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Ground-Based Solar Farm Installation

SWMS · SWMS-10692

  • 20 job steps
  • Version 1
  • Electrical - HVAC - Solar
  • Reads on any phone

This SWMS gives safety guidance for setting up ground-mounted solar panel infrastructure, whether for large-scale solar farms or smaller domestic projects. It helps you follow safety regulations and promotes best practice for safe installation.

It takes your crew through 20 job steps, from planning and site set-up, weather, deliveries, traffic and mobile plant to cranes, excavation, panel supports, work at height, cutting and welding, electrical and high voltage work, testing and commissioning, and incident and emergency response.

It suits solar installation contractors, site supervisors and project managers, and licensed electricians.

Written by SafetyDocs safety experts, who have been writing safety documents since 2004.

Preview of the Ground-Based Solar Farm Installation SWMS

Ground-Based Solar Farm Installation

SWMSVersion 1

Document details

Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact and phone
—
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work)
—
Responsible person's phone
—
Responsible person's signature
—
Date signed
—
Principal Contractor (PC)
—
PC Address
—
PC phone
—
Date SWMS provided to PC
—
Job Site Address
—
Part of a construction project
—

Site management plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with the requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following “High-Risk Construction Work” (HRCW - identified in the Job Task column)

  • Mobile PlantMobile plant movement
  • Gas MainsPressurised gas distribution mains or piping
  • Hazardous LinesChemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
  • Energised ElectricalEnergised electrical installations or services
  • FallsInvolves a risk of a person falling from 2m or more, including work on telecommunications towers
  • Traffic CorridorsWork carried out adjacent to a road, railway or shipping lane, traffic corridor

Working with a risk of a fall over 2 metres

The fall from height hierarchy of control level considered when establishing controls:

  • L1Work on the ground or solid construction, not chosen
  • L2Use a passive fall restraint system, e.g. guard rails, scaffolding, EWP, not chosen
  • L3Use a work positioning system, e.g. travel restraint, rope access, not chosen
  • L4Use a fall arrest system, e.g. safety harness, catch platforms, not chosen
  • L5Implement administrative controls, e.g. signage or instruction, not chosen

No level has been chosen yet.

Planning and preparation

Planning/preparation

  • Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures

  • Establish supervisory and communication arrangements

  • The principal contractor will confirm that emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

  • Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training/licence

  • All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card

  • Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.

  • Trained First Aider on-site

  • All workers are trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

  • Electrical safety information and training to all workers handling electrical equipment.

Worker duties and responsibilities

  • Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs

  • Attend all site inductions/briefings

  • Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)

  • Only carry out work related to the contract.

  • Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitor/review

  • All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences.

  • SWMS is to be reviewed and amended, if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident

  • If additional site hazards are identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit

  • People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS must be informed ASAP.

  • Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS

  • The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS

  • SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review

  • Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident

  • Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Foot Protection
  • High Visibility
  • Sun Protection
  • Do not wear rings, watches or jewellery that may become entangled. Long and loose hair must be tied back.

Job steps, hazards and controls

  • Work activity

    Planning/Preparation

    • Hazard

      Unsafe or uncertified design leading to potential failure or risks.

      Before controls3 High
      Controls

      • Ensure the solar design is certified by a registered engineer before construction begins. Provide certification documents during site inspections.

      • Adhere to National Electricity Rules for safe connection to the electricity network.

      • Ensure safe operation of the array and the transmission or distribution network.

      • Confirm compliance with all network service provider requirements before proceeding with connection.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

19 more job steps, from Site setup to Emergency response

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

20 job steps

  1. Planning/PreparationEnsure certified design, review safety systems, and set communication protocols.
  2. Site setupIdentify hazards, establish exclusion zones, and verify worker training and licensing.
  3. Weather conditionsMonitor weather, secure materials, and assess conditions post-weather events.
  4. Daily tasks/ when site changes occurConduct toolbox talks, review site conditions, and update assessments.
  5. Traffic and pedestrian safetySeparate pedestrian walkways, establish clear signage, and enforce traffic control.
  6. Materials deliveryFollow traffic plans, use spotters, and ensure safe loading/unloading zones.
  7. Slips, trips, and fallsMaintain clear walkways, use non-slip mats, and ensure adequate lighting.
  8. Manual handling and repeated movementsUse lifting aids, rotate tasks, and train workers on safe techniques.
  9. Power tool use (battery-powered tools)Inspect tools and ensure proper handling and secure storage.
  10. Mobile plant operationsConduct daily inspections, use trained operators, and establish exclusion zones.
  11. Mobile crane operationsUse licensed operators, inspect cranes, and maintain exclusion zones.
  12. Excavation and trenchingConduct risk assessments, mark utilities, and implement shoring or trench boxes.
  13. Installing panel supportsUse lifting aids, secure supports, and inspect for stability.
  14. Falling from heightInstall guardrails, use fall protection systems, and inspect height access equipment.
  15. Cutting and welding (steel/aluminium)Follow safe hot work practices, use PPE, and ensure ventilation.
  16. Electrical workUse earthed equipment, follow earthing protocols, and provide insulated tools.
  17. High voltage electrical work (AC/DC systems)Conduct work only by licensed personnel, maintain exclusion zones, and inspect grounding systems.
  18. Test and commissionFollow lockout/tagout procedures, inspect connections, and ensure proper PPE use.
  19. Incident managementReport incidents promptly, participate in reviews, and adapt safety measures as needed.
  20. Emergency responseFollow the response controls for injury, fatality or environmental damage.

Hazards it covers

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