Life nets shall have a mesh not exceeding three inches. The perimeter of each net shall be reinforced with cloth-covered wire rope or manila rope, and be equipped with proper size, padded thimbles, sockets or equivalent means of attachment to supports and anchorages. Every life net not of an approved type or not previously accepted after test, or exhibiting damage or deterioration likely to render it unsafe, shall be subjected to and pass a performance test as follows: The net shall be installed in the same manner as required in actual use. A test weight consisting of a bag filled with dry sand weighing 175 pounds and having a minimum diameter of 12 inches shall be suspended at a point above the center of the net and at a height equal to the maximum height of fall for which the net is to be used. The test weight shall then fall free from such point of suspension and be sustained by the net without damage to the latter. Nets used for protection of a number of performers at any one time shall be tested with an equal number of test weights dropped from points 6 to 10 feet apart.

Every such belt or harness and its life line not an approved type or not previously accepted, or exhibiting damage or deterioration likely to render it unsafe shall be subjected to and pass a performance test as follows: The life line shall be attached to a rigid anchorage. A test weight as described for testing life nets shall be held by the belt or harness and shall be hoisted to a point in vertical alignment with the point of suspension so that, when released, it will fall free for a distance of three feet and be sustained after such fall by the life line and belt without damage to either.

Loops used as safety devices which are not of an approved type or have not been previously accepted or which exhibit damage or deterioration likely to render them unsafe, shall be subjected to and sustain without damage a suspended load of 600 pounds.