3308.5 Vertical Safety Netting Systems

Vertical safety netting shall be installed and maintained to cover all unenclosed perimeters.

The largest opening area for debris netting when used vertically shall not be larger than 1 square inch (25.4 mm²).

Where required, vertical safety netting shall extend to cover all openings in the unenclosed perimeter to a height of at least 60 inches (1524 mm) above the floor or, where installed at the roof level, the roof.

Vertical safety netting shall be secured to noncorrosive wire cable capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds (90.7 kg) applied in any direction except upward. The cables shall be located at a height of 60 inches (1524 mm), 42 inches (1067 mm), 21 inches (533 mm), and 0 inches (0 mm) above the level of the floor or, where installed at the roof level, the roof. Where the vertical safety netting extends above 60 inches (1524 mm) in height, a cable shall also be placed at the top of the netting, with intermediate cables between the 60 inch (1524 mm) cable and the top cable as needed to satisfy the design requirements of Section 3308.3.

Exceptions: In lieu of a cable:

1. At 60 inches (1524 mm) or above, a toprail made of wood, pipe, or structural angle meeting the requirements of Section 3308.7.3.
2. At 42 inches (1067 mm) and 21 inches (533 mm), midrails made of wood, pipe, or structural angle meeting the requirements of Section 3308.7.3.
3. At 0 inches (0 mm), a toeboard meeting the requirements of Sections 3308.7.2 and 3308.7.3, provided the net is secured to the toeboard.

Where the vertical safety netting relies upon a taut system, the net and cables shall be maintained taut. A positive tensioning system such as a turnbuckle shall be provided to keep the cable taut.

Wood installations that utilize a friction connection are not permitted.

Vertical safety netting may be temporarily removed in the immediate area where active loading or unloading operations are occurring, or where perimeter work is occurring, provided that:

1. A controlled access zone is established to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the area where the nets are removed; and
2. Immediately prior to the removal of the nets the floor is broom swept and cleared of all material, equipment, and debris to a distance of at least 10 feet (3048 mm), in all directions, from the area where the vertical nets will be removed.

Exceptions: The following material does not have to be removed to a distance of at least 10 feet (3048 mm), in all directions:

1. Material and equipment related to the loading or unloading operation or perimeter work.
2. Stored materials in accordance with Section 3303.4.5.2.

The vertical safety nets shall be reinstalled immediately following the end of active loading or unloading operations, or active work, or at the end of the workday, whichever occurs sooner.

Vertical safety netting systems may be removed from floors where the façade has been installed and all such openings in the façade, including for windows, have been permanently enclosed to a height of at least 60 inches (1524 mm) above the floor. Vertical safety netting systems may be removed from the roof where the final parapet or guardrail has been installed.