Solar PV systems are not fit and forget, and they do need regular maintenance and cleaning of both the ground level components (inverters, DB connection etc) and the roof mounted equipment (panels, frame, often the inverters as well).

Insurance companies and also SFG 20 clearly identify a number of components at roof level that need attention on a regular basis so when installing the solar PV the roofsafety strategy must be carefully considered to protect both the installation team and those who will inspect, clean and maintain the system throughout its life.

Roof safety options

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, work at height must be properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. Where work at height cannot be avoided, collective protection must be given priority over personal fall-protection systems such as Cable Mansafe lines. [*1]

The hierarchy below illustrates how collective and personal fall-protection measures should be considered when planning roof work.

[*2]

Options include:

• Building Parapet

• Permanent Guard Rails

• Cable system mansafe

A compliant parapet or permanent guardrail will normally offer better protection because it protects everyone on the roof without requiring harnesses, specialist equipment or connection to a safety line.

Where permanent protection is installed (parapet for example), HSE guidance states that, for buildings such as factories, warehouses and offices, sufficient permanent guarding dimensions can generally be achieved by following the Building Regulations guidance, which uses a guarding height of 1.1 metres. [*3]

If an existing building does not have a compliant parapet and cannot support the installation of permanent guard rails, then the cable system mansafe is one option that can be considered for maintenance.

What is a Cable System Mansafe?

A Mansafe is a personal fall-protection system consisting of roof anchors connected by a cable or rail. It is normally designed for either:

• Fall restraint, preventing the user from reaching a fall edge
• Fall arrest, limiting the distance and consequences of a fall (over the edge or through a sky-light)

Fall restraint is generally preferred because it prevents a fall from occurring. Fall arrest requires sufficient clearance below the user and a suitable rescue plan.

Is it OK to using a Cable Mansafe systems for protection during the PV installation?

Cable Mansafe systems are well suited to maintenance but not for the installation of a PV array. Installation requires frequent movement, handling large panels and equipment, and several operatives working across the roof.

Remaining connected to a Mansafe makes this work restrictive and more timeconsuming. PV installation is therefore normally carried out using suitable collective measures, such as scaffolding and temporary edge protection, rather than relying on 
the Mansafe as the main form of protection. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance identifies scaffolding and edge protection as common controls for roof work. [*4]

Designing Cable Mansafe systems for simple and safe PV maintenance

Once the PV system is operational, a correctly designed Mansafe can be valuable for periodic inspections, testing, cleaning and repairs. Maintenance visits usually involve fewer people, shorter periods on the roof and access to specific areas, making a restraint system more practical.

Where a Mansafe already exists, the prospective PV layout can be arranged by Myriad to maintain safe access routes, anchor points and clear working areas. Likewise, where PV is already in place, a Mansafe system can be designed around the array to support safe future maintenance.

For new installations Myriad can design both the PV and Mansafe systems together, ensuring a coordinated approach that optimises access, maintenance and compliance from the outset.

A Mansafe should not be covered, obstructed or made inaccessible by the PV installation. Coordinating the two systems helps avoid unnecessary alterations and supports the roof’s overall work-at-height strategy.

The Key Considerations

The appropriate solution will depend on the roof, building and expected maintenance requirements. Permanent parapets or guardrails are generally preferred where reasonably practicable, while Mansafe systems can provide an effective alternative where permanent collective protection is unsuitable.

For PV installation, temporary collective protection will normally be required. For future maintenance, an appropriately designed Mansafe may provide a practical long-term access solution. Any removal, relocation or redesign should be completed by competent specialists and recorded within the building’s roof-access and safety information.

References

[*1] The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/735), Regulations 4–6.

[*2] Health and Safety Executive, Work at Height: Step by Step Guide.

[*3] Health and Safety Executive, Roof Work.

[*4] Health and Safety Executive, Work at Height FAQs.

If you are looking at a similar project where the solar PV needs to sit above the roof mounted plant then give us a call today - 0203 189 0665