This practice establishes performance specifications and performance standards for the design, manufacture, installation, and testing of climbing nets and netting/mesh used in amusement rides, devices, play areas and attractions. The materials are: hardware and structures, climb nets, barrier nets, fire retardant, no-hold netting, debris net, and safety nets. Netted areas shall be designed and constructed or assembled so that any accessible net opening shall meet the performance requirements and test requirements. The following tests procedures shall be done: in place test for climb net or barrier net, prototype test for barrier and no-hold netting, prototype test for maximum hole size of no-hold netting, prototype test for a safety net, test for hard nodes, and test for nets with large openings. Installation shall meet the requirements for attachments, fasteners and hardware, and operational performance specified here.

1.1 This practice establishes performance specifications and performance standards for the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of netting and or mesh used in play areas and systems designed for interactive play activities within amusement attractions.

1.2 The range of users encompassed by this safety performance specification is 32 in. (0.81 m) (2 years old, 5th percentile) through 50 in. (1.27 m) (8 years old, 50th percentile), 50 in. (1.27 m) (8 years old, 50th percentile) through 64 in. (1.62 m) (12 years old 95th percentile), 32 in. (0.81 m) (2 years old, 5th percentile) through 64 in. (1.62 m) (12 years old, 95th percentile), and 64 in. (1.62 m) (12-year old, 95th percentile) through adult.

1.3 The ages listed in this standard are intended to be used as a guide for determining activities and use. The height requirements are the governing factor.

1.4 Home playground equipment, matrix nets, nets used as/or in fencing, sports equipment, fitness equipment, playground equipment covered by Consumer Safety Performance Specification F 1487 and soft contained play equipment (SCPE) covered by Safety Performance Specification F 1918 in areas not covered by F24 standards are not included in this standard.

1.5    This practice includes an appendix (non-mandatory), which provides additional information (for example, rationale, background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so forth.) to improve the user’s understanding and application of the criteria presented in this practice. The appendix information shall not be interpreted as mandatory design criteria.

1.6 This standard is intended for new climb areas and major modifications.

1.7 Existing climb areas may qualify as compliant for five years following the date of this publication of this practice as long as any significant design related failures or significant design related safety issues have been mitigated. Thereafter, climb areas must qualify as “Service Proven” per Practice F 2291 or meet the requirements of this practice.

1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.