Working at Heights – Your First Line of Fall Protection

Working at Heights – why Safety Nets are important to your project

Working at height remains one of the top safety risks in UK construction. For teams installing metal decking or performing stud welding, fall arrest systems are not optional, they’re lifesaving.

Safety netting is one of the most effective passive fall protection systems. At RMD Profiles, we offer supply and fix packages that include net installation, coordinated to CDM standards and UKMDA/FASET guidance.

Here’s why safety netting should be part of your decking strategy.

1. Why Use Safety Nets?

According to the BCSA Code of Practice, FASET, HSE and UKMDA Bulletins, nets are vital because they:

Provide fall arrest for operatives working above 2m
Act as protection for trades below
Don’t rely on user behaviour like harnesses do
Comply with CDM and BS EN 1263-1 standards

2. How Safety Nets Are Installed

Safety nets are usually:

Suspended beneath the working deck level (Important note: To ensure effective installation, avoid obstructing the ability to hook nets to the outside edge of the bottom flange beam. This can easily be blocked by operatives erecting boards or building blockwork up to the beam’s underbelly, which compromises attachment points and overall safety.)
Installed before decking begins
Secured to structural steel using certified fixings

At RMD Profiles, our install team:

Uses FASET-trained riggers.
Installs in accordance with BS EN 1263-2 standards.
Coordinates timing carefully to avoid rework or trade clashes.
Includes net layout and safety details in the safety file.

While FASET training ensures our riggers have the skills for safe and compliant installation, the technical requirements for safety netting systems come from UKMDA, BCSA, and CDM standards.

3. Key Considerations from Site

From the UKMDA TGB 03, only one level should be installed through with a MEWP to avoid rescue complications

Also important:

Ensure ground conditions can support MEWPs
Avoid clashing with edge protection
Sequence trades properly, nets first, then decking

4. When to Use Netting vs Airbags or Harnesses

Method	Best For	Limitations
Safety Netting	Most decking installs >2m high	Requires steel fixing points
Air Bags	Small drop heights (e.g. stair voids)	Space and trip hazards
Harness Systems	Short duration, non-repetitive work	Needs constant inspection

Note: The guidance on when to use safety netting, airbags, or harnesses is primarily based on UKMDA, BCSA, and CDM regulations. FASET training provides essential skills for the proper installation and rigging of these systems but does not define the technical criteria for their use.

Learn more about fall protection in decking in our Fall Arrest System Services page.

5. RMD Profiles Full Safety Net Service

We don’t just throw up nets. We:

Provide layout drawings
Coordinate with structural steel plans
Include rescue procedures and handovers
Ensure system checks are logged

Whether you’re installing MF80 or TR60, we make sure safety is locked in from day one.

Safety netting isn’t just a compliance tick, it’s a culture of prevention. With RMD Profiles, your site is protected from the moment decking begins. Our trained team handles it all, from planning to safe installation. Contact us today to include safety netting in your next project.

Working at Height Safety Systems: Working at Height Safety & Roof Fall Protection, click here