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PPE Standards

ACTIVE SOP

Personal protective equipment is non-negotiable on every Wadadli Solar site. The following standards define minimum requirements. Leads may add requirements based on site conditions.

Universal Requirements — All Sites

Every technician must carry and use the following on every visit:

Equipment Specification Notes
Safety glasses ANSI Z87.1 rated Clear or tinted based on conditions
Work gloves Electrical-rated when working near live components Minimum: cut-resistant for general work
Steel-toed boots ASTM F2413 Waterproof preferred for rooftop work
High-vis vest ANSI Class 2 minimum When on commercial properties
Hard hat ANSI Z89.1 Required in commercial/construction settings
Sun protection SPF 30+ sunscreen or covered clothing Mandatory for rooftop work

Roof Access PPE

When performing any rooftop work:

  • [ ] Fall protection harness (when roof slope >4:12 or height >6 feet)
  • [ ] Lanyard and anchor system if fall protection required
  • [ ] Rubber-soled, non-slip footwear — no sneakers, no boots with leather soles
  • [ ] Knee pads (strongly recommended for array inspection)

Fall Protection Threshold

If roof height exceeds 6 feet above grade, or slope exceeds 4:12, fall protection is required. When in doubt, use it.

Electrical Work PPE

When working on or near energized components:

Risk Level PPE Required
Inspection / observation only Safety glasses, general gloves
DC disconnect / isolation Insulated gloves (rated for DC voltage), safety glasses
AC panel work Electrical-rated gloves, arc flash protection if applicable, face shield
Live troubleshooting Only by qualified personnel with full arc flash assessment

DC is Always Live

Solar panels generate DC power whenever there is light. Even with the inverter off and AC disconnected, the DC string side is energized during daylight hours.

Treat all DC wiring as live unless physically covered or confirmed zero-voltage with a meter.

A well-stocked inspection kit:

□ Safety glasses (2 pair — clear + tinted)
□ Electrical-rated gloves
□ Work gloves (cut-resistant)
□ High-vis vest
□ Hard hat
□ SPF sunscreen
□ Knee pads
□ Multimeter (Fluke or equivalent)
□ Thermal camera or FLIR phone attachment
□ Phone fully charged
□ Portable charger / battery pack
□ Inspection mirror (small)
□ Flashlight
□ Tape measure
□ Zip ties (assorted)
□ Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, nut drivers, pliers)
□ Labeling tape
□ Water (minimum 32 oz)

PPE Inspection

Before every use:

  • Inspect gloves for cracks, punctures, or deterioration
  • Check harness webbing for cuts, fraying, or chemical damage
  • Verify all buckles and hardware function correctly
  • Check safety glasses for cracks or deep scratches that impair vision

Any damaged PPE must be removed from service immediately.