07.D.01Workmen on unguarded platforms or scaffolds more than 20 feet above the ground or over water or machinery shall be protected by the use of safety nets. The use of safety belts and lifelines generally is not an acceptable substitute for nets.

07.D.02. Where public traffic or workmen are required to be under a work area, safety nets shall be required.

07.D.03. Nets required by 0.7.D.02 shall be lined with wire or synthetic netting of not more than 1-inch mesh. Wire mesh shall be made of not less than 22-gage wire and synthetic mesh of not less than Number 18 twine.

07.D.04. Operations requiring safety net protection shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested.

07.D.05. Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surfaces where workmen are exposed.

07.D.06. The maximum mesh size of nets shall be 6 inches by 6 inches.

07.D.07. Material and fabrication shall provide impact strength per unit of net width or length equal to 6 inches x 6 inches spacing of 3/8-inch diameter No. 1 grade pure manila. 1/4-inch nylon or 5/16-inch polypropylene rope. Rapid loss of strength of small members should be considered.

07.D.08. The net suspension system shall be designed and constructed with a safety factor of four and as a minimum shall withstand the test loading without permitting contact between the net and any surface or object below the net.

07.D.09. Forged steel safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports.

07.D.10. Connections between net panels shall develop the full strength of the net.

07.D.11. The net installation shall be tested by dropping a weight of 500 pounds, contained in not more than 5 cubic feet from 25 feet above the perimeter or a height equal to the distance from the net perimeter to the highest surface for which protection is furnished by the net, whichever is greater.

07.D.12. Nets shall be tested immediately after installation, relocation, or major repair. Tests shall be repeated at not more than six-month intervals.

07.D.13. Nets shall be inspected daily for damage from abrasions, chemicals, or heat. Repairs shall be made before work above the net is resumed.

07.D.14. Debris shall be removed from safety nets at least daily and combustible materials shall be removed before welding, cutting, or other operations producing sparks, slag, or other ignition sources are done above the net.