Commercial solar panel cleaning usually requires workers to climb up onto rooftops at great heights to access the solar panel system. Not only are they dealing with a live electrical system, but they are also dealing with the risk of working at such a high elevation. For this reason, the State of California and the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have created numerous commercial solar panel cleaning safety standards and guidelines to follow. Many of these standards and guidelines pertain to electrical safety, heights, and fall protection for workers. To learn more about commercial solar panel cleaning safety standards or to schedule a professional solar panel cleaning service, give us a call at (619) 780-7773.
4 Essential Commercial Solar Panel Cleaning Safety Standards:
Ladder Safety – According to the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3276, solar panel cleaners should always look for the safest way to access a roof. They must follow a “Working at Height Risk Hierarchy” where they try out the safest methods and alternatives first, such as scaffolding, guardrails, and aerial lifts. As for ladders, they are considered a last resort for accessing a rooftop. Workers are expected to exhaust all other methods for accessing the rooftop before attempting to use a ladder.
Working in High Places – According to the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1670, solar panel cleaners must follow specific rules to help prevent falls when working at heights of at least four feet. Since most solar panel cleaning jobs require working on roofs much more than four feet from the ground, these rules must apply. Solar panel cleaners must have a thorough and detailed fall protection plan, such as specific equipment and procedures to minimize the risk of falls. And in places without guardrails, the cleaners must use full-body harnesses or some other personal fall arrest system that can support a minimum of 5,000 pounds per cleaner.
Working Safely on Roofs – According to the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1730, solar panel cleaners should have edge protection and skylight protection in place to prevent dangerous falls around unprotected skylights and edges. Edge protection, such as warning lines and guardrails, must exist within six feet from the roof’s edge. As for skylights, they should be equipped or covered with screens to avoid cleaners from falling through them. These methods can save many lives and prevent injuries.
Working Safely Around Electricity – Solar panels generate electricity from solar energy. Because of this, solar panel cleaners must prioritize electrical safety whenever they are around solar panels. According to the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 2320.4, solar panel cleaners must maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from overhead power lines to prevent electric shocks and other potential electrical threats. However, since solar panel systems cannot be turned off to clean them, workers are expected to wear personal protective equipment when cleaning solar panels.
Contact Us to Learn More About Commercial Solar Panel Cleaning Safety Standards
Want to learn more about commercial solar panel cleaning safety standards and OSHA requirements? Contact us at OnPoint Solar Panel Cleaning to learn how we follow these safety standards while providing professional solar panel cleaning services throughout San Diego: (619) 780-7773
