What are the risks that need to be paid attention to when installing photovoltaic systems?
Installing a photovoltaic system is a risky business, so taking appropriate safety measures is critical. The main risks associated with the installation of photovoltaic systems are:
1·Electric shock: Since photovoltaic devices generate electricity under light conditions, they should often be considered as live devices and should be handled with care. In many photovoltaic systems, the DC voltage of the array exceeds 120V, which can be considered fatal. For this reason, local regulations and national standards may require the array module string to be divided into many segments, and the Voc of each segment does not exceed 120V. . Even if the voltage is lower than 120V, it can still be considered very dangerous, because although the electric shock will not make the victim fatal, it can distract or lose balance, and may fall off the roof when safety measures are not enough. It is very important to take a series of steps to reduce the risks of working at heights, and these steps are usually emphasized in national safety standards or regulations. Wearing protective clothing including gloves can protect photovoltaic installers in the event of a ground fault in the photovoltaic array and frame. For a specific system installation project, potential electrical faults should be classified and included in the risk assessment.
2·Work at height: the risk of falling from the roof is very high. If proper safety measures are taken, this type of risk can be greatly reduced. Each region has its own standards for working at heights. These standards generally require safety harnesses or scaffolding to be installed when working at heights. A ladder is a common tool for climbing the roof and should be fixed. You should also consult local codes and guidelines to consider what type of ladder to use, because these codes may object to certain types of materials, such as metal ladders due to electrical conductivity.
3·Injuries from bare-hand work: This kind of injury often occurs when people lift and carry heavy objects, or use the wrong techniques. It is very important that when lifting or lowering objects, try to use the knees to bend instead of the waist. If necessary, multiple people should lift them.
4· Falling objects: It is also common for objects falling on the roof to cause injuries. This type of risk can be minimized by keeping the working space on the roof tidy and keeping the tools close to the installer at all times, that is, using a tool belt. If working at high altitudes, installers can also consider restricting people’s access to the work area. For small household system installation projects, this approach is generally easy, because the installation process only takes a few hours; however, large-scale system installation projects will take several days, which is unlikely. Keeping the work site clean and tidy is also a good measure to avoid injuries.
5· Environment: Working outdoors for several hours (especially in summer) can be exhausting. The installer should maintain a good sense of consciousness by drinking plenty of water and resting in the shade when needed. Suntan lotion, hats and long-sleeved shirts are important to avoid sun burns. Photovoltaic modules are heated in the sun, and gloves should be worn when handling photovoltaic modules.
Before installing a photovoltaic system, risk assessment should be part of the on-site assessment: according to the likelihood and severity of the risk, the risk needs to be identified and classified according to low, medium, high or extreme. Also need to identify and take risk control measures. Recommendations for minimizing risks and avoiding harm can be obtained from local government authorities, such as the British Health and Safety Executive , the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, European work The Safety and Health Agency and Workcover organizations in the states of Australia.