Safety Net Testing Service

Standards & Regulations

Safety net testing at Boris Nets is conducted in strict accordance with the highest industry standards and regulatory frameworks. We do not merely aim for compliance — we build our entire process around exceeding expectations set by national and international safety bodies.

Our procedures are anchored in the BS EN 1263-1 and BS EN 1263-2 standards, which define the safety requirements, test methods, and performance thresholds for safety nets used in fall protection systems across the UK and Europe. These standards cover everything from mesh construction and border rope strength to energy absorption capacity and UV degradation tolerance.

As a FASET-approved provider, we also align our practices with the latest recommendations from the Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training (FASET) association — the leading authority for safety netting and temporary safety systems in construction. This affiliation keeps us updated on evolving best practices, new research, and compliance requirements.

By integrating these standards into every stage of our process — from inspection to certification — we offer clients a level of assurance that is both measurable and meaningful. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every net we test performs to the exact standards your site demands.

Our Testing Process

At Boris Nets, we believe that rigorous, methodical testing is the foundation of reliable fall protection. Our process is designed not just to confirm compliance, but to actively ensure the structural integrity and ongoing performance of every safety net we inspect.

Each test begins with a comprehensive visual inspection carried out by our certified technicians. This stage involves examining the net for any signs of damage or degradation — including tears, fraying, abrasion, discolouration, or broken mesh knots — all of which could compromise safety performance.

We then proceed to mechanical strength testing, using calibrated hydraulic or pneumatic equipment to apply precise loads to designated test patches. This step verifies that the net retains its tensile capacity and energy absorption capability, even after prolonged use or exposure to challenging site conditions..

Every test is meticulously documented and photographed, with results logged in our secure digital system. Upon completion, we issue an official test certificate detailing the date of inspection, net identification, tested parameters, pass/fail status, and the next recommended testing interval.

Our technicians are FASET-trained and operate in accordance with the latest HSE regulations and industry standards, ensuring your nets are tested to the same exacting standards we apply across all of our accredited safety services.

UV Degradation & Certification

One of the most significant — yet often overlooked — threats to the structural integrity of safety nets is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet(UV) radiation. Over time, UV light breaks down the synthetic fibres within the netting material, reducing its ability to absorb energy and resist tearing during a fall event.

At Boris Nets, we take UV degradation extremely seriously. As part of our annual testing programme, every safety net undergoes dedicated UV degradation assessments to determine whether fibre strength has been compromised. This is achieved through both visual checks and mechanical testing, allowing us to identify brittleness, colour loss, or any reduction in elasticity caused by sun exposure.

If a net is found to have deteriorated beyond acceptable safety margins, it is immediately decommissioned or flagged for removal. We never take chances when it comes to life-saving equipment.

Upon successful completion of all tests — including the UV assessment — we issue a formal Test Certificate containing the following details:

• Net ID: Unique identifier linked to your site or project.
• Date of Inspection: When the test was performed.
• UV Condition Rating: Assessment of sun-related degradation.
• Pass/Fail Status: Outcome based on compliance with BS EN 1263-1.
• Next Recommended Test Date: To ensure continued monitoring.

These certifications not only fulfil legal and insurance requirements but also demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to proactive health and safety practices on-site.