INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT

PERSONNEL NETS AND MMS

There has been quite a bit of confusion about how personnel nets are classified by the MMS. Because personnel nets have many of the components of a sling, they have been viewed by some inspectors as falling under the sling regulations. This being the case, the personnel nets would have to provide same tagging and replacement requirements as a sling.

The major area in question is the load line. The load line is the area of the personnel net between the two lifting rings, it is made up of wire rope and looks very much like a regular sling. The difference is that the load line is not removable from the rest of the apparatus and therefore is just one component of the whole system. This being the case, the personnel net DOES NOT fall within the sling requirements of MMS and will not be inspected as such. The MMS inspector may (and probably will) inspect the device but will do so checking the important load bearing parts for excessive wear and possible need for replacement.

If there are any questions about this position, please have your inspector call Jack Leezy in New Orleans for clarification.

Sincerely,

Paul W. Liberato
President
Billy Pugh Co. Inc.