Installation of solar panels

17 November 2022

WorkSafe ACT was recently notified of workers with insufficient fall protection controls whilst installing solar panels at residential construction sites.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act), it is the responsibility of persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to manage all risks to health and safety when workings at heights.

Managing the risks

When installing solar panels, safe access and egress to the roof must be established before work begins. As the PCBU, you need to consider a number of factors; the space available, the height, size and shape of the panels and how they will be lifted, and how many people need access.

For large installations, temporary scaffold stairways or a mobile scaffold are an efficient, and safe option as a means of access. A competent person should install scaffold stairs in line with the manufacturer specifications and, if the scaffold height is over 4 metres, a person who holds a scaffolding high risk work licence must install the scaffold.

For smaller works where temporary scaffolds or elevated work platforms (EWPs) are not suitable, a mobile scaffold or ladder can be considered. When using a ladder, it can only be used for access/egress to the roof, not for transferring equipment or materials such as panels and mounting equipment.

When working on the roof, temporary edge protection is a reasonably practicable and effective means of preventing falls from roof edges. This control can increase site productivity whilst also reducing the risk to your workers. Where practicable, you should install edge protection systems from the ground.

Only if it is not reasonably practicable to provide edge protection or to use a work positioning system, a fall restraint system can be used. Fall restraint systems are personal protective equipment and should only be considered as a last line of defence.

When using a fall restraint system, you must develop an emergency plan including rescue procedures for anyone wearing it. These procedures must be maintained to ensure they are effective, and information, training, and instruction must be provided to workers about the rescue procedures.

DIALLING 000 IS NOT A SUITABLE RESCUE PLAN!

Further information

For more information on manging potential risks at your workplace, please see the following links: