Product Overview

Summary: This Concentrated Solar Power Operation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step‑by‑step method for running CSP plants safely, efficiently and in line with Australian WHS expectations. It focuses on managing high‑temperature, high‑pressure and electrical hazards while maximising output and protecting workers, contractors and critical assets.

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants combine intense solar flux, high‑temperature heat transfer fluids, thermal storage systems and high‑voltage generation equipment. Without a structured operating procedure, even minor deviations can result in serious burns, fires, equipment damage or extended downtime. This SOP provides a detailed, practical framework for safe day‑to‑day operation of CSP facilities in Australia, from pre‑start inspections and solar field alignment through to synchronising with the grid and controlled shutdowns.

The document translates complex engineering and WHS requirements into clear, repeatable steps that operators can follow on the ground and in the control room. It helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS law by embedding risk controls for concentrated solar radiation, hot oils or molten salts, pressurised systems, working at heights and live electrical equipment. By standardising how the plant is started, ramped, monitored and shut down, this SOP reduces the likelihood of incidents, extends asset life and supports consistent generation performance across shifts and seasons.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe operation of high‑temperature and high‑pressure CSP systems through clearly defined start‑up, normal running and shutdown sequences.
• Reduce the risk of burns, fires, leaks and electrical incidents by embedding engineered controls, isolation requirements and PPE into daily tasks.
• Streamline operator training and competency assessment with a single, authoritative reference for control room and field operations.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, electrical safety and plant safety obligations for renewable energy facilities.
• Improve plant reliability and output through consistent monitoring, alarm response, and preventative maintenance checks.

Who is this for?

• CSP Plant Operators
• Control Room Operators
• Operations and Maintenance Technicians
• Electrical Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• WHS Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Renewable Energy Project Managers
• Asset Managers
• Commissioning Engineers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to concentrated solar radiation and reflected glare
• Contact with hot surfaces, hot oils or molten salt leading to burns
• High‑pressure leaks or line failures in thermal fluid and steam systems
• Electrical shock and arc flash from high‑voltage equipment and switchgear
• Fire and explosion risks from thermal oils and insulation materials
• Mechanical hazards from tracking drives, pumps and rotating equipment
• Slips, trips and falls in solar fields, around storage tanks and on platforms
• Working at heights on tower receivers, mirrors and elevated structures
• Confined space entry hazards in tanks, pits and enclosed plant areas
• Heat stress and dehydration for outdoor workers in high‑temperature environments

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Operators, Supervisors, WHS Personnel, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Description of CSP Plant Components and Process Flow
• 6.0 Required Competencies, Induction and Training
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑Start Checks and Site Readiness
• 9.0 Solar Field Start‑Up and Tracking Procedures
• 10.0 Receiver and Heat Transfer Fluid System Start‑Up
• 11.0 Thermal Storage System Operation (Charging and Discharging)
• 12.0 Steam Generation and Turbine/Generator Start‑Up
• 13.0 Normal Operating Procedures and Monitoring Requirements
• 14.0 Alarm, Trip and Abnormal Condition Response
• 15.0 Load Changes, Ramp‑Up and Ramp‑Down Procedures
• 16.0 Planned Shutdown and Emergency Shutdown Procedures
• 17.0 Isolation, Lockout/Tagout and De‑energisation Requirements
• 18.0 Working at Heights, Solar Field Access and Exclusion Zones
• 19.0 Confined Space Management for Tanks and Enclosed Areas
• 20.0 Fire Prevention, Hot Work and Ignition Source Control
• 21.0 Environmental Controls (Leaks, Spills, Waste and Noise)
• 22.0 Heat Stress Management and Outdoor Work Controls
• 23.0 Inspection, Maintenance Interface and Handover to Maintenance
• 24.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 25.0 Recordkeeping, Logs and Document Control
• 26.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS 61508 / AS 61511 series for functional safety of safety‑related systems (where applicable to control systems)
• AS 3740 and AS 3814 equivalents for fired/pressurised equipment where steam systems are used
• AS/NZS 1891 series for industrial fall‑arrest systems and devices