ISCA ‘Rate My Solar Cleaning Safety’ Quiz

1: Name

2: Email

3: Location

3_ Location

5: Do you and/or your staff regularly work on rooftops without using a fall arrest system, edge protection, or designated safety controls?

Yes, but only when working on flat roofs.

No, we always use fall arrest systems or edge protection.

Yes, sometimes we work without any safety systems.

No, we don't access rooftops without safety controls in place.

6: Do you and/or your staff carry out a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or pre-site risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) before starting each job?

Yes, we complete a written risk assessment or JHA every time.

Yes, but we only do informal checks.

Sometimes, but only on commercial jobs.

No, we don’t do any kind of pre-site safety check.

7: How do you normally access residential roofs to clean their solar panels?

We don't clean residential or when we do, we clean from ground level.

We usually clean from a boom lift or MEWP.

We usually clean from scaffolding.

We usually use ladders to access the roof.

8: Do you and/or your staff check for birds’ nests, droppings, or chewed wiring before each clean?

Yes, we check for all these risks every time.

We usually check for nests and droppings but not wiring.

We only check if we see something obvious.

No, we don’t carry out these types of checks.

9: Do you and/or your staff receive training on the dangers of soiling-related overheating and how to identify hotspots?

Yes, we’ve all been formally trained.

Some team members have informal awareness.

No formal training, but we keep an eye out.

No, we don't really understand this topic.

10: Do you and/or your staff access rooftops using designated walkways, anchor points, or lifelines where required?

Yes, always and without exception.

We try, but it depends on the site.

No, we just find a way onto the roof that seems safe.

No, but we use stable ladders at least.

11: Are you and/or your staff aware of how birds, nests, and droppings can contribute to solar panel fire risks?

Yes, and we actively monitor and manage this risk.

Yes, but we don’t treat it as a major issue.

Not really, though we’ve seen bird activity.

No, we weren’t aware this was a serious risk.

12: How do you protect yourself and/or your staff from electrocution?

You don't need to. Solar panels are safe technology.

Insulated pole sections

Insulated pole sections and rubber gloves

Insulated pole sections and 6-item suite of PPE

13: Do you and/or your staff know and abide by the Working at Height Risk Hierarchy?

We've never heard of it.

We've heard of it but don't really know what it is.

We know what it is but it doesn't apply because I work on my own.

We know what it is and abide by it fully.

14: Do you and/or your staff have clear emergency response procedures for incidents such as fires, electrical accidents, or falls from height?

Yes, we have a detailed emergency reposnse plan and practice drills regularly

Yes, we have an emergency response plan, but don't conduct regular drills

We have a basic emergency reponse plan, but it is rarely reviewed or practiced

No, we do not have an emergency response plan in place

15: Are you and/or your staff familiar with the lock-out/tag-out procedures for de-energizing solar electrical systems during maintenance or cleaning?

Yes, all staff are trained and know how to lock-out/tag-out

Some staff are trained and know how to lock-out/tag-out

We have heard of lock-out/tag-out

We don't know what lock-out/tag-out is

16: How confident are you and your staff in identifying electrical hazards on solar arrays (e.g., exposed wires, faulty inverters, or electrical arcing)?

Very confident – we are all trained to identify and address electrical hazards.

Somewhat confident – most staff know the basics of identifying hazards.

Not very confident – we rely on external experts to spot electrical hazards.

Not confident at all – we don't have any specific training or awareness of electrical hazards.

17: How familiar are you and your staff with the components of solar arrays (e.g., panels, inverters, wiring, DC connectors) and their functions in the overall system?

We are very familiar - we understand all components and their functions in detail

We are somewhat familiar – most staff can identify the main components and their functions.

We have limited knowledge – only a few staff members are familiar with the components.

We have no real understanding of solar array components.