As more solar panels are installed on the surface of a roof the walking area which may once have been available may no longer be available to workers.
Roof top ohsha solar requirements.
Osha requires that fall protection is provided at elevations of 6 feet in the construction industry like on top of a roof and when working with dangerous equipment and machinery such as inverters.
Steep roof above 4 12 slope 29 cfr 1926 501 b 11.
Employers must provide the right equipment employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the.
The state of california and cities of orlando florida and tucson arizona along with others have incorporated solar ready requirements in commercial or residential building codes.
The court determined that rooftop solar panel installation is not roofing work under osha regulations.
As a result contractors performing solar work are subject to more stringent employee fall protection standards than typical roofing work jd supra reports.
Fall protection for rooftop work.
Single unit monolithic roofing applied to flat roofs may seem safer to some roof workers but the work is still at height and subject to many similar hazards and safety requirements as sloped roof work.
Before a solar installation begins it s essential for the installer to visit the site identify the safety risks and develop specific plans for addressing them.
Two osha standards can apply 29 cfr 1910 which governs general industry safety standards and 29 cfr 1926 which governs construction sites specifically the osha general industry standards exclude construction as well as agriculture and marine industries which.
Equipment to be used for safe lifting and handling of solar panels.
For electrical contractors involved in solar roof installations who think that the same occupational safety and health administration osha safety requirements apply to their workers that apply to roofers a recent court ruling may come as a surprise.
Low slope roof 4 12 slope or less 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10.
Know the pitch of the roof and follow the appropriate standard.
Proper fall protection measures personal protective equipment ppe and adhering to safe work practices can protect workers from fall hazards.
Some have done so in pursuit of solsmart designations a program run by the solar foundation that distinguishes cities and counties that are open for solar business.
What heights for general or rooftop fall protection.
Workers who install and or maintain solar panels often work on roofs use ladders and scaffolding are in proximity of ledges and sunroofs and are exposed to fall hazards.
Osha safety standards especially for roof fall protection can be a source of confusion for many industrial companies.
If you run a solar installation company these are important to be aware of because it is your responsibility to ensure a safe workplace.
