How often should safety nets be drop-tested if left in one place?

Safety nets are an essential component of fall protection in construction and similar industries. When safety nets are installed and left in one place, they require regular drop-testing to ensure they remain effective and intact. The appropriate frequency for drop-testing these safety nets is every 6 months if they are not moved to a different location.

This time frame is established based on industry standards to guarantee that the integrity and performance of the safety nets are upheld over time. While the safety nets may be designed to withstand significant impacts, environmental factors, wear, and potential damage can compromise their functionality. Regular testing ensures that any issues, such as tears or degradation, are identified and addressed promptly, helping to maintain a safe working environment.

The intervals outlined in the other options—4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1 year—do not align with the recommended 6-month testing period for stationary safety nets. Testing too frequently may be unnecessary and costly, while testing them less frequently than 6 months could put workers at risk if the nets are compromised.