When you work with PV systems you often find yourself in the outdoors either on rooftops or possibly remote areas for vacation homes and other off-grid projects. Not only that but you will be working with power tools and hand tools on various materials such as metal and wood. On top of that you will be dealing with electricity and possibly even batteries. All these things bring into play safety hazards that range from cuts and bruises to electrocution and chemical burns.
The first set of hazards I will be talking about are the physical ones. This includes exposure, creatures, cuts, falls, sprains, burns of various types.
To start with let's talk about exposure. You will often find yourself outdoors under the sun when installing or repairing PV systems. This poses its own set of hazards. Being in the direct sun can lead to heat stroke, sun burns and other heat related injuries. To prevent this you will want to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water. On top of this wear a hat and keep yourself covered best you can and if your skin is exposed make sure to wear plenty of sun block. If the temperature gets high take hourly breaks in a shaded area. Now the sun is not the only hazard it is just as dangerous in the cold. Make sure to stay warm and well hydrated. Just because it's cold and you do not think you need much water does not mean you cannot become dehydrated. More people become dehydrated in the winter than the summer because they think they do not need to drink as much water.
Being outdoors and exposed to mother nature is not the only hazard. You have to keep an eye out for various creatures. Insects, snakes, spiders and other creatures all pose a danger when you're working outside. Control panels and junction boxes are great hiding places for spiders and if the openings are big enough there is no telling what may try to make its home there. If you have mounting equipment staged for installation make sure to watch out for snakes and spiders here also. Check under roof ledges and work areas for wasp nests and other creatures. Ground arrays provide shade and snakes will use this area. If you have to route wiring or anything under decks or other structures check them and make sure they are clear, raccoons, possums and other creatures may be napping there.
Cuts, bumps, bruises, falls, sprains and strains. These are all common hazards of dealing with PV systems. Sharp edges on panels, control boxes, mounting racks all pose a hazard that can cause you serious cuts or bumps and bruises. To help prevent cuts wear gloves when working on the system to protect your hands from sharp edges, screws, nails and other dangerous edges. Sometimes systems are installed in remote locations like a hill side and you have the potential for a fall or sprains and strains from moving equipment up and down the hill or other location. Check the area you will be working in for potholes and other physical hazards as branches and debris on the floor, which could pose a danger of tripping. When moving appliances, make sure to lift properly and wear a corset, if necessary, to support your back when it comes to heavy equipment. Photovoltaic modules, as the wind picked up too much, make sure you take care of this when walking with panels and elegantly especially if on a roof over the stairs and elevators.
Burns occur not only by the sun, but from the materials left in the sun. Be careful when handlingwith metals and other photovoltaic components that have been sitting in the sun all day, because they can be a source of serious burns. The use of gloves will help prevent this, along with many other dangers that you can not think.
Subsequently, electrical hazards. Electric shock, do not mess around and is very painful. But there are more dangers to deal with him on a photovoltaic system. If you could get shocked by a decline that could be directly from your feet on the floor and cause, or it could beout at several levels. If you contract the muscles and you will be shocked when working with cramps and other power tools and other electrical appliances can lead to several victims of accidents, if you are not careful to begin with.
Electrical shock can occur if the cable systems that connect the modules together. For the repair of PV modules to be careful because there are two sources of electricity. Not only do you turn on your system, you must stopbut the panels will continue to produce a charge as long as they are exposed to light. Cover the panels if they are in the direct sun so the system can be fully de-energized. If you do not this can lead to shock and arc flash. Arch flash can occur when disconnecting two panels that have a charge running through them creating an arch of electricity between the two connections as they are pulled apart.
Other hazards revolve around batteries in PV systems. Batteries pose the potential hazard not only electrical shock but chemical burns and hazards along with acid burns and hazards depending on the type of batteries being used. Sulfuric acid is the most common type of electrolyte in lead-acid batteries which are usually what is used in a system. This type of acid is very hazardous and can be spilled when dealing with the batteries or when it is being charged. This will cause chemical burns if it comes in contact with your skin and will burn holes in your clothing. This is why you need to have proper personal protective equipment when dealing with batteries. PPE for batteries includes a special apron, gloves and face protection. You do not want anything that is absorbent and should use only approved battery safety protective equipment because putting on your jacket and a pair of work gloves and safety goggles will not do as the acid can eat right through this and absorb into the material making the situation worse. You can pick up battery safety kits and spill kits online. Spill kits provide added components for cleaning up the hazard after it has occurred and usually include 1 or 2 sets of PPE for personnel.
Batteries can also be the culprit of explosions and fires. During the charging process hydrogen gas can be released and if brought into contact with a flame or spark could cause an explosion or fire. So make sure to be aware of your surrounding and not to take anything that can cause flames and sparks with you when working with batteries.
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