Perimeter Safety Net Projection Requirements.
Perimeter Safety Net Projection Requirements.
(11320 K)
Yancey, C. W. C.; Carino, N. J.; Sansalone, M.
NBSIR 85-3271; 60 p. May 1986.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
(NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161.
Telephone:
1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000;
Fax: 703-605-6900.
Website: http://www.ntis.gov
Keywords:
construction; safety; falling bodies; fall trajectory;
horizontal distance; safety nets; simulated falls
Abstract:
Current construction-site safety net regulations set
limitations on the minimum horizontal projection of
perimeter nets and the maximum vertical distance between
an elevated working surface and the net below. These
limitations were arbitrarily established as no actual or
simulated fall data existed. The adequacy of these
requirements in ensuring construction worker safety has
been questioned. Thus, a test program was carried out to
determine the adequacy of existing regulations.
Simulated fall tests were conducted using
anthropomorphic dummies to represent falling workers.
The dummies fell from a 30-foot (9.1 m) high platform
and their trajectories were recorded photographically.
The photographs were used to reconstruct the dummies'
trajectories and to determine the horizontal distance
between the face of the platform and the center of
gravity of the dummy. Results are presented to show the
trajectory of the falling body and the maximum
horizontal distance in the final landing position. An
analytical model was developed to simulate a falling
worker. The model can be used to predict trajectories
for a given set of initial conditions including worker
height and weight, departure horizontal velocity,and
fall height. Guidelines are presented for revising
existing regulations pertaining to the dimensional
requirements for perimeter nets.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899