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

[Eric Youngren]

I agree that its impossible to maintain 3 points of contact on a ladder
while sliding a module up above you.   I've done it many times but I agree
that its probably not kosher according to OSHA.

This reminds me of a product idea I had with a friend who does canvas
sewing for boat covers and such.

How about this?:    A heavy-duty canvas bag for carrying PV modules, with
backpack straps and D-rings in the corners?   With a module pack bag,
installers could climb a ladder with both hands while the module is
securely on their back,  Or it could also provide an easy way to tie on a
rope and haul them up, or secure them on a sloped roof before installation.
   How many installers would be interested in something like that??
 How much would you be willing to pay for it?

Eric
Solar Nexus International



On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 12:03 PM, Garrison Riegel <
garrison at solarserviceinc.com> wrote:

> 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_id=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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