It is essential that system owners complete the development process by examining how their photovoltaic solar system works and by developing a site-specific contingency plan. Communicate the contingency plan and procedures for your photovoltaic solar system with local fire and rescue workers to better prepare for potential emergencies. Solar workers face a wide range of health and safety risks in the workplace, from uprisings and stairs to travel and fall.
Energy Safe Victoria is the state regulator for energy security for gas, electricity and pipelines in Victoria. Part of our role is to ensure that electrical workers isolate themselves, take appropriate measures and work safely when installing electrical equipment and installations. As with any electrical device, solar panels can be at risk for certain electrical damage and hazards, such as fires and waves of solar panels.
In addition, large roof solar panels can increase flame spread and create large areas on the roof to protect themselves from water and hinder firefighting measures. The fire brigade can reconsider an aggressive roof fire attack or enter the building and switch to an external attack from the outside and protect surrounding exhibitions or buildings. The introduction and rapid expansion of solar technology has created a range of occupational risks for the workers responsible for the installation of the panel. There are guidelines for the safe installation of solar panels, but injuries related to panel installation are poorly quantified.
Before starting a job, turn off and isolate, block and label all electricity supplied to the property in the main switchboard, and take measures to prevent electricity from being turned back on while the job is done. Make sure that the right personal protective equipment is worn and that the electrical equipment is safely on board. See AS / NZS 4836 Work safely in or near low voltage electrical equipment and facilities for more information on LOT and appropriate precautions. Even avoid contact with electrical cables and equipment, as some cables, such as consumer service lines and photovoltaic solar systems, may still be alive. All identified damaged electrical equipment or cable must be repaired by an authorized electrical installation worker.
In a storm, the wind can blow these panels, resulting in damage to the photovoltaic system. Because of the risks companies and employees face, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration requires employers to have safety training and protection for their employees. Many solar installation companies have taken OSHA requirements a step further and have created their own manuals. Getting panels to the ceiling, cranes, hoists or stair-based winch systems can be good options.
Solar industry workers may be exposed to a variety of serious risks, including arc flashes, electric shocks, falls and thermal burns that can cause injury and death. Installation of solar panels is still a relatively new company, so it is extremely important to establish healthy working patterns. Working with energy sources is a historically dangerous industry, but solar energy does not have to be.
Learn about the causes of the many dangers we have discussed and actively work to correct and avoid these hazards to maintain a safe working environment for all. Some inexperienced solar panel installations do not realize that, unlike a normal power system, turning off the main switch will turn off the building’s operating current, but it will not prevent solar systems from producing power. Therefore, you should keep the module in a box until the last minute and cover the face with opaque material during installation to stop electrical production. Also, do not touch the terminals while the modules are exposed to light and use, as with any electrical work, only insulated tools. Solar modules generate up to 600 volts of direct current when exposed to sunlight and when multiple modules are connected in mass, the hazard increases exponentially.
“The first photovoltaic systems often had maximum system voltages of less than 50 V DC, but 600 V DC systems are now common and 1,000 V DC systems are allowed with code in large-scale and commercial facilities.” . Most systems will contain a range of solar panels connected in series chains to increase the voltage, and then the chains will be wired in parallel, which will increase the amperage . In summary, the risk of electric shock to individual system owners, fire or emergency solar installers beechwood response personnel who come into contact with a damaged photovoltaic solar system is real, with the potential to be deadly and taken seriously. This type of protection falls to the point of the hierarchy of controls as the least effective measure to ensure worker safety. Having a quick release mechanism increases the safety of users of the roof solar energy system. Popular solar converters include automatic shutdown options without the need for additional equipment.