CE523: Residential/Commercial Roof-Mounted PV Installation Safety

This training includes four (4) three-hour lessons, for a total of 12 contact training hours. Each lesson will include presentations, videos, interactive exercises, and a quiz.

1- Ladder and Lift Safety: In this lesson, we learn about different ladder options and how to choose the appropriate ladder(s) for a PV installation, based on the specific job site and task (accessing different roof surfaces, running conduit, etc.). We discuss how to properly inspect, set up and use ladders, and through interactive exercises we evaluate different installation sites to determine the best location to set up an extension ladder to access the PV array. In the second part of this lesson, we identify equipment and methods for safely lifting PV modules (and other materials) to the roof, including ladder lifts, boom lifts, reach forklifts, scaffolding, and cranes.

2- Fall Protection: Here, we review OSHA fall protection requirements and present different equipment options for working safely AND efficiently on a PV job site. We discuss the differences between fall restraint, positioning, and fall arrest systems; look at different anchor options for roof surfaces commonly seen on PV installations; and via interactive exercises determine where to place those anchors on the roof.

3- PV Mounting Safety: In this lesson, we identify job site hazards specific to PV mounting work, from array layout through securing modules to the racking system. We go step-by-step through a roof-mounted PV installation and call out ways to eliminate and/or control hazards through safe work practices, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Through interactive exercises and videos, we show best practice methods to safely handle PV equipment and manage small parts on a sloped roof.

4- Solar Electric Safety: In the final lesson of this series, we take an in-depth look at electrical hazards specific to PV installation and maintenance work, and discuss the requirements of OSHA, the NEC, and NFPA 70E to assure safe working conditions. We discuss shock and arc flash hazards and identify protective measures (including PPE and lockout / tagout). We dive even further into lockout / tagout and safe electrical testing methods in our interactive exercises and videos.