Figure 3 — Safety net system U attached to supporting framework for vertical use
Figure 4 — Safety net System V (net with border rope attached to a gallow type support)
Ropes
The properties and requirements of ropes that may be used in conjunction with safety nets are given in Table 2 To evaluate those properties, see EN ISO 2307
Table 2 — Types of ropes, properties and requirements
Rope Minimum tensile strength (kN)
Denomination without ends with a loop without a loop 7,5 10 15 20 30
When the net is secured using single ropes, it involves Rope K, Rope P, and Rope W, which serve as the border ropes In contrast, when double ropes are utilized, Rope L and Rope F function as tie ropes, designed for single use with a specific load-bearing diameter.
Rope R and H (tie rope, doubled use with two load bearing diameters) c) Rope M and G (tie rope, single use with only one load bearing diameter)
Rope Z and J (tie rope, doubled use with two load bearing diameters) d) Rope N (coupling rope) e) Rope O (coupling rope)
NOTE End of ropes are secured to prevent unravelling
Safety net
A safety net designation must specify its name, reference the relevant European Standard, describe the safety net system, and provide details on mesh size, mesh configuration, net size, and the level of production inspection.
System of safety net S, see
Mesh configuration (Q)and mesh sizes in mm, see Figure 1 a)
Type of ongoing production inspection level “M”, if Annex B is applied
Rope
The designation of a rope shall include its denomination in accordance with 4.3, Table 2, and a reference to this European Standard
Construction
The mesh rope must consist of at least three independent threads and be designed to prevent unraveling It should undergo testing as specified in section 7.3, ensuring that it can support the test mass without incurring any damage.
NOTE Knotted net construction is unlikely to exhibit this condition
Nets must feature either a square (Q) or diamond (D) mesh design, as illustrated in Figures 6 a) and 6 b) For net classes A 1 and B 1, the mesh size (l M) must not exceed 60 mm, while for classes A 2 and B 2, it should not exceed 100 mm Compliance with these mesh size requirements should be verified according to section 7.2, which details the arrangements for both square and diamond mesh types.
Figure 6 — Mesh size and arrangement
The border rope shall pass through each mesh at the edges of the net, whether sewn or not
The joint between the ends of a border rope shall be secured against unintentionally becoming undone This can be achieved, e.g by splicing Border rope shall be tested in accordance with 7.3
All rope ends in safety nets must be secured to prevent unravelling, which can be achieved through methods such as melting, tying, or sewing with rigging yarn Additionally, knots or connections within the selvage of the net should be reinforced to avoid accidental opening, typically through a minimum of sewn overlocking.
The internal length of a loop shall be at least 150 mm, see Figure 5
6.1.5 Test mesh for yearly inspection
Safety nets must include at least one test mesh, which should be loosely threaded through the net's meshes and secured in the border area This test mesh must originate from the same production run as the corresponding net To ensure proper identification of the test mesh's origin, seals with matching identity numbers must be affixed to both the test mesh and the related net.
The framework must be constructed to support the net by securing each mesh rope directly or anchoring it along the edge at intervals no greater than 2.5 meters, utilizing the border rope.
While the distance between the gallows (see Figure 4) shall be ≤ 5,00 m, the border rope at the top is supported due to the construction at these distances.
Tensile strength of ropes
The Rope K must achieve a minimum tensile breaking force of 30.0 kN when tested in accordance with section 7.5 Additionally, the joint connecting the ends of Rope K is required to have a minimum tensile breaking force of 24.0 kN.
The minimum tensile breaking force for Rope P and Rope W must be 20.0 kN, as tested according to section 7.5 Additionally, the joint connecting the ends of Rope P and Rope W should have a minimum tensile breaking force of 16.0 kN.
The Ropes K, P and W shall be twisted or braided
NOTE 1 The values of the minimum tensile breaking force include a safety factor of 2,0
NOTE 2 Twist means one thread round about another to form a cord Braid means: Interwoven or plaited
The rope L or M must achieve a minimum tensile breaking force of 30.0 kN as per the testing standards outlined in section 7.5 In contrast, the rope R or Z is required to have a minimum tensile breaking force of 15.0 kN when subjected to the same testing criteria.
