Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, practical requirements for selecting, using, maintaining and inspecting personal protective equipment (PPE) for solar installation, maintenance and cleaning work. It helps Australian solar businesses control high‑risk hazards such as falls, electrical contact, UV exposure and manual handling, while demonstrating compliance with WHS obligations and industry best practice.

Solar work exposes workers to a unique combination of hazards: working at heights on pitched or fragile roofs, live electrical components, intense UV radiation, heat stress, sharp edges on panels and mounting systems, and changing weather conditions. This Personal Protective Equipment for Solar Work SOP provides a structured, task‑specific approach to PPE so that controls are consistent, defensible and aligned with Australian WHS expectations. It covers pre‑start planning, PPE selection based on risk assessment, correct fitting and use, inspection and maintenance, and when PPE must be upgraded or work stopped.

The procedure is designed for solar businesses that need more than a generic PPE policy. It addresses the realities of rooftop and ground‑mount solar work, including harness systems for fall protection, arc‑rated and cut‑resistant clothing, UV‑rated eye and skin protection, and communication equipment for remote and hot environments. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce incident rates, support compliance with WHS legislation, and give supervisors a clear, step‑by‑step reference when planning jobs, inducting new workers or responding to audits and regulator enquiries.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, risk‑based selection and use of PPE for all solar installation, maintenance and cleaning activities.
• Reduce the likelihood of falls, electrical injuries, eye damage, heat stress and other preventable incidents on solar sites.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, relevant standards and client requirements during audits and tenders.
• Standardise training and inductions so new and existing workers clearly understand PPE expectations for rooftop and ground‑mount solar work.
• Extend the service life and effectiveness of PPE through clear inspection, care, storage and replacement criteria.

Who is this for?

• Solar Installers
• Solar Electricians
• Rooftop Solar Technicians
• Solar Project Supervisors
• Construction Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers in Solar and Renewables
• HSEQ Coordinators
• Small Solar Business Owners
• Facilities and Asset Managers responsible for solar systems

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from heights while working on roofs, ladders and elevated work platforms
• Electrical shock and arc flash from live or energised solar components
• UV radiation exposure to skin and eyes during outdoor work
• Heat stress, dehydration and heat‑related illness on hot roofs and open sites
• Slips, trips and falls on wet, dusty or unstable roof surfaces
• Cuts, punctures and abrasions from sharp panel edges, mounting rails and tools
• Impact injuries from dropped tools or materials on lower levels
• Eye injuries from flying particles, drilling, grinding or wind‑blown debris
• Hand injuries from handling glass, metal racking and cabling
• Noise exposure from power tools, generators and construction equipment
• Respiratory irritation from dust, bird droppings, insulation fibres or cleaning chemicals
• Adverse weather exposure including wind, rain and cold conditions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Standards and Legislative Requirements
• 3.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (PPE, PV array, LV, HV, etc.)
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Workers, Contractors)
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Hierarchy of Control for Solar Work
• 6.0 PPE Requirements by Task (Installation, Maintenance, Cleaning, Testing, Roof Access)
• 7.0 Selection Criteria for PPE (Fit, compatibility, ratings and environmental conditions)
• 8.0 PPE for Working at Heights (harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, connectors)
• 9.0 Electrical and Arc‑Rated PPE for Solar Electrical Work
• 10.0 UV, Heat and Weather Protection (sun protection, hydration, thermal comfort)
• 11.0 Eye, Face, Hand and Foot Protection Requirements
• 12.0 Respiratory Protection for Dust, Droppings and Chemical Exposure
• 13.0 PPE Inspection, Maintenance, Cleaning and Storage
• 14.0 PPE Issue, Replacement and Recordkeeping
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Fit‑Testing Requirements
• 16.0 Pre‑Start PPE Checks and Toolbox Talks
• 17.0 Managing Defective or Inadequate PPE and Escalation Process
• 18.0 Emergency Situations and Incident Response (including rescue considerations)
• 19.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of PPE Practices
• 20.0 Document Control and Revision History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth and harmonised state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 4501.1: Occupational protective clothing – General requirements
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 2210.3: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 4399: Sun protective clothing – Evaluation and classification