Appendix F: Safety
3.
Keep back straight and lift straight up with legs without twisting. It is important to lift
with the legs and not the back.
4.
If an object is too large or heavy, ask for help and do not attempt to lift by yourself. In
the case that mechanical assistance (e.g., crane, forklift, etc.) is required to complete
the lifting operations, all machine operators of such devices should be licensed and
trained.
Material Handling:
All PanelClaw parts and components are made of aluminum and steel alloys
and utilize stainless steel assembly hardware. These materials are considered non-toxic and
require no special handling procedures. Metal components may have sharp edges, so be sure to
handle with care and utilize proper personal protection equipment, especially gloves, during
handling. Refer to OSHA Part 1926 Subpart H
–
Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal
for additional information.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
All personnel should utilize and implement proper PPE
per OSHA requirements. Refer to OSHA requirements for proper use and implementation of
PPE. The following items are suggested as a minimum to avoid injury based on the installation
procedure outlined in this manual:
1.
Appropriate work clothing
2.
Electrically insulated hard hat
3.
Protective eyewear
4.
EH rated safety boots
5.
Gloves
6.
High-visibility safety vest
7.
Hearing protection
1.
If any PPE appears to be defective, stop the use of such equipment immediately, and
ensure it is replaced before work continues. Refer to OSHA Part 1926 Subpart E
–
Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment for additional information.
Hand and Power Tools:
Access to all hand and power tools should be regulated and controlled
at all times on site to prevent improper use and related injuries. When not in use, all equipment
should be stored in a secured location. Only personnel who have been properly trained in the
safe operation of any potentially dangerous tool should be allowed access. All required tools to
perform the installation of PanelClaw racking are outlined in the installation procedure. All
tools should be inspected daily and before use by the operator. If any tool appears to be
defective, stop the use of such equipment immediately, and ensure it is replaced before work
continues. Electrical power tools should follow proper lock-out tag-out procedures per OSHA
requirements. Refer to OSHA Part 1926 Subpart I
–
Tools
–
Hand and Power for additional
information.
The subsections below outline some of the obvious / major hazards that could exist during the
installation or O&M of PanelClaw products and are divided to bring a level of clarity to such
hazards. Some sections do not apply to all PanelClaw product lines and such exclusions are
noted within each section.
Electrical Hazards:
PanelClaw products are purely mechanical and do not contain any
electrically live parts. When a photovoltaic module is exposed to sunlight it is electrically live
and cannot be turned off. As soon as modules are installed using a PanelClaw system, an
electrical shock hazard is present. All personnel on site should coordinate to ensure that such
electrical hazards are clearly communicated. It is advised, at a minimum, that all personnel
utilize caution and proper Personal Protective Equipment as outlined in that section. Only
electrically qualified personnel should perform PV module installation. Refer to OSHA Part
1926 Subpart K
–
Electrical and NFPA 70E for additional information.
Environmental Hazards:
Look for hazards associated with water and snow loading if observed
upon entry into the array area. Standing water increases the likelihood of electrical shock if the
PV electrical system is compromised in any way. Severe snow loads can result in module and/or
racking damage and, in extreme cases, electrical hazards.
Fall Hazards:
This section only applies to clawFRplus products installed on locations six feet or
higher above grade. Proper fall protection should be in place at all work sites. There are many
fall protection solutions readily available to help reduce exposure to fall hazards. These may
include personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, guardrails, and flagged setbacks from all roof
edges as outlined in OSHA Part 1926 Subpart M
–
Fall Protection.
Trip Hazards:
All PanelClaw arrays have elevated components that are installed above grade or
above a roof surface. Such hazards should be identified and caution should be taken to avoid
tripping over such components. Refer to the Fall Hazards section specifically if working with the
clawFRplus product line. Make sure to pick up and not drag your feet when working on site,
and always pay attention to your path of movement to note any obstructions that could create
a trip hazard.
Lifting Hazards:
The PanelClaw installation process involves lifting of heavy items that could
lead to personal injury and damage to property. All personnel should be trained in the proper
procedures for manually lifting. Evaluate an
object’s
size and weight prior to lifting, and follow
these general guidelines for lifting:
1.
Assess the lift and know the object weight.
2.
Bend at the knees and get a good grip.