Document 1
Green Job Hazards: Solar Energy
Solar energy equipment can be hazardous. Employees working on solar panels may be exposed to risk from the unexpected energization or release of stored energy in the equipment. This hazardous energy can result in serious injury or death. The OSHA standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) outlines broad requirements for disabling equipment safely and avoiding unexpected exposure to hazardous energy. Compliance with this standard prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.
Solar energy employers are required to implement Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) processes procedures outlined in the OSHA standards any time that
energized equipment is serviced or maintained;
safety guards are removed or bypassed; or
hazardous energy sources are present.
OSHA provides LOTO options for energy control programs appropriate for a variety of industries, including solar energy. In all programs, service technicians responsible for LOTO must be certified in LOTO procedures. Locks and other devices must be LOTO approved. Tags must be clearly and uniformly labeled.
Document 2
SunCorp Solar Lockout/Tagout Procedure
Before Service
Notify others that the equipment will be shut down.
Perform a controlled shutdown of the equipment.
Open all energy isolating devices (EIDs).
Lock all EIDs.
Tag all EIDs.
Release stored potential and residual energy.
Verify that the equipment is completely de-energized by attempting to cycle it.
Verify that the equipment is completely de-energized by testing for voltage with a voltmeter.
After Service
Remove locks and tags.
Reenergize equipment.
Verify that the equipment is properly energized.
Notify others that the equipment is ready for use.
Tags must include:
Name of person locking the equipment
Department performing service
Department manager
Certified LOTO technician(s)
Date of lock placement
Expected length of service
List of all of the energy sources and isolating devices.
Labels indicating the nature and magnitude of stored potential or residual energy within the equipment.
IMPORTANT: When service is completed within one shift, the lock and tag must be removed by the employee who placed them on the equipment. The shift leader will assign a certified technician if the service is not completed in one shift.
Question
You work for SunCorp Solar. If the shift has ended for the service department employee who placed the lock and tag on the equipment, who can remove the lock now when service is complete?
A.The service department manager
B.Any service department technician
C.The current shift leader
D.Any technician certified in LOTO procedure
E.The employee’s direct supervisor
1 answer
The correct answer is D. Any technician certified in LOTO procedure.
According to the SunCorp Solar Lockout/Tagout Procedure, if the service is not completed within one shift, the locks and tags can be removed by a certified technician assigned by the shift leader. The procedure highlights the importance of having a certified technician perform this action to ensure safety and compliance with the Lockout/Tagout standards.
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