test – ISCA

1. Where are you based?

United States

United Kingdom

Europe (Non-UK)

Australia/New Zealand

Other

2. What is your estimated annual turnover from solar panel cleaning?

A. Less than $50,000

B. $50,000–$99,999

C. $100,000–$249,999

D. $250,000+

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

A. Yes, but only when working on flat roofs.

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

C. Yes, sometimes we work without any safety systems.

D. Sometimes because I rely on my experience..

4. 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?

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

B. Yes, but we only do informal checks.

C. Sometimes, but only on commercial jobs.

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

5. How do you normally access residential roofs to clean their solar panels?

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

B. We usually clean from a boom lift or MEWP.

C. We usually clean from scaffolding.

D. We usually use ladders to access the roof.

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

A. Yes, we check for all these risks every time.

B. We usually check for nests and droppings but not wiring.

C. We only check if we see something obvious.

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

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

A. Yes, we’ve all been formally trained.

B. Some team members have informal awareness.

C. No formal training, but we keep an eye out.

D. No, we don't really understand this topic.

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

A. Yes, always and without exception.

B. We try, but it depends on the site.

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

D. No, but we use stable ladders at least.

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

A. Yes, and we actively monitor and manage this risk.

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

C. Not really, though we’ve seen bird activity.

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

10. How do you protect yourself and/or your staff from electrocution?

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

B. Insulated pole sections

C. Insulated pole sections and rubber gloves

D. Insulated pole sections and 6-item suite of PPE

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

A. We've never heard of it.

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

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

D. We know what it is and abide by it fully.