Polar Bear East/West 10 Degree Installation Manual
9910022 Rev A
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Appendix B: Safety
General Installation Safety with PanelClaw Products:
Safety is an essential part of every photovoltaic
(PV) installation and every construction site. It is imperative to plan ahead for any safety concerns and
hazards to promote safe work practices during installation. This section does not claim to address or
support all safety concerns that may arise during the installation of PanelClaw mounting systems or any
other aspect of the work being performed. Before beginning work, installers should refer to all local and
federal safety, health, and regulatory requirements to assure compliance. Refer to OSHA Part 1926 and
its related Subparts for federal construction related regulations and standards.
The subsections below outline some of the obvious / major hazards that could exist during the
installation 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.
Fall Hazards:
This section only applies to Grizzly Bear®, Polar Bear®, and Kodiak Bear™ 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 Grizzly Bear, Polar Bear,
and Kodiak Bear product lines. 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
manual lifting. Evaluate an object’s size and weight prior to lifting, and follow these general guidelines:
1.
Assess the lift and know the object weight.
2.
Bend at the knees and get a good grip.
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.
