Solar Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Solar installers must hold Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation demonstrating competency in photovoltaic system design and installation. This requires completion of CEC-approved training courses covering system design, installation standards, grid connection requirements, and safety procedures. Additionally, installers must hold appropriate electrical licenses issued by state or territory regulatory authorities - typically an electrical contractor licence or restricted electrical licence for solar installation. Working at Heights training is essential as most installations involve roof work above 2 metres. Additional qualifications may include confined space entry training for roof space work, first aid certification, and specific manufacturer training for inverter systems. All licensing and training must remain current with regular refresher courses. Installation of grid-connected systems requires submission of compliance certificates to electricity network operators verifying work meets AS/NZS 5033 and grid connection standards.

DC isolation procedures differ fundamentally because solar panels generate voltage whenever exposed to light, meaning arrays cannot be completely isolated using conventional switchgear methods. During installation, keep arrays de-energised by covering panels with opaque material or building strings progressively and installing DC isolators before connecting multiple strings. DC isolators must be installed at both array and inverter locations enabling isolation at multiple points. Unlike AC systems where opening a circuit breaker eliminates voltage, DC systems maintain voltage from panel generation even when isolated from loads. DC arc faults can sustain longer than AC arcs due to absence of zero-crossing points in DC waveforms, creating higher fire risk. Always verify circuits are de-energised using appropriate DC voltage meters before commencing termination work. Use insulated tools rated for DC voltage levels which may exceed 600V in residential systems. Never work on energised DC circuits except during commissioning testing with appropriate arc-rated PPE. Implement covering protocols requiring panels to be covered during installation breaks, overnight periods, or when work pauses. Emergency procedures must address DC isolation challenges including covering arrays to eliminate voltage before rescue or fault-finding activities.

Fall protection selection depends on roof type, pitch, height, and work duration. For sloped tile or metal roofs on single-storey residential buildings (3-4 metres height), install roof anchors fixed through roofing material into structural rafters using appropriate lag screws with minimum 75mm penetration. Provide workers with full-body harnesses and work positioning lanyards allowing hands-free work while preventing falls. Roof anchors should provide coverage across work area - typically 4-6 anchors per roof face. For tile roofs, specialised tile roof anchors are available that do not require roof penetration, using tile strength for anchorage. For flat or low-slope roofs, temporary guardrail edge protection provides collective fall prevention without individual harness requirements. Guardrails must meet minimum height requirements (1000mm) with mid-rails and toe boards. For extended commercial installations, consider installing temporary handrail systems along ridge lines and roof edges providing grab-hold points throughout work. On fragile roofs including fibre cement or corroded metal, use roof ladders distributing worker weight across multiple rafters, combined with harness systems anchored to verified structural points. Never rely on gutters, chimneys, or roof materials for fall arrest anchorage. All fall protection systems must be designed and installed by competent persons and verified before use.

Heat stress management requires multiple control layers given extreme conditions on Australian roofs during summer. Schedule installation work as early as practicable, starting at first light to complete high-intensity roof work during cooler morning hours before temperatures peak. Monitor Bureau of Meteorology forecasts daily and modify work schedules when temperatures exceed 35°C. Cease roof work entirely when ambient temperatures exceed 38°C or earlier if workers show heat stress symptoms. Implement mandatory 10-minute breaks every hour in shaded rest areas off roof with cool drinking water available. Mandate minimum 600ml fluid intake per hour during hot conditions with electrolyte replacement drinks to maintain sodium balance. Rotate workers between roof installation and ground-based tasks every 2 hours to prevent heat accumulation. Provide cooling equipment including portable fans, misting systems, or cooling vests where practicable. Train all workers to recognise heat stress symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and rapid pulse. Implement buddy system requiring workers to monitor each other for symptoms. Provide immediate first aid for heat stress including move to shade, remove excess clothing, apply cool water, and call emergency services for suspected heat stroke. Consider heat stress as seriously as other high-risk hazards - heat stroke can be fatal within 30 minutes without treatment.

Structural assessment must verify roof framing can support combined dead loads from solar arrays plus live loads from installation work and maintenance access. Assessment should include visual inspection of roof framing from internal roof space access, verifying rafter size and spacing, identifying any timber deterioration from rot or termite damage, and confirming fixing adequacy of existing roof structure. For typical residential installations, rafters must be minimum 70mm x 35mm F5 grade timber at maximum 600mm spacing, or equivalent structural capacity. Solar arrays add approximately 15-20kg per square metre dead load plus installation live loads. Calculate actual loads per AS/NZS 1170.2 and verify against roof structural capacity. For older buildings (pre-1980), engage structural engineer if any concerns identified as timber framing standards varied historically. Identify fragile roofing materials including fibre cement, translucent sheeting, and heavily corroded metal which cannot support worker weight - these require special access controls using roof ladders or crawl boards. Document structural assessment findings including measurements, photographs, load calculations, and identified limitations. Never proceed with installation if structural adequacy cannot be verified - roof collapse or fall-through incidents cause serious injuries and expensive building damage. Customer must be informed if structural upgrades required before solar installation can proceed safely.