As a result contractors performing solar work are subject to more stringent employee fall protection standards than typical roofing work jd supra reports.
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.
Low slope roof 4 12 slope or less 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10.
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.
Know the pitch of the roof and follow the appropriate standard.
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.
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.
What heights for general or rooftop fall protection.
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.
If you run a solar installation company these are important to be aware of because it is your responsibility to ensure a safe workplace.
Steep roof above 4 12 slope 29 cfr 1926 501 b 11.
The court determined that rooftop solar panel installation is not roofing work under osha regulations.
Type and size of ladders and scaffolding if needed.
To meet osha requirements in the construction industry employers must provide workers with fall protection whenever they work at heights of six feet or more above a lower level 29 cfr 1926 501 b 1.
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.
Equipment to be used for safe lifting and handling of solar panels.
Employers must provide the right equipment employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the.
Implementing osha standards can help to assure safe conditions.
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.
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.
Proper fall protection measures personal protective equipment ppe and adhering to safe work practices can protect workers from fall hazards.