The Rope F shall have a minimum tensile breaking force of 20,0 kN when tested in accordance with 7.5 The Ropes F, G, H, R, J, L, M and Z shall be twisted or braided
NOTE The values of the minimum tensile breaking force include a safety factor of 2,0
Rope N and Rope O shall have a minimum tensile breaking force of 7,5 kN when tested according to 7.5 The Ropes N and O shall be twisted or braided
NOTE The value of the minimum tensile breaking force includes a safety factor of 2,0.
Energy absorption capacity of the test mesh
During the annual inspection, it is essential to demonstrate that the test mesh maintains adequate resistance against deterioration caused by aging over the course of one year The verification of this sufficient capacity, considering the effects of aging, will be conducted in accordance with section 7.7.
Static strength of a net sample
E 0 the breaking energy of a net in the as new state, see 7.4.3;
E N the action value of energy for class N = A and class N = B, see 4.1; γ 1 the general safety factor; γ 1 = 1,5 ; γ 2 the specific coefficient for the deterioration due to ageing, see 7.7 resp 7.8
When testing in accordance with 7.4, the vertical displacement of the test mass up to the point at which the net brakes shall be between 0,8 m and 1,5 m.
Dynamic strength of safety net System S (net with border rope)
System S safety nets, equipped with a border rope, must undergo testing as specified in section 7.9 During dynamic action, the net's maximum instantaneous deflection should not surpass 75% of its shortest side length Each test requires the net to securely hold a designated test mass, and while some permanent deformation and breakage of mesh ropes is allowed, the integrity of the net must be maintained.
Dynamic strength of safety net System T (net attached on brackets for horizontal use)
The Safety Nets System T will undergo testing as per section 7.10, ensuring that the maximum instantaneous deflection under dynamic action does not surpass the length of the net's shortest side Each test will involve the net securely holding the test mass, with allowances for permanent deformation, while ensuring that the test mass does not make contact with any part of the supporting framework.
Dynamic strength of safety net System U (net attached to supporting construction for
System U safety nets must undergo testing as specified in section 7.11, ensuring that the test mass is securely held by the net during each evaluation While permanent deformation of the net is allowed, it is crucial that the mesh ropes along the net's edge do not break.
Dynamic strength of safety net System V (net with border rope attached to a gallow type support)
6.7 Dynamic strength of safety net System U (net attached to supporting construction for vertical use)
System U safety nets must undergo testing as specified in section 7.11, ensuring that the test mass is securely held by the net during each evaluation While permanent deformation of the net is allowed, it is crucial that the mesh ropes at the edges do not break.
6.8 Dynamic strength of safety net System V (net with border rope attached to a gallow type support)
Safety nets System V will undergo testing as per section 7.12, ensuring that the maximum instantaneous deflection under dynamic action does not surpass 50% of the shortest side's length Each test will require the net to securely hold the test mass, and while permanent deformation is allowed, it must remain within specified limits.
General
Unless otherwise indicated testing shall be conducted by way of visual examination, length measurement and by weighing
Ropes need not be subjected to further testing if evidence of the tensile strength according to EN ISO 2307 has been furnished by the manufacturer by way of certificates
Prior to the test the nets and ropes shall have been stored at an air temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and a relative humidity of (65 ± 5) % for 72 h.
Dimensional inspection of the mesh size
For dimensional inspection of mesh size, it is essential to cut at least 7 meshes from the production sequence Suspend the top mesh from a fixing point with a diameter of (11 ± 1) mm To the seventh mesh, attach a weight with a mass of (1 + 0.0, 2) kg, ensuring that the weight hangs freely from its fixing point.
The section L is measured over 5 meshes between the connecting point of the first and second mesh and the connecting point of the 6th and 7th mesh
The measurement shall be started after a period of (60 ± 10) s has elapsed The mesh size l M (half mesh) is obtained by dividing L by 10
2 fixing point at the 1st mesh
Test method for mesh rope
A net sample measuring 3 l M is created by cutting a section from the net material, which incorporates the lengths of three mesh ropes and features two connection points (knots), as illustrated in Figure 8.
