Cost of Safety Netting and Barriers
across the UK

# Safety Netting and Barriers: Trade Body Accreditation

In the UK, safety netting and barriers are primarily governed by industry standards and health and safety regulations rather than a single mandatory trade body. The most relevant schemes include FENCA (Fencing Contractors Association), which provides accreditation for fencing and barrier installation work and requires members to demonstrate competence in design, installation and compliance with relevant British Standards. Other relevant credentials include membership of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) or adherence to BS 6399 (Loading on structures from people), BS EN 13 (Safety of playground equipment) if barriers are being used for that purpose, and compliance with the Building Regulations and Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Some providers may also hold CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) or SafeContractor accreditation, which demonstrate broader commitment to safety management systems. The relevant British Standards and industry guidance require that installers understand load-bearing requirements, anchor points and material specifications, so accreditation typically confirms a provider has met these technical and professional standards.

To verify a provider's credentials, you should ask directly for evidence of their accreditation and check relevant trade body registers online, many of which allow public searches. If they claim FENCA membership, visit the FENCA website to confirm their registration; the same applies to CHAS or SafeContractor status. It's also worth requesting evidence of relevant insurance, including public liability and professional indemnity cover, and asking whether their installation team have completed formal training or hold relevant certifications such as NEBOSH or IOSH qualifications. Why this matters is straightforward: accredited providers have demonstrated compliance with health and safety standards, their work is more likely to meet Building Regulations, and you have a clear route for complaint or remedy if something goes wrong. In sectors involving public safety—