Commercial solar farms are booming but so are the incidences of unlicensed workers working at height to perform installs as well as the incorrect and dangerous installation of the panels.
Just last year, a new code of practice and electrical safety regulations were released to enhance safety on commercial solar farms. What does this new code mean? It means that mounting, locating, fixing and removing solar panels at solar farms is a risk that it was recommended to only be performed by licensed electricians and that a well-managed safety management system must always be in place.
The code covers the design of a solar farm to ensure:
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adequate documentation and sign off
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safe connection to networks is identified before construction
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appropriate equipment selection
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design aspects for safe construction, operation and maintenance
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safety considerations for de-commissioning at end of life.
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clarification of electrical work
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licensing and competency requirements
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supervision of people assisting an electrical worker
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compliance with wiring rules
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working near energised electrical parts
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earthing requirements
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high voltage safety
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arc flash
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specific DC PV electrical safety issues
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commissioning
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safe systems of work for operation, inspection and maintenance
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high risk construction work and licenses
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hazardous manual tasks
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plant
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traffic management
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exposure to noise
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remote or isolated work
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first aid
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heat and fatigue management
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worker welfare
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emergency planning
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access to worksite
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Q fever, hazardous chemicals and waste management.
Given the new regulations and ensuring commercial solar installers keep pace with new and emerging solar technology, these areas must be audited at the required intervals and by accredited auditors. Where height safety is involved in locations such as commercial buildings, Managing The Risks of Falls At Workplaces Code of Practice 2018 must also be audited and considered for both the installers and the auditors. But given the risks involved with a commercial solar installation, how do you safely audit your solar installers?
Controlling risk on solar installer audits
With many commercial solar installations, the initial working at height risk assessment usually identifies the risk of falls from height. An auditor must also consider this risk when working at heights to conduct an audit on the solar installer. The code of practice requires that specific controls are put in place where they are reasonably practicable to do so. These include:
· Avoiding the need to work at height in order to eliminate the risk
· Carry out the work on the ground
· Reduce the risk by working on a solid construction or platform
· Using a fall prevention device
· Using a work positioning system, e.g. industrial rope access
· Providing a fall arrest system
· A combination of the above.
When implementing one or more of these controls to audit solar installers or provide solar installation training, Working At Heights Legislation WHS Regulation 37 states that you must ensure that the control measures implemented remain effective.
A review of effectiveness includes checking that the control measures are fit for purpose; suitable for the nature and duration of the work; are installed and used correctly.
In addition to this, WHS Regulation 38 states that a person conducting a business or undertaking must review and as necessary revise fall control measures.
If you opt for an elevated work platform such as a scissor lift or cherry picker, there are additional control measures you will need to take to carry out your audit as noted on page 17 of the COP. Some relevant points include:
· Ensuring you are adequately trained to use the equipment
· Ensuring you use the platform for the safety audit only
· Ensuring you use an adequately anchored safety harnessed
· You are licensed to operate a boom-type elevating work platform for booms exceeding 11 metres.
Is there a safer way to audit solar installers?
The problem with the above risk controls is they do not wholly remove risk for the auditor, and each control measure takes time and costs money. So is there a safer, more cost-effective and resourceful way to audit solar installers without having to work at heights? Yes, there is and it is by far a more reliable alternative to auditing at heights.
Solar Vantage
Solar Vantage is the next level in auditing technology. It’s remote; you don’t have to step on a cherry-picker or harness up, you can audit your personnel from any location. Solar Vantage enables you to audit your solar installers using a two-way handsfree augmented reality headset or smartphone. The solar installer accesses the site wearing their headset and the auditor can be sitting in their office going through a SWMS with them while recording the audit.
Compared to the hoops you’d need to jump through to get on-site the traditional way to carry out an audit, Solar Vantage has plenty of benefits.
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No downtime or travel time. Audit installers from anywhere, no equipment set up.
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There’s no need to maintain licenses and training to use elevated work platforms.
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Risk-free auditing.
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Creation of solar panel installation training content.
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Reduces the cost of a permanent safety professional to carry out audits.
If you’re looking to better manage risks and efficiencies when you’re auditing your staff, particularly when working at height, contact us. We’ve got some exciting and innovative solutions we’d love to introduce you to.