Safety and PV

Module 16Fall 2009

Working Safely with PV

• Common Sense aspects:– Cluttered workspace leads to tripping– Working on sloped roofs, secure everything

from rolling off the roof, including yourself– Tools falling off roofs are dangerous to all– Working in sunlight, wear covering clothing

and sunscreen ALWAYS !

Hazards:

• Nicks, Cuts, and Burns from sharp or hot components

• Dropping tools or materials on people or sensitive equipment

• PV systems produce electricity during assembly. Shock and fire hazards exist

Surprise hazards:

• Moving around on roofs can present surprise hazards such as:– Backing into someone or something– Not being aware of a roof edge– Loose or old roofing giving way– Maintain a conversation on roof to know

where everyone is and what they are doing

Trainees: Whats wrong with this?

But they’re wearing harnesses !!!

OSHA Regulations

• Chapter 29 of the U.S Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926, Safety and health regulations for Construction.

• This Regulation contains 26 subparts labeled A through Z

Chapter 29, Part 1926

• Subpart D – Occupational Health and Environmental Controls

• Subpart E – Personal Protective and life saving equipment

• Subpart I – Tools, Hand and Power• Subpart K – Electrical• Subpart X – Stairways and Ladders

Employers Must:

• Initiate and Maintain jobsite safety• Instruct employees in recognition and avoidance

of unsafe conditions– Snow on roofs, fall hazards

• Train employees about tool and equipment use• Train employees in the safety and health

regulations applicable to their work

Falls:

• Are the leading cause of workplace fatalities

• Up to 200 killed and 10,000 injured each year

• All work performed 6’ above the ground must be done with fall protection considerations

Not Good….

Fall Protection

• Safety nets• Warning line systems

– Typically a warning roof 6’ in from the edge of a fall hazard

• Covers over holes• Toe boards – to stop foot from slipping off ede• Safety Harnesses and or lanyards

Good……

Not Good…..

A safety monitoring system may be allowed:

• Warning person must be knowledgeable in fall hazards

• Must be capable of warning other workers, operating at the same level and be seen by other workers

• Close enough to communicate orally• Have no other distracting duties than warning

workers

Safety in Attics

• Attics are confined spaces where consideration is needed for:– Accessibility– Fresh, Clean Air– Temperature - relates to hydration, may be

too hot after 11am in Colorado– Lighting– Unseen fall hazards exist

Good Attic Practices

• Wear proper clothing to protect against the insulation and construction materials

• Breathing mask designed for the environment

• Proper lighting (I use a headlamp)

• Bring bottled water

• Learn where the ceiling joists are and only step on them. The drywall ceiling will not support weigh

Ceiling Damage potential - Great

• You also must be careful with tools in the attic

• Falling or dropping tools can damage a ceiling where repairs will need to be made

• Be careful of existing wiring, ductwork and plumbing You could trip or even sever the wiring while working in the attic

Attic more….

• Roofing Nails, and other protrusions are everywhere in an attic.

• Wear a hardhat, gloves and proper shoes

• Always wear safety glasses

Safety working with PV modules

• Handle with care, made of glass and aluminum

• Protect wire ends from shorting into each other– A very intense arc can reach temps of 10,000˚ C– This could do burn and eye damage or cause

someone to jump back or fall

System is HOT !!!!

Working Space for Electrical

Working Height for Electrical

Equipment

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