Solar panel safety: How to prevent accidents during installation and maintenance

Installing solar panels without proper safety planning can result in:

• Falls from height during installation

• Unsafe access for maintenance teams

• Non-compliance with UK Working at Height Regulations

• Increased operational costs over time

To achieve the best return on investment, safety must be considered alongside system performance.

Covering the Entire Roof - Maximising panel coverage often reduces safe working space. This can lead to costly redesigns later.

Blocking Existing Safety Systems - Installing panels over guardrails or lifelines renders them ineffective and wastes investment.

Ignoring Safety in New Builds - Failing to integrate safety systems during design results in higher retrofit costs.

At Eurosafe, we work with developers, principal contractors, housing providers, FM companies and solar installers to design compliant, practical safety solutions tailored to each roof.

Typical solar-related safety infrastructure includes:

Edge Protection and Guardrails

Collective protection remains the preferred control measure under the Work at Height Regulations. Permanent guardrails provide long-term protection for both installation teams and maintenance personnel.

Walkways and Defined Access Routes

Anti-slip walkways protect roof surfaces and guide operatives safely to and around solar arrays. They also reduce trip hazards caused by cabling and mounting systems.

Mansafe Systems and Anchor Points

Where collective protection is not feasible, we design and install tested horizontal lifelines and anchor systems to provide safe restraint or fall arrest.

Ladder Systems and Safe Roof Access

Safe access from ground level to rooftop is essential. Fixed ladders, step overs and roof access hatches must be designed with both compliance and usability in mind.

Inspection, Testing and Ongoing Maintenance

Safety systems require regular inspection and recertification. We provide ongoing testing and maintenance services to ensure systems remain compliant and operational throughout the lifecycle of the solar installation.

Proper training is essential for reducing risk. Teams should be trained to:

• Work safely at height

• Use fall protection systems correctly

• Follow UK safety regulation

With decades of experience in height safety, Eurosafe provides expert-led training designed to help organisations meet their legal obligations while giving workers the confidence to operate safely.

We deliver accredited working at height training from our Sheffield Training Academy, as well as on-site across the UK. Our courses combine essential theory with practical, hands-on learning, ensuring delegates gain the knowledge, skills, and competence needed to work safely in real-world environments.