Product Overview

This Solar Panel Cleaning SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for safe solar PV cleaning activities, helping you maintain strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of solar panel cleaning operations, from access and equipment use to environmental and electrical safety.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe planning and preparation of solar panel cleaning works, including site assessment and consultation with the principal contractor
• Selection and inspection of photovoltaic (PV) panels, mounting systems, and surrounding structures prior to cleaning
• Use of appropriate cleaning methods and solutions for photovoltaic panel cleaning to avoid damage and maintain efficiency
• Management of slip, trip, and fall risks on wet, sloping, or fragile roof surfaces during cleaning activities
• Working at height on roofs, platforms, or elevated work areas, including edge protection and fall prevention measures
• Safe use of ladders and access equipment for reaching roof-mounted solar arrays
• Operation of elevated work platforms (EWPs) or mobile scaffolds where used to access solar panels
• Electrical safety controls when working near live electrical components, isolators, and cabling associated with solar PV systems
• Use of water-fed poles, hoses, and pressure-limiting devices to minimise electrical and manual handling risks
• Manual handling of cleaning equipment, hoses, and access gear to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury
• Weather-related risk management, including work in strong winds, rain, extreme heat, or high UV exposure
• Environmental controls for wastewater, run-off, and chemical use to protect surrounding areas and drainage systems
• Emergency response procedures for falls, electric shock, heat stress, and other on-site incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for solar panel cleaners, electrical contractors, roofing and maintenance contractors, facility managers, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing solar PV cleaning activities on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures for solar panel cleaning tasks
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements and controls for working at height on roofs and elevated structures
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace – Safe systems of work when operating near live electrical components and solar PV installations
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – Applicable where solar panel cleaning is undertaken on construction or refurbishment sites
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use, and maintenance of fall-arrest equipment for roof access and work
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding – Use of scaffolds and temporary platforms for accessing solar arrays where applicable
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Electrical safety requirements where temporary power or construction conditions apply
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017