In response to increased industry demand from the energy, marine and healthcare sectors, Dropsafe has expanded its Helideck Perimeter Safety Net range. Dropsafe now offers two different versions of the Net, ensuring that all facilities can access a tailored safety solution according to their budget, location and facility requirements.

Mike Rice, Dropsafe Commercial Director, commented: “From harsh offshore environments to hospitals, helidecks are critical entry points where safety is paramount – and extended periods of downtime are unacceptable. This has driven growing demand as activity ramps up across multiple sectors, leading rig managers to push for cost-effective solutions to mitigate safety risks around the helideck, such as Drops or Man Overboard incidents.” 

The 316 stainless-steel Helideck Perimeter Safety Net system attaches to the perimeter frames of helidecks to protect personnel from falling. The system is designed to withstand an impact greater than 2.3 kJ (100kg at 2.35 metres), exceeding global helideck standards. Engineered to withstand a wide range of operational and environmental conditions, the made-to-measure system is modular, allowing easy replacement of components if necessary. 

The first version of the Dropsafe Helideck Perimeter Safety Net is aimed at operators who find that a durable solution with a 10-year service life aligns with their budgeting cycles. These users benefit from a two-year warranty, providing peace of mind in the integrity of their safety investment. 

The second version offers a 25-year service life with a 10-year warranty, significantly reducing replacement costs and delivering the highest durability on the market.

For a recent installation in the hot, humid conditions off the coast of Singapore, the operator opted for the model with the longer service life. Dropsafe offers comprehensive remote training consultation and live technical support, and its Singaporean distributor supported the installation, adding:

“With the Dropsafe Helideck Perimeter Safety Net, our teams have been able to create numerous efficiencies during installation, leading to reduced downtime and labour costs. The professionalism shown by Dropsafe ensured the job was carried out safely and within budget, and we look forward to partnering with Dropsafe further in future”. 

The range expansion comes as Dropsafe refines its bespoke helideck manufacturing process to deliver industry-leading quality for all budgets. Adding further value for operators, Dropsafe also scrutinised prevailing testing practices for helideck nets.  There has been increasing industry recognition of the need for safer, non-destructive alternatives that test the entire system. Dropsafe therefore looked to create a new testing option in line with operator requirements. 

Dan Burman, Product Lead, Dropsafe, says: “Testing has been a key challenge for helideck net users. Since the initial Dropsafe Helideck Perimeter Safety Net launch last year, that was confirmed by our dialogue with industry stakeholders, who wanted to move beyond sacrificial panels and stress-testing. We offer operators a global helideck net testing service direct from Dropsafe, as part of a flexible package, ensuring that best practice testing is hassle-free.”