Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for planning, installing, and using fall protection systems during solar installation work at height. It helps Australian solar businesses control the risk of falls from roofs and elevated structures while demonstrating strong compliance with WHS obligations and industry best practice.

Working at height is one of the highest-risk activities in the solar industry, with falls from roofs and ladders consistently featuring in Australian incident statistics. This Fall Protection Systems in Solar Installations SOP provides a structured, step-by-step process for assessing fall risks, selecting appropriate fall protection systems, and using them correctly throughout solar installation, commissioning, and maintenance tasks. It addresses the full lifecycle of rooftop work, from pre-start planning and access arrangements through to dismantling temporary systems and post-job review.

The document is written specifically for Australian solar operations and aligns with WHS legislation, relevant Australian Standards, and regulator guidance on working at height. It helps businesses translate legal duties into day-to-day practices that field teams can actually follow on site—covering roof access, edge protection, anchor points, harness systems, ladders, walkways, and rescue planning. By implementing this SOP, solar businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls, improve consistency across crews and subcontractors, and provide clear evidence of due diligence in the event of an audit or incident investigation.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of falls from height during rooftop solar installation, maintenance, and inspection activities.
• Ensure solar installation work practices are aligned with Australian WHS legislation and relevant working-at-heights standards.
• Standardise how crews select, install, inspect, and use fall protection systems across different sites and roof types.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, principal contractors, and regulators through a documented, repeatable procedure.
• Improve worker confidence and competence when working at height through clear instructions and training guidance.

Who is this for?

• Solar Installers
• Rooftop Solar Technicians
• Electrical Contractors (Solar)
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• HSEQ Coordinators
• Small Solar Business Owners
• Principal Contractors
• Roofing Contractors working with Solar Installers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from roofs, ladders, and elevated work platforms
• Falls through fragile or brittle roofing materials (e.g. skylights, polycarbonate sheets)
• Incorrect use or failure of fall arrest systems, harnesses, and anchor points
• Unprotected roof edges, voids, and penetrations during solar panel installation
• Slips and trips on pitched, wet, or dusty roof surfaces
• Falling objects striking workers or members of the public below
• Inadequate or unsafe access and egress to roof work areas
• Rescue delays or complications following a fall arrest event

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Fall Restraint, Fall Arrest, Anchor Points, Fragile Surfaces)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Installers, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning and Risk Assessment for Rooftop Solar Work
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Control for Working at Height in Solar Installations
• 7.0 Selection of Fall Protection Systems (Guardrails, Roof Edge Protection, Harness Systems, EWP, Scaffold)
• 8.0 Requirements for Roof Access, Ladders, and Fixed Platforms
• 9.0 Installation, Inspection and Use of Anchor Points and Lifeline Systems
• 10.0 Harness, Lanyard and Connector Use, Adjustment and Compatibility
• 11.0 Working Near Roof Edges, Fragile Surfaces and Roof Penetrations
• 12.0 Control of Falling Objects and Exclusion Zones Below Work Areas
• 13.0 Weather Conditions, Roof Pitch and Surface Condition Controls
• 14.0 Emergency Response and Rescue Planning for Fall Arrest Events
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Licence Requirements for Workers at Height
• 16.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Recordkeeping for Fall Protection Equipment
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure
• 18.0 Toolbox Talks and Communication Requirements for Solar Crews

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (particularly provisions relating to work at height and construction work)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS/NZS 1891.1: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Harnesses and ancillary equipment
• AS/NZS 1891.2: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 5532: Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at height
• AS/NZS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• Clean Energy Council – Solar PV Installation Guidelines (as applicable to rooftop safety and access)