Scaffold support netting tester

Case study

Scaffold safety netting test using pin fixtures designed to ISO 1806 standard specification

Safety netting break strength under tension on a 5 kN machine

Solution

Motor-driven tensile test stand and software
Specific bollard grips for rope and netting

Benefits

Confidence in following international test standard
Simple and reliable test procedure on safety-critical products
Quick methodology to create customer cerification document

Requirement

Huck, a scaffold netting supplier, run a return to manufacturer service to test netting has not degraded whilst in use. Evaluation of the tensile properties of the support netting is needed to ensure there is not an unacceptable risk to any one who might have the misfortune to fall into it.

BS EN 1263-1 (Safety nets Safety requirements, test methods) covers the physical testing requirements for a range of safety net classifications, including static strength and breaking energy. BS EN ISO 1806 (Fishing nets - Determination of mesh breaking strength) is referenced for specification of the test specimen conditioning, testing apparatus and fixtures. The ageing of nets is an essential consideration for safety equipment in service, with manufacturers (or suppliers) needing to implement energy absorption test methods using a 'test mesh' specimen, naturally aged or artificially aged, against as-new data. If under test, no tensile fracture is detected the rest of the net is deemed satisfactory and can be reissued for use in the field. On-going quality control checks (tests or inspections) are performed at 12 months and then inspections within the time frames that BS EN 1263-1 publishes.

For each sample, a graphical representation of the test is archived along with the test result to create a traceable test certificate which is returned to the user as proof of a satisfactory result.

Solution

The speed requirement and relatively high loading necessitated the need to use the mechanics from a twin column M5KNE test stand. The sample was held between 2 grips with 25mm diameter bollards to ensure the netting was not subjected to any localised stress, which could potentially have given a false result.

Emperor software offered the ideal control method with the need to carry out a non-destructive test and create a graphical representation of the test. The cut and paste feature for the test graph provided a quick and easy method to create test certification for the customer.