What is a solar safety checklist?

This checklist aims to help identify the potential hazards to workers’ safety and health from small-scale and domestic solar energy systems, covering all stages of their life cycle, from manufacturing, installation and maintenance to decommissioning and recycling.

What are the risks associated with small-scale solar power installations?

All operations on small-scale solar power installations require training to recognise the various risks and to take the appropriate safety and health measures. The manufacture, disposal or recycling of PV systems can lead to exposure to chemicals.

How do you protect a solar energy system?

Use rigid covers for skylights or temporary openings and holes, or safeguard them by means of protective rails or guards. Ensure that workers who conduct the work are specifically trained on electrical risks and on the specific characteristics of solar energy systems.

How do you prevent hazardous currents in a solar system?

Prevent potential hazardous currents by using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). Provide information about solar thermal collectors. Note that applying fluid to a hot system can quickly turn the liquid to steam.

What do you need to know about solar thermal collectors?

Provide information about solar thermal collectors. Note that applying fluid to a hot system can quickly turn the liquid to steam. Supply appropriate PPE (eye protectors/face shields, footwear, gloves) and ensure that it is properly maintained and that workers are trained in its use.

Are solar power installations dangerous?

Solar power installations can be the source of a combination of risks throughout their life cycle. This may be influenced by the following main areas of hazards: exposure to toxic chemicals and metals, electric risks (PV)/burns (STP), working at height, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).