1 cutting points of the mesh yarn
2 test sample includes the lengths of three mesh ropes (3 l M )
The test apparatus features a securely mounted holder equipped with a clamp for the upper end of the test sample, along with a test mass of (2 ± 0.1) kg and a second clamp for the lower end It is designed to allow the test mass to be elevated by a minimum of 50 mm before being released, as illustrated in Figure 9.
2 fastening clamp to fix the upper end of the test sample
5 section in which the cutting points of the mesh bars (thread) are located
6 fastening clamp to fix the lower end of the test sample
Before testing, both legs of an outer thread system must be severed between the connection points The upper end of the test sample is secured to a rigid clamp, while the lower end is attached to a test mass clamp positioned three mesh widths (\$l_M\$) away The test sample is then suspended freely, and the test mass is elevated to allow for a free fall of 50 degrees.
The procedure involves releasing the test mass and repeating the process 10 times It is essential to monitor the test sample to determine if it can support the test mass and to assess whether the cut continues to progress at the neighboring connection points.
Test for the static strength of nets
Three identical (3 ± 0,1) m × (3 ± 0,1) m net samples shall be selected by random
7.4.2 Test mass and test apparatus
The test mass shall consist of:
— a smooth-surfaced steel sphere of (500 ± 10) mm diameter and a mass of not less than 50 kg
The test apparatus shall consist of:
— a traction device with a tractive power of at least 50 kN at a velocity of (1 ± 0,1) m/min;
A stable frame is constructed using horizontal tube steel with a diameter of 48.3 mm and a wall thickness of 2.9 mm, which is securely fixed together and supported rigidly, such as on an anchored rack.
— a dynamometer with recording unit able to record an accuracy of ± 1 % of the value displayed in a range between 5 kN and 50 kN;
— a measuring instrument for displacement able to record an accuracy of ± 1 % of the value displayed in a range between 0,25 m and 2,5 m
5 test mass: steel ball ỉ 500 mm
9 displacement of the test mass
Figure 10 — Static energy absorption test for nets, (principal sketch)
The datum level for determining this displacement shall be assumed to be the plane surface defined by the centre lines of the frame tubes, see Figure 10
Prior to testing the deflection of the unloaded test sample shall be (5 ± 1) cm
Every single border mesh of the net shall be fixed to the frame tubes with karabiners, see Figure 11
Figure 11 — Fixing the net to the frame tubes, (principal sketch)
The force shall be applied to the test mass located at the centre of the net until the net is ruptured
The breaking energy E 0 measured by the test shall be recorded
The displacement of the test mass representing the displacement in the net's centre shall be recorded.
Test for the breaking load of border-, tie- and coupling ropes
The breaking load of the border-, tie- or coupling ropes shall be determined in accordance with EN ISO 2307.
Test for the energy absorption capacity of the net mesh
The energy absorption capacity of the mesh shall be determined in accordance with 7.7.4 or 7.8.4.
Natural ageing test
To determine the specific coefficient γ 2 for deterioration due to aging, it is essential to assess the energy absorption capacity of the net mesh This evaluation should include 10 test samples in their new state and 10 test samples that have undergone natural aging.
The period of the natural ageing test shall be at least 12 months with the net for the mesh samples placed outdoors in a horizontal position
When assessing the deterioration of net materials, it is crucial to consider the ambient conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, and hours of insolation, at the test exposure site.
Ten random samples must be collected from a sufficiently sized additional net sample for the traction test in accordance with EN ISO 1806, immediately after delivery in their new state, followed by an additional ten samples taken after exposure to aging.
