Polar Bear III HD 5 Degree Installation Manual
9910034 Rev F
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Appendix A: Safety
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 Polar 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 Polar Bear 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.
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
