If you’re planning construction, roofing, or any work at height in Kent, getting your fall protection right isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Safety netting is one of the most effective collective fall arrest systems available, and demand for compliant, FASET-trained installers across Kent is growing fast. Whether you’re a principal contractor, site manager, or roofing company, here’s what you need to understand before you book a netting service in Kent.
Why Safety Netting Is Required on Kent Construction Sites
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear: where work at height cannot be avoided, contractors must implement collective protection measures before relying on personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety netting — installed in compliance with BS EN 1263-1 and BS EN 1263-2 — meets this requirement as a passive fall arrest system. It catches operatives or falling objects without requiring them to actively clip in or take any action themselves.
On Kent construction sites, this is particularly relevant for:
- New build residential and commercial developments
- Steel frame and timber frame construction
- Roofing projects on industrial units and warehouses
- Refurbishment works where edge protection alone isn’t practical
- Atrium and void protection in commercial buildings
Failing to implement adequate fall protection exposes contractors to HSE enforcement action, improvement notices, prohibition notices, and in serious cases, prosecution. The risk simply isn’t worth it.
What to Look for in a Safety Netting Contractor in Kent
Not all netting contractors are equal. When you’re sourcing a netting service in Kent, there are several non-negotiables to check before signing anything.
FASET Membership
The Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training (FASET) association is the UK’s industry body for safety net and temporary works contractors. FASET-accredited installers are trained to install nets in accordance with BS EN 1263, and their membership is regularly audited. Always ask for proof of FASET membership — a reputable contractor will have it readily available.
BS EN 1263 Compliance
Safety nets must conform to EN 1263-1 (which covers the nets themselves — mesh size, breaking strength, energy absorption) and EN 1263-2 (which covers safe installation distances and drop heights). Nets that don’t meet this standard offer no legal protection and may fail under load.
Insurance and Accreditations
Look for contractors holding CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) or Constructionline accreditation. These third-party assessments verify that a contractor has adequate insurance, safe working practices, and compliant health and safety documentation. Without these, you could be inheriting liability.
Experience with Your Project Type
Netting installation varies significantly depending on the structure. A contractor experienced in residential new builds may not have the same competency for large-span industrial roofs or complex steel frame configurations. Ask specifically about experience with projects similar to yours in size, structure type, and duration.
Types of Safety Netting Relevant to Kent Projects
Debris and Safety Netting for Construction
Horizontal safety nets installed beneath working platforms or roof structures catch falling personnel and tools. These are the most commonly specified nets on Kent new build sites and are typically installed by a specialist contractor rather than the main scaffolding team.
Anti-Bird Netting
Industrial and commercial properties across Kent — from warehouses and distribution centres to retail units and agricultural buildings — frequently require anti-bird netting to prevent nesting and associated damage. Properly installed bird netting excludes pigeons, starlings, and gulls without harming them, and must be tensioned correctly to remain effective long-term.
Edge Protection and Hybrid Systems
On some projects, a combination of edge protection (guardrails, toeboards) and safety netting provides the most practical solution. A competent contractor will be able to assess your site and recommend the most appropriate configuration rather than defaulting to a single product type.
How Far Do Safety Netting Contractors Travel to Kent?
Kent sits at the edge of the traditional coverage area for many Essex-based netting contractors, but that doesn’t mean supply is scarce. Reputable contractors regularly cover projects across the wider South East, including Dartford, Gravesend, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Sittingbourne, and the Medway towns. The key is to confirm coverage and mobilisation timescales early — particularly on projects with tight programme constraints.
When requesting quotes for a netting service in Kent, always confirm:
- Mobilisation lead time from instruction
- Whether the contractor can respond to emergency call-outs or programme changes
- How handover and net removal are managed at the end of the installation period
- Whether they provide a lifting plan and risk assessment/method statement (RAMS) as standard
What Does Safety Netting Installation Cost in Kent?
Pricing for safety netting in Kent varies based on the square meterage to be covered, the complexity of the structure, access requirements, and the duration of the installation. Most contractors price on a combination of installation cost plus a weekly or monthly hire rate for the period the nets remain in place.
As a rough guide, the more complex the structure and the longer the hire period, the greater the overall cost — but this needs to be weighed against the cost of an HSE-notifiable incident, project delays, or prosecution. Safety netting is a programme cost, not an optional extra.
Always obtain at least two or three quotes and ensure they are like-for-like in terms of the standard of net, the installation methodology, and what’s included in the price (RAMS, site visits, removal).
Booking a Safety Netting Service in Kent: Key Questions to Ask
Before committing to a contractor, run through these questions:
- Are your nets BS EN 1263-1 compliant, and can you provide documentation?
- Are your operatives FASET trained and certificated?
- Do you hold CHAS or Constructionline accreditation?
- What is your public liability insurance limit?
- Can you provide a site-specific RAMS before installation begins?
- What is your lead time for mobilisation to a Kent site?
- Do you carry out a pre-installation survey?
A contractor who can answer all of these without hesitation is worth talking to further. One who can’t — or who offers unusually low pricing without clear explanation — is a risk you shouldn’t take on a live construction site.
Working with Safety Netting Essex for Kent Projects
Safety Netting Essex — trading as Pro Netting Essex Ltd — regularly supports construction and roofing projects across the South East, including Kent. Our team holds FASET accreditation, installs only BS EN 1263-compliant nets, and provides full RAMS documentation as standard. We cover Dartford, Gravesend, Medway, Maidstone, and surrounding areas, with fast mobilisation and a straightforward, transparent quoting process.
If you have an upcoming project in Kent requiring safety netting, anti-bird netting, or edge protection, get in touch with our team today for a no-obligation quote.
Call us on 01268 395 794 or email info@safetynettingessex.co.uk to discuss your project requirements.