The traction test shall be carried out with a test machine tested according to EN ISO 7500-1
The machine shall be equipped with instruments:
— to measure the elongation of the samples at the breaking point;
— to measure the appertaining tension force;
The accuracy shall be ± 1 % of the value displayed in an area between 10 % and 100 % of the measuring range
7.7.4 Determination of the capacity of the test mesh
The samples shall be attached to the machine by means of a special attachment device, e.g as shown in
EN ISO 1806 Bolts with a diameter of (20 ± 1) mm are to be used for the clamping device, any attachment device, e.g as shown in EN ISO 1806
The test procedure shall follow the requirements of EN ISO 1806 with the following exceptions:
The knots of the mesh of knotted nets may be fixed at the free ends to prevent the mesh ropes slipping through the knode
The test rate for all meshes should be (200 ± 10) mm/min irrespective of the length of the test
Prior to the test samples shall be conditioned on a climatic chamber at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity in accordance with ISO 554
The energy \( E_{vi} \), represented by the area \( A_{vi} \) under the force-elongation graph, will be calculated for each sample \( i \) (where \( i = 10 \)) subjected to aging, as illustrated in Figure 12.
The force-elongation graph of the mesh samples, as shown in Figure 12, illustrates the impact of ageing on their performance The energy \( E_{oj} \), represented by the area \( A_{oj} \) under the force-elongation curve, will be calculated for each sample \( j \) (where \( j = 1 \ldots 10 \)), as depicted in Figure 13.
The force-elongation graph of the mesh samples in their new state is illustrated in Figure 13 Additionally, the relationship \( R \) is calculated by comparing the total energy \( E_{vi} \) of 10 aged samples to the total energy of three samples in their new condition.
R oj vi d) Calculation of the arithmetical mean 〈F 0 〉 of the tensile breaking force of the tensile breaking force F vi of
10 samples in the as new state and 〈F v 〉 of the tensile breaking force F oj of 10 samples subjected to ageing:
F oj is the maximum tensile force of the sample j in the as-new state, in newtons;
The maximum tensile force of sample i subjected to aging is denoted as F vi in newtons Additionally, the correlation coefficient (L 12) is used to analyze the relationship between the breaking energy of a mesh and that of a net, both in relation to aging.
R F L the calculated loss of breaking energy ΔE 12 of a net under reference conditions (20 ± 2) °C, (65 ± 5) % relative humidity after ageing over a period of 12 months is calculated as follows: if L 12 ≤ 0, ΔE 12 = 0 if L 12 > 0, ΔE 12 = E 0 ã L 12 and E 12 = E 0 − ΔE 12 where
E 0 breaking energy of a net in the as new state under reference conditions;
E 12 breaking energy of a net after 12 months of ageing under reference conditions
7.7.4.3 Calculation of the specific coefficient γ 2 for deterioration due to ageing
The specific coefficient γ 2 of the respective net for the deterioration due to ageing over a period of at least
12 months is given by the equation
Artificial ageing test
To determine the specific coefficient γ 2 for deterioration due to aging, the energy absorption capacity of the net mesh must be assessed using three test samples in their new state and three additional samples subjected to artificial aging, in the absence of natural aging results.
For the selection of test samples see 7.7.2
The test chamber and the test method for the accelerated ageing test shall comply with the specifications of
EN ISO 4892-1 if there are no other specifications given in the following: a) Source of light:
The cylindrical medium or long xenon arc lamp, when paired with an internal quartz filter and an external borosilicate filter, effectively eliminates wavelengths below 290 nm, which are nearly absent from the solar spectrum.
The speed of rotation of the rack shall be between 1 min –1 and 5 min –1 c) Watering device:
The testing process involves using rainwater type sprayers to evenly water the front surface of all samples, with a jet angle of 50° and a flow rate between 15 l/h and 25 l/h These sprayers must be vertically aligned and supplied with water that has a resistivity of 10^6 Ω·cm or higher.
The illuminating energy of the lamp shall be inspected at the start of each period of exposure in a dry atmosphere (a maximum relative humidity of the air of 30 %) using a radiometer
The radiometer used shall incorporate an interferential filter centred on (365 ± 2) nm; its bandwidth is indicated by the curve in Figures 14 and 15, the bandwidth being equal to (20 ± 3) nm for transmission τ ≥ 60 %
To avoid any deterioration of the measuring apparatus, the inspection shall be performed at ambient temperature
The radiometer shall be placed at the same distance from the lamp as the test samples and in its median plane
To achieve the highest reading of radiated energy, it is essential to adjust the angular position of the radiometer according to the specified lamp power setting.
