Tensioned Access Platforms (TAP), previously known as Working Platform Nets, are a safe and useful alternative to traditional access methods like scaffolding or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP), especially for hard-to-reach areas. When used with an adequate edge protection system, TAPs can be combined with debris meshes, allowing work to be carried out independently of lower-level activities. This versatility is a key reason for the system’s growing international use.

Currently, there is no EN Standard for these systems. This guide is primarily for installers who assemble or use TAPs, providing information on relevant standards to consider. While net manufacturing is the manufacturer’s responsibility, the installer is solely responsible for the safe handling of TAPs, including assembly, conversion, dismantling, storage, transport, and use.

B-System Components

The Tensioned Access Platforms (TAP) system is designed to create a stable working area by reducing the sag of the nets. The main components of the TAP system are:

Protection nets: These are manufactured according to the EN 1263.1 standard, class B1, with a square mesh size no larger than 45 mm.
Tension straps with ratchet: These are used as transversal beams to form net grids.
Tie ropes or additional clamping belts: These are used to reduce the sag of the net and the gap with the supporting structure, thereby stabilising it.

WHY CHOOSE 'TAP' NETS?

Where Would You Use TAP?

Tension Access Platforms (TAPs) offer several advantages, making them a preferred choice for certain tasks over traditional scaffolding or other access methods. Here are some key reasons to use TAPs:

Safety:

TAPs provide a secure working environment, especially for tasks at height. They are designed to reduce the risk of falls and can include fall arrest safety nets

Speed of Installation + Reduced Obstruction:

TAPs install faster than traditional scaffolding, saving time and allowing other trades to work below without interference.

Cost-Effective:

They are often more economical, requiring less equipment and labor to set up and dismantle.

Flexibility:

TAPs can be customised to fit specific project needs and can be installed in areas that are otherwise difficult to access.

Tensioned Access Platforms Tensioned Access Platforms Tensioned Access Platforms

Operations

The operation section focuses on the tasks to be performed around the system, such as cutting, welding, moving glazing panels, and other unrelated operations. These operations should be controlled to ensure they do not negatively impact the system. The maximum height for transporting any object is 3 m above the net.

All employee's working on the platform should be trained on its use and cooperate in maintaining occupational safety and health. Key training points include:

Unauthorized changes to the platform system, such as removing fasteners, straps, and edge protections, are not allowed and can only be performed by the installer.
People should avoid working below workplaces due to the increased risk of accidents from falling objects.
Employees should use the appropriate ascents and descents for their own safety.
Jumping on and in the platform nets is not allowed.

Inspections

A rescue and evacuation plan must be placed on site by the installer before the installation and use of the platform nets.

Inspections of the Tensioned Access Platforms (TAP) system should be conducted by a competent person who can identify defects and assess the system objectively. The types of inspections include:

Pre-Use Inspection: Users should visually inspect the system for defects or interference before each use.
Periodic Inspections: These should be conducted weekly.
Interim Inspections: These are more frequent inspections required under harsh or hostile conditions, or when an exceptional event that could compromise the system’s integrity has occurred.
Annual Inspections of the Test Meshes: The platform net comes with three test mesh patches for annual re-inspection. Users must send these patches to a qualified distributor at the end of each year. If the mesh passes the test, the net’s safety certification will be extended for another year, and the customer will receive an individual certificate.

A building in construction with Tension access platforms installed

METHOD STATEMENT

Installation is carried out according to a method statement and installation drawings prepared for the specific project.

TRAINING

Installers must be trained, and suitable management controls must be in place, including personal safety requirements, risk assessments, method statements, and emergency planning.

PREPERATION

The platform net panes are spread on the ground under the area to be protected, ensuring no damaging elements are present.

STANDARD

The net material used must correspond to class B1 according to the EN 1263-1 standard, with a mesh size not larger than 45 mm.

TESTING

The net can only be used within the first 12 months of manufacture, or regular aging, damage, and abrasion tests must be carried out and documented.

USING MULTIPLE NETS

When several nets are required, they are joined every 10 cm, creating a reinforced knot every 10 squares with a 15 kN coupling rope.

REQUIRED INCLINE

The installed net’s inclination will not exceed 20°.

TIE ROPES

The nets are fastened by their border rope using tie ropes or straps every 50 cm, with a minimum breaking strength of 30 kN or compliance with stop straps EN 12195-2.

TENSIONED STRAPS

Tension straps used as trusses are threaded into the net surface, puncturing each time after a maximum of 10 meshes.

LOAD WEIGHT

The pretensioning force in the cross belt is applied by hand, assuming horizontal loads of at least 2200 N per anchor point.

SAG

The maximum sag of the net when loaded with a person in the least favourable place will not exceed 50 cm, and must be reduced to only 30 cm after tensioning the straps on the second day.

INSPECTION

A visual inspection for damage to the nets is conducted.

OUR SERVICES

Tensioned Access Platforms (TAP)

TAP

Tensioned Access Platforms (TAP), previously known as Working Platform Nets, are a safe and useful alternative to traditional access methods like Crash Deck Scaffolding or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP), especially for hard-to-reach areas. When used with an adequate edge protection system, TAPs can be combined with debris meshes, allowing work to be carried out independently of lower-level activities. This versatility is a key reason for the system’s growing international use.

Protection nets: These are manufactured according to the EN 1263.1 standard, class B1, with a square mesh size no larger than 45 mm.
Tension straps with ratchet: These are used as transversal beams to form net grids.
Tie ropes or additional clamping belts: These are used to reduce the sag of the net and the gap with the supporting structure, thereby stabilising it.