6.0 Safety Net

  6.1 Safety nets for personnel protection should be installed around the landing area except where adequate structural protection against falls exists. The netting used should be of a flexible nature, with the inboard edge fastened level, just below the edge of the helicopter landing area. The net itself should extend 1.5 metres in the horizontal plane and be arranged so that the outboard edge is not above the level of the landing area so that it has an upward and outward slope of at least 10°.

  6.2 A safety net designed to meet these criteria should not act as a trampoline giving a 'bounce' effect. Where lateral or longitudinal centre bars are provided to strengthen the net structure they should be arranged and constructed to avoid causing injury to persons falling on to them. The ideal design should produce a 'hammock' effect which should securely contain a body falling, rolling or jumping into it, without serious injury. When considering the securing of the net to the structure and the materials used, care should be taken that each segment will meet adequacy of purpose considerations. Polypropylene deteriorates over time; various wire meshes have been shown to be suitable if properly installed.

  6.3 A full risk assessment to control the restricted movement of personnel on the helicopter landing area should be submitted for approval by the Aviation Inspection Body and Classification Society to demonstrate that safe passenger movement may take place without endangering the safety of the helicopter or the life of personnel on-board. The risk assessment of passenger movement described above should be used to demonstrate full mitigation of associated risks should non-fitment of a safety net as described in 6.1 and 6.2 above be requested.