Since this operation is potentially damaging the health of operators, it is recommended to take the necessary precautions to avoid any hazards during handling
With this type of apparatus, the power of the lamp should be adjusted at each inspection to obtain a mean lighting energy E m equal to (2,2 ± 0,2) in mW/cm 2
When using an integrating radiometer, inspections must be conducted at a rotation speed of 2 min\(^{-1}\) The measurement should quantify the radiant energy received by the radiometer in millijoules per square centimeter over a minimum of four complete rotations (n ≥ 4).
The inspection will involve taking eight measurements around the periphery at regular intervals of 1/4, with each measurement lasting between 15 to 20 seconds.
The radiometer shall be calibrated periodically, in relation to a reference standard radiometer, calibrated by an authorized body e) Relative humidity:
The air's relative humidity in the test chamber must be kept within specified limits for each conditioning phase, and it should be measured with a suitable instrument shielded from lamp radiation Additionally, temperature control is essential.
The temperature (ΘE) of the chamber around the test samples shall be measured with protection from the lamp radiation
The temperature of the black panel thermometer (Θ) positioned near the test samples in the median plane of the lamp must remain within the specified limits, regardless of its location along the rack: \$\Theta_E + 15 \leq \Theta \leq \Theta_E + 25\$ degrees Celsius.
If a different location is chosen for the thermometer, the permissible temperature limit values shall be determined by previous calibration such that the range of temperatures indicated above is respected
The surface condition of the black panel shall be checked once a week
Key τ transmission in percent λ wavelength in nanometers
Figure 14 — Filtered radiometer band between 300 nm and 420 nm
In the case of contradicting specifications, 7.8.3 shall prevail over EN ISO 4892-1
The three samples shall be mounted to the test rack according to Figure 16
Figure 16 — Positioning of the samples in the ageing chamber
The samples shall be exposed to the ageing cycle for 336 times (see Figure 17), the cycle being:
— 20 min of spraying with distilled water at (20 ± 2) °C;
— 10 min of increasing the ambient temperature to 80 °C;
— 100 min of drying at a temperature of (80 ± 2) °C and (15 ± 5) % relative humidity;
— 10 min of decreasing the temperature to 60 °C;
— 90 min of exposure to UV-radiation at a temperature of 60 °C, measured with a thermometer with a black background, with the ambient temperature being (36 ± 2) °C and the relative humidity being (20 ± 5) %;
— 10 min of decreasing the temperature to 20 °C
The test's maximum duration, including any periods of inactivity, is set at 70 days, which simulates a natural aging period of 6 months If a natural aging period of 12 months is desired, the test duration will be extended accordingly.
3 UV-radiation t time in minutes Θ temperature in degrees Celsius
7.8.4 Determination of the capacity of the net mesh
For the test procedure, see 7.7.4.1
The results of the artificial ageing interpretation can be found in section 7.7.4.2, with the exception of the correlation coefficient between the breaking energy of a mesh and that of a net, both in relation to ageing.
E 0 is the breaking energy of a net in a new state under reference conditions;
E 6 is the breaking energy of a net after 6 months of ageing under reference conditions
7.8.4.3 Calculation of the specific coefficient γ 2 for deterioration due to ageing
The calculated loss of energy ΔE 12 of a net after ageing over a period of at least 12 months is given by the relation ΔE 6 = E 0 − E 6 ΔE 12 = 2 ΔE 6 and E 12 = E 0 − ΔE 12 where
E 0 breaking energy of a net in a new state under reference conditions;
E 12 breaking energy of a net after 12 months of ageing under reference conditions
The specific coefficient γ 2 of the respective net for the deterioration due to ageing over a period of at least 12 months is given by the formula:
Testing the dynamic strength of safety nets System S (net with border ropes)
For testing the dynamic strength a net sample of System S safety nets of (5 ± 0,1) m × (7 ± 0,1) m length of sides (measured from edge to edge) shall be used
The test mass shall be the steel sphere as described in 7.4.2, but deviating concerning the mass which shall be (100 ± 1) kg
The test sample must be securely suspended at its four corners using a border rope, as illustrated in Figure 18 Each fixing point should have a diameter of (11 ± 1) mm Prior to commencing the test, a pretensioning force of 500 N must be applied at each anchorage point, with an accuracy of ± 10% Additionally, the initial sag of the sample should be measured.
