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. Based on the documents shown, the term residual energy most likely refers to energy that:
A.remains in the equipment after it is shut down.
B.powers the controlled shutdown process.
C.is needed to verify that the equipment has been locked.
D.has greater magnitude than potential energy has.
E.has a less stable nature than stored energy has.
1 answer
The term "residual energy" most likely refers to energy that:
A. remains in the equipment after it is shut down.
Residual energy is the energy that can still be present in equipment or systems after the primary energy source has been de-energized, which can pose a hazard during maintenance or servicing.
