Solar panel installation often takes place at height where risks include (but are not limited to):

• Falling more than 2 metres; and
• Working on or near energised electrical installations or services.

When these conditions are in place, the work is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) and, as such, a SWMS must be prepared. When an employer is developing a SWMS, the duty to consult with employees under Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 will apply.

Further, as an employer you must provide information, instruction, training or supervision to employees as is necessary to enable them to work safely and without risks to health. This includes ensuring employees are appropriately trained in working safely at heights, working in ceiling spaces, installing and commissioning both Photovoltaic (PV) array systems and energy storage (battery) systems. Employees should only perform work that they are qualified and competent to do.

Employers must ensure that only employees who are licensed electrical installation workers carry out electrical installation work. Installation and maintenance of any of the following electrical installation work is required to be carried out by licensed electrical workers:

• PV systems
• Electrical equipment (including grid and stand-alone power systems)
• Associated wiring systems which operate or are intended to operate at a voltage greater than extra low voltage (ELV) – (not exceeding 50Va.c. or 120V ripple-free d.c.).

A person who is not a licensed electrical installation worker is only authorised to locate, mount or fix in place individual items of ELV electrical equipment. They cannot create or terminate electrical connections to individual items of ELV electrical equipment, or install supply conductors that will connect the equipment to an electricity supply greater than ELV.