Frequently Asked Questions About Safety Nets

Safety nets are crucial fall protection systems used on construction sites to ensure the safety of workers by absorbing the energy of falls and reducing the risk of injuries. They are engineered to comply with the EN1263-1 standard and follow FASET good practice guides, guaranteeing top-tier safety and compliance across diverse residential construction and commercial construction applications.

Safety nets are essential because they provide a practical solution to meet health and safety requirements, providing a robust system designed to deflect and absorb the energy of falls to reduce the risk of injuries. They are manufactured to EN1263-1 standards, which helps construction sites fulfill legal and safety obligations economically and effectively.

No, GAPrie does not provide installation services for safety nets. However, we specialize in supplying high-quality safety nets to professional installers. Additionally, we offer comprehensive training through our Safety Net Rigger training program, accredited by FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training). This program equips trainees with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and efficiently install safety nets, providing a 5-year FASET certification upon successful completion. This ensures that those installing the nets are fully qualified to meet industry standards and safety regulations.

Safety nets must be tested every 12 months to determine the amount of UV deterioration and to make sure the manufacturer’s minimum energy absorption capacity will be maintained for the next 12 months.

Test meshes are attached to the safety net and removed one at a time for annual testing. Test meshes must remain attached to the net until needed for testing. Do not use test meshes for any other purpose.

Nets more than 12 months old must have a current test tag or label attached to the net to confirm the net met the manufacturer’s energy absorption capacity requirements at the most recent testing. Keep the corresponding certificate with details on site. The test tag and certificate must not expire while the net is in use.

Each of GAPrie’s safety nets includes three test meshes (separate pieces of mesh attached to the safety net) specifically for this purpose.

GAPrie provides net testing services. Simply send one test mesh from each net needing assessment to our facility at 2/27 Poturi Street, Tauriko, Tauranga, NZ, along with your company's name, email, and address. We will conduct the tests and issue new certification cards for each net that passes, valid for 12 months. Any net that fails the test must be decommissioned to ensure safety compliance.

GAPrie’s net testing lead time depends on the quantity of nets provided for testing. Most tests are carried out within 3-4 weeks. If you have any urgent net tests please contact our team.

Net testing carried out by GAPrie costs $3.75 + GST per test.

Yes, GAPrie’s safety nets are designed for reusability, provided they continue to pass safety checks and are properly maintained. This feature adds to the economical value of our nets, allowing for extended use across various projects with consistent safety assurance.

GAPrie is the only FASET-accredited training facility in Australasia, providing comprehensive safety net installation training. This training ensures that teams are not only equipped to meet but exceed safety standards, enhancing workplace safety across industries. For more detailed guidance or to book your training, please visit GAPrie's training page.

Choosing GAPrie means partnering with a leader in safety who places integrity and safety at the heart of our operations. Our commitment is to creating safer work environments where workers can return home safely every day. We provide top-quality safety nets, expert installation, and accredited training programs.

When installing safety nets, you have a couple of robust options from GAPrie's product range that ensure secure and compliant installations:

1. Aluminium Brackets (J Hooks): These brackets are designed for ease and efficiency, allowing for quick installation without interfering with other construction elements such as roof trusses. They are particularly useful in residential construction where clear access is needed. The brackets are installed below the top plate, providing a secure anchor point for the safety nets.
2. Net Claws: Available in various sizes (25mm, 40mm, and 75mm openings), net claws are ideal for commercial and industrial construction projects. They are used to hang safety nets from steel I-beams, ensuring a firm and secure hold. The versatility of the size options allows them to accommodate different beam widths, making them suitable for a wide range of structural requirements.

Both of these options are designed to meet stringent safety standards and are compatible with GAPrie’s safety nets, which are manufactured according to EN1263-1 standards. Using these fixings not only facilitates compliance with safety regulations but also enhances the overall integrity and reliability of the safety net installation.

The cost of safety nets is $6.30 per m/2 + GST. To get an accurate cost estimate tailored to your project's needs, please add the sizes you require to your cart online, or contact GAPrie directly for a quote if you need assistance with selecting sizes.

Typically products which are in stock on our online store will be dispatched within 1-3 business days. For accurate lead time information on items which are out of stock, please contact our customer service team directly. We strive to meet your project timelines efficiently.

GAPrie nets are certified to meet EN1263-1 standards, a crucial factor in ensuring they are suitable for protecting workers from falls on construction sites.

GAPrie offers customization options for unique size, or colour requirements. Please contact GAPrie directly for a quote and lead time.

GAPrie provides a FASET accredited 2 day safety net riggers training course.  Successful applicants will get a 5 year FASET card stating they have been deemed competent and familiar with the Code of Practice. For more detailed guidance or to book your training, please visit GAPrie's training page.

Yes, damaged safety nets can often be repaired to extend their use, provided the damage is not too extensive. The repair process must comply with specific standards (BS EN 1263-1), and should be conducted using materials approved by the manufacturer. Methods such as patch repairs using repair twine or C rings are common, depending on the location and extent of the damage. However, it’s crucial that repairs are performed by individuals who have undergone appropriate training, such as the FASET Safety Net Repair Course offered by GAPrie, to ensure the repairs maintain the net's safety integrity.

To repair knotless safety nets, the use of a patch repair or single strand repair with repair twine is recommended. The patch should be of new material and comply with BS EN 1263-1 standards. For multi-mesh cuts, a patch repair with at least one mesh overlap around the damaged area is necessary. This repair should involve double knotting the repair twine at each node to secure the patch.

A rope that passes through each mesh around the net’s perimeter and determines the net’s overall dimensions.

The catching width is the horizontal distance from the edge of a work platform to the outer edge of the safety net