Safety First: Avoiding Hazards During Solar System Installation

Safety Measures For Solar

When installing solar systems in a home or business, there are risks of accidents occurring, including falls, electric shock, fire, and others. This article aims to provide solutions to major work hazards that arise during solar system installation and to outline safety measures to be observed during the installation process.

Falls

When installing solar panels at elevated heights, there is a significant risk of falling, especially when positioning the panels for optimal sun exposure. Working on rooftops and using ladders to reach installation points increases the likelihood of falls. Here are some effective strategies to mitigate the risk of falls during solar panel installations:

• The platforms that installers will climb should be pre-checked to ensure they can support their weight and that of the panels.
• Climbing should be done without an additional weight, such as carrying extra panels. A crane should lift the panels to the heights where they are to be installed.
• During panel installation, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety harnesses, and steel-toed shoes with rubber soles is essential. Safety harnesses should be worn and attached to secure anchors to prevent falls. Steel-toed shoes with rubber soles provide a better grip on slippery surfaces and the necessary friction to hold onto surfaces. Hard hats are important for cushioning the impact of objects or falls to the ground in case of a slip.
• Avoid working alone; get help where needed like in cases where the ladders should be held in place while climbing.
• Weather conditions like high winds, snowfall, and heavy rain increase the risk of falling, it is therefore advisable to know the weather forecast before proceeding to install or stop working once the weather becomes unfavorable unannounced.
• It is also worth noting that the panels could also fall from heights as high as the roof if not properly secured when being lifted or installed.

Fires

Installing solar panels comes with a variety of risks, one of the most serious being fire hazards. This risk is particularly associated with poor wiring, faulty equipment, or improper installation methods. Here are some practical steps to minimize fire hazards during solar panel installations:

• Ensure proper wiring and connections as faulty or loose electrical connections can result in electrical arcing, which significantly increases the risk of fires. To avoid this, all connections should be carefully checked and tightened, and only high-quality, fire-resistant cables should be used. Inspect wiring for any signs of wear or damage before and during installation to prevent accidents.
• Solar inverters, panels, and other equipment should be certified by recognized bodies to meet safety standards. Using substandard or uncertified equipment can increase the likelihood of overheating, short circuits, or other issues that could cause fires.
• Rooftops where solar panels are installed should be made of fire-resistant materials, especially in areas prone to wildfires. Roofing materials like metal or concrete tiles can reduce the spread of fires and protect your home or building in case of an incident.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits as it can cause overheating and lead to fires. Ensure that the electrical system can handle the additional load from the solar panels and that breakers and fuses are installed correctly to prevent overloading.
• Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with solar systems, including insulated gloves and protective eyewear. Having a fire extinguisher on hand, especially one rated for electrical fires, is essential in case of emergencies.
• Solar panels and their wiring should be inspected periodically after installation to ensure that no faults develop over time. Regular maintenance will catch any potential problems early before they lead to dangerous situations.
• Extreme heat can cause solar panels and their components to overheat, leading to potential fire hazards. Always monitor the weather forecast, and avoid working in extremely hot conditions to reduce this risk.

Electric Shock

Another significant risk associated with installing solar panels is the possibility of electric shocks. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which can cause severe injuries if installers come into contact with live wiring or faulty components. Here’s how to minimize the risk of electric shocks during installation:

• Whenever possible, ensure that the solar system is not generating electricity before starting installation. This involves de-energizing the system and properly disconnecting all components to prevent accidental shocks. For systems that are already connected, consult a qualified electrician for safe procedures to follow.
• To prevent electric shock, installers should use insulated gloves and tools when handling live wires or components. Insulated tools provide a layer of protection against accidental contact with electrical currents. Apart from insulated gloves, installers should wear appropriate PPE such as safety goggles and protective clothing to prevent direct contact with live electrical parts. Proper footwear, such as insulated shoes or boots, is also important to avoid grounding yourself unintentionally during installation.
• When working on electrical systems, it’s crucial to follow lockout/tagout procedures to ensure that the system is completely de-energized and locked from being turned back on while work is in progress. This will prevent accidental activation of electrical systems during the installation process.
• Like other hazards, extreme weather conditions, especially rain or high humidity, increase the risk of electric shocks. Ensure installation work is done in dry and safe conditions, and pause the work if the weather changes unexpectedly. Water is a great conductor of electricity, and working in wet conditions increases the risk of electric shocks. Wet surfaces and equipment should also be avoided.
• Before beginning installation, carefully inspect all electrical components such as wires, inverters, and panels for damage. Any faulty or damaged components should be replaced to prevent exposure to live currents or short circuits.
• Proper grounding is essential in solar installations to reduce the risk of electric shock. Make sure that all components are properly grounded, and that grounding cables are securely connected to the system. This will help direct any electrical faults away from the system and prevent electric shocks.
• For more complex installations, it is advisable to work with or consult a qualified electrician. Electricians can assist in ensuring that the system is installed correctly and meets all necessary safety standards to avoid electric shocks.

While electric shock is a primary concern, electrical hazards also extend to:

• Arc Flash: An arc flash occurs when a burst of energy due to an electric arc results in intense heat, light, and pressure, which can cause severe burns or even fires. Working with energized equipment or faulty wiring can trigger arc flashes.
• Over current/Overload: If a system is not designed or installed correctly, over current conditions can damage electrical components, leading to fires or system failure.

There are other categories of hazards that occur during the installation of solar systems, they might not be major hazards like fire and shock, but they tend to lead to the other major hazards.

Structural Hazards

Solar panel installations often involve working on rooftops or other elevated structures, presenting additional hazards:

• Roof Damage: Improper installation or the use of incompatible mounting systems can cause structural damage to the roof, leading to leaks, deterioration, or collapse over time.
• Structural Overload: Installing solar panels adds weight to the roof, and if the structure is not strong enough to support this additional load, it can lead to cracks or roof collapse.
• Improper Mounting: Incorrectly mounted solar panels can loosen over time, potentially falling from heights and causing injuries to people or damage to property.

Material Handling Hazards

Handling large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped solar panels can pose several risks:

• Manual Handling Injuries: Lifting and moving solar panels can strain the back, arms, and shoulders. Poor lifting techniques or attempting to carry panels alone increases the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries like sprains, strains, and hernias.
• Falling Objects: Tools or panels dropped during installation can injure workers on the ground. Using tool lanyards and proper securing methods is important for working at heights.

Chemical Hazards

Solar installations may involve the use of chemicals during cleaning, sealing, or connecting components:

• For systems that use batteries (e.g., solar battery storage), there is a risk of chemical exposure from leaks or mishandling. Batteries can leak hazardous substances like acid, posing a risk to both skin and eyes.
• Some mounting systems require the use of adhesives or sealants, which can emit fumes that are harmful if inhaled or come into contact with skin.

Tool and Equipment Hazards

Using tools incorrectly or working with faulty equipment increases the likelihood of injuries:

• Drills, saws, and other power tools are often used during solar installations. If not used properly or maintained, these tools can cause cuts, punctures, or amputations.
• Working from ladders or scaffolding increases the risks of falls if the equipment is not properly set up or is unstable. Ladders should always be inspected for stability, and scaffolding should be securely anchored.

When installing solar systems, workers face a wide range of hazards. These precautions can significantly reduce the risks associated with fire hazards and electric shocks during solar panel installations, ensuring a safer working environment for installers.