[RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof

[Garrison Riegel]

It is not possible to maintain three points of contact at all times while
carrying a module up a ladder.  It is my understanding that if three-point
contact is not possible at all times, then a personal fall arrest system is
required.  This is not called out specifically in Subpart X
<http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_i
d=10839> , but if an injury or fatality were to result from carrying modules
up a ladder I think it would be difficult to avoid getting fined or sued.

 

We use a power ladder whenever possible.  It takes a while to set up, but is
OSHA compliant, can lift multiple modules at once, and saves wear and tear
on the crew. The only real issue is upfront cost, but this is cheap when
compared to the long term cost of a workman’s comp claim.

 

My 2¢

 

Garrison

 

Solar Service Inc

847-677-0950

 

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 12:44 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof

 

Hi Wrenches,

 

I imagine that all of us working in rooftop PV have put some good hard
thought on the best way to get the modules up to the roof. There are various
lifts on the market, you can hoist them with ropes manually, or walk them up
a ladder (sling them over your back). I find that the majority of our
competition in the Bay Area walks panels up the ladder for residential
projects. What is your feeling about OSHA compliance of doing this?

 

Best,

 

 

August

415.559.1525

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