Solar Panel Installation (Roof Mount) — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for the installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panel systems including racking, panel mounting, DC wiring, and inverter connection on residential and commercial rooftops.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement under WHS Regulations for any high-risk construction work in Australia. It identifies hazards, assesses risks using a 5×5 matrix, and sets out control measures following the hierarchy of controls. Our SWMS documents reference specific WHS Regulation clauses and AS/NZS standards for every piece of PPE, giving you audit-ready documentation that satisfies regulator requirements in every state and territory.

5 work steps 7 hazards identified 7 control measures 6 PPE items specified 6 AS/NZS standards cited 5×5 risk matrix Worker sign-off section

High-Risk Activity Categories

Work At Height Electrical Work

Legislation Referenced

WHS Reg 2011, Reg 78 (falls) WHS Reg 2011, Reg 147 (electrical work) WHS Reg 2011, Reg 291 (SWMS for high risk)

PPE Requirements

Full body harness with energy absorbing lanyard (AS/NZS 1891.1) Insulated gloves (1000 V DC rated) (AS/NZS 2225) Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801) Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337.1) Safety footwear (non-slip sole) (AS/NZS 2210.3) High-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602.1)

Australian Standards Referenced

AS/NZS 5033 — Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays AS/NZS 3000 — Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3008 — Electrical installations – Selection of cables AS/NZS 1891.1 — Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices AS/NZS 1891.4 — Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance AS/NZS 2225 — Insulating gloves for electrical purposes

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Using This SWMS On Site

Keep the SWMS where the work is being carried out and have it available if the principal contractor asks for it. Workers named on it sign the acknowledgement page before starting, and it gets reviewed whenever the method, the site conditions or the crew change.

SWMS — Common Questions

When is a SWMS legally required?

Under WHS Regulation 299, a SWMS must be prepared before any high-risk construction work (HRCW) begins. This includes work at heights, demolition, work near energised electrical, excavation over 1.5m, and 18 other defined activities.

What should a SWMS include?

A compliant SWMS must identify the high-risk work, list hazards and risks, describe control measures using the hierarchy of controls, and be signed by the workers involved. Our documents include all required elements plus specific legislation references.

Who needs to sign a SWMS?

The PCBU (or employer in Victoria) who commissions the work, and every worker carrying out the high-risk construction work, must sign the SWMS before work begins.