Debris netting
Debris netting is used on construction sites to contain debris and on scaffolding to prevent debris from falling. It is generally made from a durable, heavy-duty, plastic netting.
The Work and Height Regulations 2005 required that where public access to a potential danger areas is necessary, then debris netting must be used to catch falling materials, including dust which can cause discomfort or eye injuries. Risk assessments must be carried out to determine the safety measures that need to be installed.
There are a number of benefits to using debris netting on a construction scaffold:
- It provides safe containment of debris, protection of workers, the public and traffic.
- Its versatility as an enclosure system means it is easy and economical to handle and can hang vertically or horizontally to achieve maximum coverage.
- The edges are reinforced with eyelets for quick and easy attachment to a scaffold using wire or plastic ties.
- It allows air movement, which can ventilate the scaffold and reduce wind loading.
- It provides shading against bright sunlight whilst allowing enough light in for tasks to be carried out.
- It gives some protection to work areas and workers from inclement weather conditions.
- It is flame retardant..
Debris netting can be made of a range of materials such as:
- Polyester.
- High-density polyethylene.
- Polypropylene.
- PVC-coated polyester.
Debris netting is typically green in colour. However, in sensitive of high profile locations, debris containment can be provided using printed materials that can for example show the façade of the building behind the material, images of the completed development, details of the project team or client, advertisements and so on. For more information see: Building wraps.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report lead by Dame Hackitt with full recomendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.























