New laws for solar farm safety

Consistent safety standards on solar farms in Queensland will be enforced by new legislation coming into effect on 13 May 2019.

These laws will apply to new and existing solar farms during construction and operation, irrespective of the design or system used.

The Construction and operation of solar farms Code of Practice 2019 and the associated Electrical Safety (Solar Farms) Amendment Regulation 2019 apply to all solar farms (new and existing) with a total rated capacity of at least 100 kW, operated by a person conducting a business or undertaking.

The code clearly states what is and what is not considered to be electrical work on solar farms. It also outlines how designers, constructors and operators of solar farms can comply with their existing safety responsibilities.

According to the Electrical Safety Office, licensed electrical workers (and electrical mechanic apprentices) are required to locate, mount, fix and remove solar panels at solar farms (including large-scale commercial rooftop solar installations). Competent trades assistants or general labourers can still perform a variety of tasks on solar farms.

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