Safe Work Australia has updated the Guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work with guidance for managing the work health and safety (WHS) risks of battery installation.
With battery energy storage systems (batteries) becoming increasingly popular to support rooftop solar systems, we have updated our guide to provide employers and other duty holders with clear, practical guidance to help manage the WHS risks around battery installation effectively.
Rooftop solar installation work, including the installation of batteries, can have serious WHS risks arising from activities such as working at heights and working with electricity, so it is critical that these risks are identified and controlled.
Whether part of a new rooftop solar system or being added to an existing one, battery installations must be carried out by qualified electricians, following local regulations and manufacturer’s instructions. Batteries should comply with Australian standards and be compatible with the associated rooftop solar system.
The updated guide supports anyone involved in retailing, surveying, designing, installing, testing, commissioning, retrofitting, repairing, maintaining, decommissioning or removing rooftop solar systems on residential or commercial structures. This includes new or retrofitted solar panels, inverters, batteries and related equipment.
Read the updated Guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work to find out more about managing the WHS risks of battery installation.