Solar panel (rooftop) installation

Here are some easy steps retailers can follow:

Step 1: Know your installers

Use the know your solar installers template to collect information on your installers capabilities and equipment, to help you understand what types of jobs you can allocate to them.

As a retailer you should also check your installer has:

• appropriate qualifications and licences
• workers compensation policy
• a safe systems of work and safety equipment
• consulted with workers about safety.

Use this template when onboarding new installers and at regular intervals.

Step 2: Match the right job to the right installer

In order to allocate your installation job to the right installer, use this fall protection assessment template to understand specifics of the job.

When quoting for the job, gather information including:

• roof material and pitch
• height, access and condition of the roof
• are there skylights or fragile roof sheeting.

You can then match the requirements of the job to the installer’s skills and ensure they have the right safety equipment for those specific needs.

The safety controls identified at the time of the site evaluation and that are required to be put into place by the installer, should be clearly detailed in the job specification. The cost estimate for required controls should be included in the job quotation provided to the installer.

Use this template when obtaining information to quote the job.

Step 3: Plan for safety with your installer

Share the fall protection assessment with your installer and use the solar retailers safety checklist as part of your consultation arrangements to:

• discuss the specific risks and agree on control measures
• verify the installer has the appropriate safety equipment (e.g. roof guard rails, panel handling / lifting equipment)
• complete a site-specific safe work method statement (SWMS). Don’t forget to cover off on any falls, electrical and asbestos risks in the SWMS. The SWMS must be tailored to individual sites.

Step 4: Verify your installer is working safely

A retailers’ duties don’t stop with the allocation of a job. Retailers must take steps to verify that their installers are working safely as planned.

You could do this by:

• requesting photographic evidence of safety
• performing random site checks to confirm solar installers have implemented agreed controls.

Use the guide to safe solar panel installation and solar installers safety checklist to understand your WHS responsibilities and plan for safety.

Here are some tips:

• use higher order controls, such as roof guard rails, before considering lower order controls, such as fall restraint or arrest (harnesses)
• have a safe work method statement (SWMS) for each job, and follow the safety controls
• ensure equipment is used as per manufacturer's instructions, and by a competent person
• provide safe access and egress to the roof
• ensure electrical work and asbestos removal is completed by a licenced tradesperson
• use a panel lifter to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
• consult workers about each job and provide adequate training and instruction to workers.