Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Working at Heights

Solar Panel Installation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the installation of photovoltaic solar panel systems on residential and commercial rooftops, including mounting, wiring, and commissioning activities at height.

Download this template

Personal Protective Equipment

Full body harness and lanyard (AS/NZS 1891)Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)Non-slip safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210)High-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)Insulated electrical gloves (for DC wiring tasks)Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337)Sunscreen and UV-protective clothing

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height more than 2 metres
•Work on or near fragile or unstable surfaces
•Work involving energised electrical installations

Risk Assessment

1.Site inspection and fall protection planning

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Undetected fragile roofing materials causing fall through roof	Catastrophic	Inspect roof materials from ground level using binoculars before accessing the roof. Identify all fragile materials — fibro cement, corroded metal sheets, polycarbonate panels, skylights, and roof lights. Map and photograph fragile zones. Install crawl boards or roof ladders across all fragile areas before any person steps on the roof. Brief all workers on fragile zone locations during toolbox talk. No work to proceed if fragile areas cannot be adequately protected.	Moderate	Site Supervisor
Inadequate fall protection plan for roof pitch	High	Determine roof pitch before accessing. For pitches over 10°, install a safety mesh or temporary edge protection system or use a harness connected to a rated ridge-mounted anchor before proceeding. For pitches over 26°, scaffolding or edge protection is mandatory. Document fall protection method on SWMS before sign-off. Confirm anchor points are certified to AS/NZS 1891.4 or install temporary engineered anchors.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Installer

2.Installing mounting rails and brackets

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker fall from roof edge during rail installation	Catastrophic	All workers to be connected to a certified roof anchor via inertia reel or positioning lanyard rated to AS/NZS 1891 before accessing the roof. Install temporary perimeter edge protection at the downslope edge before rail installation commences. Workers to remain connected at all times — no task justifies disconnecting from fall protection. Minimum two workers on roof at all times for mutual safety monitoring.	Moderate	Installer / Supervisor
Penetration of roof causing water ingress	Moderate	Use only manufacturer-approved roof hooks and flashing kits appropriate to the roof material (tile, metal, flat). Apply approved roofing sealant to all penetrations immediately after bolt installation. Photograph all penetration points. Do not leave penetrations unsealed overnight. Advise homeowner in writing if any pre-existing roof damage is noted.	Low	Installer

3.Lifting and installing solar panels

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Panel dropped from roof height striking persons below	Catastrophic	Establish and barricade a ground exclusion zone extending 6 m beyond the roof perimeter. Assign a dedicated spotter at ground level to prevent unauthorised entry. Use a panel hoist, conveyor system, or mechanical lifting device for all panels — never carry panels up a ladder. Tether panels to the roof structure using a rope until fully secured to rails. All lifting equipment to be rated and inspected per AS 4991.	Moderate	Spotter / Installer
Manual handling injury from panel weight	High	Standard residential solar panels weigh 18–25 kg. Use mechanical lifting equipment (panel hoist) to raise all panels to roof level — minimum two workers to handle each panel. Use panel carrying handles or suction lifters. Brief all workers on correct manual handling technique — straight back, bend knees, lift with legs. Do not attempt to carry more than one panel at a time. Stop and rest if fatigued.	Low	Installer

4.DC wiring and string connection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Electric shock from live DC conductors	Catastrophic	Solar PV systems generate DC voltage as soon as panels are exposed to light — treat all PV strings as live at all times. Only licensed electricians to perform wiring work. Cover panels with opaque sheeting or shade cloth during wiring activities to reduce voltage. Use insulated tools rated to the system voltage. Never break a PV circuit under load. Use a clamp meter to verify current is zero before disconnecting connectors. Wear insulated electrical gloves rated to the system voltage during all wiring tasks.	Moderate	Licensed Electrician

5.Descending from roof and site clean-up

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Trip or fall on debris or tools left on roof surface	High	Conduct a roof surface sweep before descent — collect all tools, offcuts, screws, and packaging and place in a tool bag for lowering by rope. Use a checklist to account for all tools taken to the roof. Never throw items from the roof. Remove crawl boards and temporary equipment systematically from lowest point upward. All workers to descend in reverse order of ascent, maintaining three-point contact.	Low	Installer / Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________