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
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
