The test mass will be dropped twice into the center of the test sample, with the drop height calibrated to ensure that the energy of the test mass reaches 7 kJ, maintaining an accuracy of ± 1%.
The second test shall be carried out within (30 ± 15) min after the first test
After each test the maximum displacement shall be recorded and compared with the value specified in 6.5
Figure 18 — Dynamic test method for safety net system S
Testing the dynamic strength of safety nets System T (nets attached on brackets for
The test mass shall be the steel sphere as described in 7.9.2
The test sample shall be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions
The test mass will be dropped twice into the center of the net positioned between two brackets The drop height will be calibrated to ensure that the energy of the test mass reaches 7 kJ, with an accuracy of ± 1%.
The test shall be repeated twice with another sample in those areas of the net hanging above elements of the supporting framework, (see Figure 19 position b))
No parts whether damaged or not shall be replaced between the first and the second drop of these tests
During testing, the instantaneous deflection of the net must be documented and compared to the specified value in section 6.6 Additionally, it is essential to verify, as shown in Figure 19 position b), that no parts of the net make contact with the supporting framework during or after the test.
Figure 19 — Dynamic test method for safety net System T
Testing the dynamic strength of safety nets System U (net attached to supporting
For each test, a sample measuring (1.0 x 2.0) m, including frame fastening means, will be utilized (refer to Figure 20) To prevent the overlock joint from unintentionally coming undone, it must be secured by overlapping at least 20 cm.
7.11.2 Test mass and test apparatus
The test mass will be a cylindrical object weighing (75 ± 1) kg, measuring (1,000 ± 10) mm in length and (300 ± 5) mm in diameter It must be constructed with a minimum of 25 mm of rubber, featuring a smooth surface free of sharp edges.
The test ramp must be flat and inclined at an angle of (60 ± 3)° to the horizontal, with a minimum length of 5.0 meters Refer to Figure 20 for the test ramp's positioning.
Figure 20 — Inclined test ramp for safety net System U
The test sample must be installed following the manufacturer's guidelines Each sample will undergo two rolling motion tests directed at the center of the net It is essential that no parts, regardless of their condition, are replaced between the first and second tests.
Check whether the test mass is held by the safety net System U after the test.
Testing the dynamic strength of safety nets System V (net with border rope attached to a
The dynamic strength of System V safety nets will be tested using a net sample with dimensions of (5 ± 0.1) m by (7 ± 0.1) m, measured from edge to edge, and supported by two gallow-type supports.
The test mass shall be the steel sphere as described in 7.9.2
The net must be securely fastened to the gallow-type supports, as illustrated in Figure 21, and should be connected to the testing supports in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, similar to the lower border rope.
The distance between the supporting structures shall be (5 ± 0,1) m
Each gallow type support shall be attached to the structure in accordance with the instruction of the manufacturer
The lower border rope of the net shall be fastened using spiral hooks (“pigs tails”) placed every (0,5 ± 0,02) m
The test rig shall simulate the fixing of hooks into a concrete slab The net may not pass over an edge in any test
The sag, E, of the outer border ropes (see Figure 21) due to self-weight shall be (0,3 ± 0,05) m
The test mass will be dropped twice into the center between the two gallow-type supports, positioned at a horizontal distance equal to 50% of the projection of the supports This distance will always be a minimum of 1.0 meters from the attachment points of the lower border rope of the net.
The drop height shall be adjusted such that energy of the test mass is 7 kJ with an accuracy of ± 1 %
No parts whether damaged or not shall be replaced between the tests
After each test, the net's instantaneous deflection must be documented and compared to the value outlined in section 6.8 Additionally, it is essential to note whether any parts of the net made contact with the supporting structure during or after the test.
