Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, practical framework for preventing, detecting and responding to fire risks in solar PV and battery installations across Australian workplaces. It helps businesses integrate fire safety into every stage of design, installation, commissioning and maintenance, protecting workers, clients, and property while supporting compliance with WHS and electrical safety requirements.

Solar PV and battery systems introduce unique fire risks that are often not fully addressed by generic electrical or construction safety procedures. DC arcing, rooftop cable runs, poorly terminated connectors, battery energy storage systems and constrained roof access can all turn a minor fault into a significant fire event. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end‑to‑end approach to fire safety in solar installations, from pre‑start planning, system design considerations and product selection through to installation practices, testing, commissioning, and ongoing inspection and maintenance.

Developed for the Australian WHS environment, the SOP helps businesses translate complex standards and guidance into clear, step‑by‑step actions for field teams. It addresses common fire causes such as incorrect connector mating, inadequate cable support, overcurrent protection issues, poor isolation practices and unsafe work near combustible materials. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of fires on client premises, protect workers operating on roofs and in switch rooms, and minimise reputational and financial damage associated with solar‑related incidents or regulator investigations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of solar-related fires through consistent, best-practice installation and maintenance controls.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS, electrical safety and building fire protection requirements for solar PV systems.
• Standardise fire safety checks and documentation across all solar projects and teams.
• Improve worker competence and confidence in identifying and controlling fire hazards specific to DC and battery systems.
• Minimise project delays, rework and insurance or regulatory issues arising from fire safety non-compliance.

Who is this for?

• Solar Installers
• Electrical Contractors
• Renewable Energy Project Managers
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Electrical Engineers and Designers
• Facilities Managers
• Operations and Maintenance Technicians
• Construction Project Managers
• Small Solar Business Owners

Hazards Addressed

• DC electrical arcing from damaged cables, loose terminations or incompatible connectors
• Overheating of PV modules, inverters, isolators and DC cabling due to poor installation or overloading
• Fire ignition from faulty rooftop DC isolators and switchgear
• Thermal runaway and fire in battery energy storage systems
• Fire spread through roof cavities and combustible building materials near solar components
• Inadequate isolation and emergency shutdown capability during a fire event
• Restricted roof access and egress for workers and emergency services during an incident
• Exposure of workers and occupants to smoke, toxic fumes and burns during fire events
• Hot work and use of ignition sources near PV arrays, cabling and batteries
• Manual handling and trip hazards on roofs that may contribute to incidents during emergency response

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Application
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (PV, DC arc, BESS, isolators)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Installers, WHS Advisors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Fire Risk Identification for Solar Installations
• 6.0 Design and Planning Controls for Fire Prevention
• 7.0 Product Selection and Compliance Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Checks and Site-Specific Fire Risk Assessment
• 9.0 Safe Work Methodology for Installation and Cabling
• 10.0 Rooftop Work, Access, Egress and Housekeeping Controls
• 11.0 DC Isolation, Overcurrent Protection and Earthing Requirements
• 12.0 Battery Energy Storage System Fire Safety Controls
• 13.0 Commissioning, Testing and Verification of Fire Safety Features
• 14.0 Routine Inspection, Maintenance and Thermal Imaging Checks
• 15.0 Hot Work and Ignition Source Management Near Solar Equipment
• 16.0 Emergency Response, Shutdown and Fire Service Interface
• 17.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Training, Competency and Toolbox Talks for Fire Safety in Solar
• 19.0 Records, Documentation and Audit Requirements
• 20.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Revision History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations in relevant states and territories (e.g. Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld))
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 5033: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
• AS/NZS 4777 (series): Grid connection of energy systems via inverters
• AS/NZS 5139: Electrical installations – Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Managing electrical risks in the workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the risk of falls at workplaces Code of Practice
• State and territory fire and rescue service guidance on solar PV and battery systems (where applicable)