Safety Nets for Stairwells and Atriums in Schools and Malls

The risk

Open stairwells and atriums are a recognised fall hazard. Children lean or climb over handrails, objects are dropped onto people below, and in some buildings the void has been the scene of intentional falls. Raising handrails or closing the void with glass changes the architecture and is expensive. A net at the lowest practical level reduces the risk while keeping the space open.

Where to place the net

Nets are usually installed horizontally across the void at the lowest floor where people could fall from above, or at intervals in very tall voids. Placing the net close below the upper floors reduces the fall height. In some buildings, vertical nets along the gallery edges are a better solution.

Mesh and colour

• Mesh: 100 mm is most open; 60 mm also catches larger objects; smaller meshes are chosen in schools so that children cannot climb through.
• Colour: black disappears against dark interiors; white or grey suits bright atriums. Custom colours are possible.
• Material: polyamide or polyester twine, UV-stabilised where daylight enters.

Fixing

Fixings depend on the structure and finishes: anchors in concrete, clamps on steel, or a stainless wire rope perimeter that keeps the net away from walls and decorative finishes. Every fixing point is shown on an installation drawing approved by the building owner.

Questions to settle before ordering

• Who approves the installation: building owner, fire safety consultant, local authority?
• Are there sprinklers, detectors or smoke vents in the void?
• When can the work be done without disturbing users?
• Who will inspect the net and how often?

Maintenance

Inspect the net and fixings regularly, remove fallen objects, and have the installation checked after any impact. Our stairwell and atrium safety nets are made to measure from a survey; for unusual shapes see custom made nets.