2 attachment points of the gallow
E sag of the border ropes
Figure 21 — Dynamic test method for safety net System V (Examples only)
Test report
The test report must adhere to this standard and include a description of the test samples, the test results, and a confirmation that the net meets all the requirements outlined in this standard.
Safety nets shall be marked with:
— the name or mark of the manufacturer or importer;
— the designation in accordance with 5.1;
— the identity number in accordance with 6.1.5;
— the year and month of manufacture of the net;
— the minimum energy absorption capacity and minimum breaking force of the test mesh;
— sign of the competent, independent organization (for inspection level M only), if Annex B is applied The marking shall be permanent
NOTE Examples of what constitutes permanent marking are labels or plastic discs sewn or riveted onto the net so that they cannot be removed without damaging it
The safety net will come with handling instructions that detail essential information on installation, usage, and dismantling, as well as guidelines for storage, care, and inspection It will specify the testing dates for the test meshes, outline the conditions for withdrawal from service, and provide warnings about potential hazards such as extreme temperatures and chemical influences, along with a declaration as stated in Clause 10.
Safety nets that have previously prevented a fall of a person or object must be inspected by a qualified individual before they can be reused.
The determined requirements for the product (the nets) in accordance with this European Standard shall be declared
This declaration may be supported by a declaration of the competent, independent organization mentioned in Annexes A and B, if Annexes A and B are agreed on
For prototype approval the manufacturer should ensure that the assessment of the prototype is carried out by an accredited organization
— check whether the performance requirements of this European Standard are fulfilled;
— carry out an independent check of all calculations;
— check whether the dimensions of the assessed safety nets conform to the manufacturer’s data
The independent organization's certificate must include the test report reference number and identify the examined equipment, linking it to the classification in Clause 5 It will confirm that the evaluated safety nets have been inspected according to the relevant clauses of EN 1263-1 and comply with this European Standard.
On-going production inspection
The manufacture of safety nets should be controlled by one of the following inspection methods:
The production quality control will be carried out by a manufacturer approved according to EN ISO 9000 series by a notified organization
— The manufacturer shall maintain an appropriate quality management system (e.g according to
The production quality control will be carried out by a notified organization
Minimum on-going quality control requirements are given in Table B.1
Table B.1 — Inspection of safety nets
Parameter Property to be checked Frequency of inspection by the manufacturer by a notified organization
Net mesh size 4.1 measurement per delivery or charge at least 1 measurement inspection within 5 years arrangement of meshes
Each product must undergo at least one visual inspection within a five-year period to ensure the security of the mesh edges Additionally, a test report must be submitted in accordance with EN 10204:2004, with at least one test conducted per delivery or charge to assess breaking energy.
Border rope tensile breaking force 6.2.1 submission of the test report in accordance with EN 10204:2004, 2.2 per delivery or charge at least 1 test within
5 years tensile breaking force of the joint 6.2.1 security of joint 6.1.3 visual inspection per product at least 1 visual inspection within 5 years
Arrangement of border rope for system S and V 6.1.3 visual inspection per product at least 1 visual inspection within 5 years
Dynamic strength of system S, T, U, V 6.5; 6.6; 6.7; 6.8 submission of the test report in accordance with EN 10204:2004, 2.2 per delivery or charge at least 1 test within
6.1.6 visual inspection per product at least 1 visual inspection within 5 years Fixing of the net 6.1.6
Test mesh Available 6.1.5 visual inspection per product at least 1 visual inspection within 5 years Marking and labelling available and durable
Clause 8 visual inspection per product at least 1 visual inspection within 5 years
Annual inspection of test mesh
During the annual inspection of the test mesh, at least one mesh must be tested according to section 7.7.4 The energy absorption capacity, or its average value, should meet or exceed the value indicated in the marking This requirement guarantees that the safety net possesses adequate energy absorption reserves for continued use over the next year.
NOTE If the test mesh fails within 5 % of the manufacturer’s minimum energy absorption capacity of the test mesh, a second test is permitted
EN 10204:2004, Metallic products — Types of inspection documents
EN ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements (ISO 9001)
EN ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories