It's that time of the year again - with fall just around the corner, that means one thing for mountain and event operators, as well as alpine ski racing clubs: it's time to start preparing for the ski season.
One important part of your preparations should be a pre-season inspection of your safety netting. To help you get started, we've put together a checklist and some tips to help you get your Barry B-Net Safety Net systems in shape and ensure everything is in good condition to start the season.
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Barry B-Net Installation Guidelines. This document can be found on our website at any time and will ensure you are aware of any changes or updates that have been made.
- Familiarize yourself with the product terminology. This information can be found in the user manual and will help you better understand the documentation and many components of the systems you are using.
- Locate the inspection logbooks. The use, inspection and maintenance logs should be kept by persons responsible for the inventory of the net systems. Make sure to keep an updated logbook of the frequency of use and inspections of these products. This will help you keep track of when the netting was last inspected and how often it is being used.
- Inspection of the nets. Performing a visual and physical inspection of the nets as per the user manual checklist (below), is essential. Check for any damage or wear on the netting that may have occurred in storage since last season, or that may have been missed in previous inspections. This includes checking for holes, tears, or fraying edges. If you find any damage, be sure to repair or replace the affected sections before using the system again.
- Inspection of the hardware and poles. It is equally essential to inspect the clips, straps, tie-wraps, labels and support poles, replacing damaged parts as needed. Do not use substitutes such as bamboo, slalom gates, etc. as replacement parts.
Some problems which can be identified during the system inspection are:
| Problem | Action to be taken |
| Broken, missing or damaged connection loop | Identify location on the net using flagging tape, remove net from service and contact Barry for instructions |
| Broken or damaged net border or mesh (0 cm to 30 cm) | Identify location on the net using flagging tape, remove net from service and contact Barry for instructions |
| Major tear of net border or mesh (30 cm +) | Return complete net system to Barry for inspection, repair or replacement |
| Broken or damaged pole or clip or tie wrap | Replace with new Barry product per instructions found in Barry Installation Guidelines |
| Missing tie-up strap | Use an adequate substitute strap. Contact Barry for replacement strap |
| Missing label | Set net aside, attempt to identify, and make a temporary label. Contact Barry for a replacement label |
| Other damages or concerns | Contact Barry at 1-800-305-2673 |
Storage Tips to get the most out of your products:
- Nets should be stored clean, dry and out of direct sunlight, and away from extreme heat and in a well-ventilated storage area.
- Nets should be kept off the floor and stored upright, on racks, to provide ventilation underneath.
- It is better to store the nets vertically to allow drainage and prevent contact of the fiber with the ground.
- Never store directly on a concrete, metal or dirt floor, and under no circumstances should nets and/ or acid and/ or alkalis be kept in the same storage space.
By following this checklist, you can be confident that your Barry B-Net Systems are in good condition and that you're prepared for another successful season on the slopes.
Link to Instructions Manuals:
If you have any questions about our products or services, feel free to contact us today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you. Thank you for choosing Barry as your source for all things safety netting!
Posted by Patrick Barry on
