Debris Netting Update from the IHSA
The IHSA has worked on a proposal for a new regulation to include the use of Debris Nets on buildings under construction to the betterment of health and safety to both workers and the general public. The proposal is currently under review and subject to approval.
While some details may change, here are some key points to bring to your attention:
34.3a
Debris netting shall be installed and used during new construction operations. Horizontal and vertical debris netting shall be provided around the exterior of the structure when required in section 34.4 and 34.5.
The following requirements apply to a Debris Netting system:
1. It shall be designed by a professional engineer. A person who is a professional engineer within the meaning of the Professional Engineers Act in accordance with good engineering practice.
2. The design may be a standard design or a custom design.
3. The design shall,
i. show the arrangement of the system including the anchorage or fixed support system,
ii. indicate the components used,
iii. set out instructions for installation or erection, dismantling and
iv. show the design loads and rated capacity for the system.
4. The system shall be installed or erected, maintained, and dismantled in accordance with the professional engineer’s or manufactures design.
5. Debris net system shall be inspected by a competent worker designated by a supervisor or if specified in the design by a professional engineer, after after each installation or more often if recommended by the manufacturer. The inspection of debris net system shall include a written report of the system indicating that it has been installed in accordance with the design drawings. A written inspection report is not required for vertical net system attached to a guardrail system.
6. The constructor shall keep the design at the project while the system is in use.
34.3b
The following requirements apply to a Debris Netting system:
1. It shall be designed by a professional engineer. A person who is a professional engineer within the meaning of the Professional Engineers Act in accordance with good engineering practice.
2. The design may be a standard design or a custom design.
3. The design shall,
i. show the arrangement of the system including the anchorage or fixed support system,
ii. indicate the components used,
iii. set out instructions for installation or erection, dismantling and
iv. show the design loads and rated capacity for the system.
4. The system shall be installed or erected, maintained, and dismantled in accordance with the professional engineer’s or manufactures design.
5. Debris net system shall be inspected by a competent worker designated by a supervisor or if specified in the design by a professional engineer, after after each installation or more often if recommended by the manufacturer. The inspection of debris net system shall include a written report of the system indicating that it has been installed in accordance with the design drawings. A written inspection report is not required for vertical net system attached to a guardrail system.
6. The constructor shall keep the design at the project while the system is in use.
34.4c
Vertical debris netting shall extend from the floor or toe board to a height of not less than the top of the guardrail as per section 26.3(4)3. If the guardrail is used as an attachment point for vertical netting, the guardrail has to be designed to with stand any load being applied to it.
34.5a
Horizontal debris netting during new construction of structures is required when the building reaches an above grade height of 15 stories or 50 m and thereafter horizontal debris netting shall be installed from the uppermost walkable floor at a level as closely as possible underneath. Horizontal netting is not required beneath floors where vertical netting has been installed. Horizontal debris netting shall be maintained not more than three stories below the stripping operation floor on concrete structures or the uppermost walkable concrete floor on a steel frame structures. Horizontal debris netting may be removed after the formwork for the topmost level of concrete is removed or after the topmost level of concrete for a steel frame building is poured.
34.5c
Horizontal debris netting requirements. Horizontal debris netting shall consist of a horizontal system of nets, and shall include a structural net lined with debris net of a size and strength sufficient to catch falling tools and materials. Horizontal debris netting shall project outward horizontally from the edge of the floor a minimum distance of 3 m.