Fall Arrest System for solar panels on a pitched roof?

Charlie-Bravo

Had an interesting query arise where there are some solar panels being installed and one of the designers is wondering should we put in a fall arrest system for the maintenance of the system?

Are you required under Health and Safety legislation to put in a fall arrest system for something that would require very limited maintenance??

Victor

The rules are something along the lines of this.

You are allowed scaffolding for initial construction. After that, maintenance should be possible from a step ladder. If not possible from a step ladder, then a safety system needs to be in place where any work is more that 2m above the ground.

So probably yes.

PeteHeat

Hi,

I agree with Victor's "Probably Yes" however you will have one of the very few if not the only system with fall arrest designed in to the installation.

I expect access to Solar Panels / Tubes for maintenance purposes should come under the guide of Health and Safety while working on roofs / heights.

I reckon access for repairs will be similar to repairing the roof, scaffolding for major works and ladders for access.

.