Is chain-link fit for purpose, or does it jeopardise personnel safety?
Helideck perimeter nets are critical to offshore aviation safety. They prevent personnel and equipment from falling in high-risk areas. In these environments, materials and systems must be chosen with care, as they need to be proven, reliable, and built to withstand harsh offshore conditions.
Despite this, PVC-coated chain-link fencing is still promoted as a cost-effective solution for helideck nets. While it may appear as an economical choice, closer scrutiny reveals a range of serious shortcomings. Inexpensive solutions may be attractive at the point of purchase, but can compromise safety, compliance, reputation, and long-term value.
The issue: why chain-link is chosen
Chain-link is a familiar and widely available option. Its low price and easy sourcing make it a viable option for some projects. It was not engineered for the demands of offshore aviation safety, however.
Helideck perimeter nets must withstand dynamic loads, exposure to salt spray, UV degradation, and more. They also require regular inspection and must comply with international aviation standards. In these conditions, chain-link is not fit for purpose.
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The consequences: safety & cost risks of chain-link
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Structural weakness
Chain-link fencing is manufactured from interwoven wires that are bent and hooked together. This design lacks tensile rigidity of purpose-built stainless steel rope nets. Under impact, such as when a person or piece of equipment falls on the net, the chain-link can bulge, stretch, or even fail, as force is not evenly distributed across the structure.
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Corrosion and coating failure
The PVC coating on chain-link is intended as a corrosion barrier, but can be compromised by UV exposure, abrasion, or mechanical damage. Once damaged, the underlying wire - typically not marine-grade steel - is exposed to saltwater. Corrosion occurs, weakening the system from within. Because the coating conceals the wire beneath, inspectors often cannot detect problems before it’s too late.
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Lack of compliance
International aviation standards such as CAP 437, DNV, and OEUK require that helideck perimeter nets are safe and compliant. PVC-coated chain-link fencing often fails to provide the ongoing assurance inspectors need to verify compliance. Its hidden corrosion risks create uncertainty during inspections, and the lack of traceability in its materials makes it difficult to verify with confidence.
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Maintenance burden & lifecycle cost
While the upfront cost of chain-link may be low, its service life is short. Frequent repairs and replacements are common, increasing costs and downtime. Over time, this makes chain-link a more expensive option to maintain than purpose-built alternatives, undermining any initial savings.
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The alternative: stainless steel perimeter safety nets
Purpose-designed marine-grade stainless steel nets offer a reliable, long-term solution for helideck perimeter safety. Unlike chain-link, stainless steel rope nets distribute impact loads evenly, retaining their shape and integrity under pressure. With no plastic coating to conceal damage, this enhances safety overall in hazardous environments.
Dropsafe stainless steel Helideck Perimeter Safety Nets undergo rigorous type testing, including dynamic load tests, corrosion resistance assessments, and flame exposure evaluations. Each component is serialised for full traceability, giving operators and inspectors clear assurance of compliance with CAP 437, DNV, and OEUK standards. This testing and transparency mean maintenance is predictable, service life extended, and downtime reduced.
Safety without compromise
PVC-coated chain-link fencing may appear to be a cost-saving option, but in practice it introduces risks to personnel safety, drives up lifecycle costs, and complicates compliance. Marine-grade stainless steel perimeter nets provide a robust, tested, and compliant solution. They safeguard assets and protect your people, while delivering long-term value in offshore environments.