2.2.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Home/Solar Training Best Practices: The Series/#7: Photovoltaic Labs/2.2.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Note: Participants should be held responsible for checking all personal protective equipment prior to laboratory experiments and during installation sessions (using a checklist). 

2.2.4.a.  Head Protection                

Specifications:

  • Class E (Electrical), Type I hardhats, front brim with ratcheted adjustment
  • Salisbury Model SA29(R), Class E (Electrical), Type II hardhats, full brim with ratcheted adjustment
  • Salisbury Model SA99(R)

Suggested Quantity: One for each participant; one Type II hard hat for every 4 to 5 students

Importance Rating: Essential.

Comments: Hardhats should be worn by participants and instructors during relevant hands-on training sessions. Full-brim hardhats protect from side impacts.       

2.2.4.b. Eye Protection          

Specifications: Impact-resistant safety glasses and safety goggles; ANSI Z87.1 approved.

Suggested Quantity: One for each participant.

Importance Rating: Essential

Comments: Eye protection should be worn by all participants during installation exercises. Goggles required for participants wearing prescription glasses. Participants may be required to bring their own.

2.2.4.c. Hearing Protection             

Specifications: Standard ear plugs.

Suggested Quantity:  One disposable set for each participant

Importance Rating: Desirable, but not essential (depends on the scope of lab exercises).

2.2.4.d. Hand Protection                         

Specifications: Level 2 cut-resistant gloves

Suggested Quantity:  Various sizes, one pair for each participant.

Importance Rating: Desirable, but not essential.

Comments: Gloves may be required for handling support structures, PV modules and other heavy, bulky materials that may become very hot when exposed to sunlight, or have sharp edges and protrusions during assembly that can injure hands.

2.2.4.e. Electrical Insulating Gloves                 

Specifications:

  • Electrical insulating glove kit, Class 0: 1000 VAC / 1500 VDC, Size 9
  • Electrical insulating glove kit, Class 00: 500 VAC / 750 VDC, Size 9

Suggested Quantity:  One pair for each participant.

Importance Rating: Desirable/Essential for arch flash labs

Comments: Insulating gloves may be needed for occasional use and demonstration.

2.2.4.f. Foot Protection         

Specifications: Participants should bring and use appropriate footwear during the course – preferably ANSI ASTM Z71 rated for impacts, compression, and electrical insulation (Knee protection pads are optional.)

Suggested Quantity: Depends on the site and nature of training.

Importance Rating: Advanced.

Comments: This is an optional purchase and should not include steel-toed work boots or shoes. OSHA PPE requirements must be observed during lab activities.

2.2.4.g. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)    

Specifications:

  • Body harness, lanyard, removable anchorage, and lifeline (Titan Roofing Fall Protection Kit #UATRK4500-50)
  • Retractable lanyards (optional)

Suggested Quantity: One demonstration set per class.

Importance Rating: Desirable, but not essential.

Comments: This equipment may be needed for fall protection training and used during installs over 6 feet above grade and require PFAF’s for each participant completing activities.

2.2.4.h. Arc Flash Protection          

Specifications: Face shields, goggles, approved gloves, hoods, suits, and other garments for various levels of arc flash protection

Suggested Quantity: One demonstration set per class.

Importance Rating: Advanced.

Comments: This is an optional purchase.

2.2.4.i. Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO)         

Specifications:

  • Standard Lockout/Tagout Kit, Ideal Catalog #44-971
  • Plug Lockout, 110V, 2x2x3-1/2 in, Ideal Catalog #44-818

Suggested Quantity: One demonstration set per class.

Importance Rating: Essential

Comments: This item is used for demonstration purposes.

2.2.4.j. Emergency and First Aid    

Specifications:

  • ANSI Plus First Aid Kit #PLS1546
  • Powerheart® AED G3+ Automatic Defibrillator #PLS1028 (optional)

Suggested Quantity:  One per class.

Importance Rating: Essential

Comments: First aid kits size should be based on the number of persons involved with the activity. Rolling first aid stations are suggested for outdoor activities.

2.2.4.k. Fire Protection          

Specifications:

  • Access to fire extinguishers, as required
  • Permanent fire suppression systems and/or sprinklers installed in battery and training areas, as required

Suggested Quantity: Depends on size and configuration of site.

Importance Rating: Essential

Comments: Instructor should discuss fire clearance requirements for PV installations. There are a growing number of jurisdictions around the U.S. using the California PV Fire Code Guidelines.

2.2.4.L. Battery Safety  

Specifications:

  • Appropriate PPE – including chemical-resistant aprons, goggles, face shields, gloves, and other garments for working with electrolyte and battery systems
  • Appropriate containment, neutralization, and clean-up measures for electrolyte leaks and spills
  • Safety shower and eyewash such as Speakman Eye Wash, Decontamination Station #SE-697
  • KleenGuard® G80 Neoprene/Latex Chemical-Resistant Gloves #GLV911
  • Hycar Heavy-Duty Apron #WPL140

Suggested Quantity: One set per 2-4 participants

Importance Rating: Advanced

Comments: These are optional purchases. Safety shower and eyewash should be located near the battery area, per OSHA requirements.

2.2.4.m.  Safety Signs, Labeler                

Specifications: Safety Pro Industrial Labeling System

Suggested Quantity: One

Importance Rating: Essential

Comments: OSHA and NEC required safety warning signs and labeling should be included.

Donate to IREC

IREC builds the foundation for a 100% clean energy future.

Donate Now