SafeWork Australia releases revised guide on how to install batteries for rooftop solar systems

Safe Work Australia has revised the ‘Guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work’ by adding guidance for the management of work health and safety (WHS) risks associated with battery installation.

What the revised guide adds

Short answer: the updated guide now explains how duty holders control hazards when batteries are fitted to a new array or retrofitted onto an older one. Fresh advice spans licensed installation, roof access, isolation of live circuits and selection of suitable equipment.

Key points at a glance

• Only a licensed electrician may connect, commission and test storage units.
• Falls from height remain the dominant cause of serious injury during rooftop solar work.
• Shock and arc flash exposure demand tested, tagged electrical equipment.
• Stored charge creates fire and thermal runaway hazards that panels alone do not present.
• Manufacturer instructions and the product manual set the minimum benchmark for compliant installation.

“With battery energy storage systems (batteries) becoming increasingly popular to support rooftop solar systems, we have updated our guide to provide employers and other duty holders with clear, practical guidance to help manage the WHS risks around battery installation effectively,” says the national regulator.

Why rooftop solar installation carries high risk

The federal safety agency emphasises that the process of installing rooftop solar panels, including battery setups, carries considerable WHS risks stemming from tasks such as working at elevated positions and dealing with electrical systems. Thus, it is vital to recognise and mitigate these risks.

Height access and fall prevention

Falls stay the leading cause of fatality across this trade. Fall arrest equipment — anchor points, harnesses, guardrails and edge protection — must suit the pitch, surface condition and load path of each dwelling.

Ladders need securing at both ends, while elevating platforms require inspection before use. Where hired gear is chosen, the agreement should confirm every item of equipment carries current certification. Crews working at height also plan around weather, brittle sheeting and hidden penetrations.

Electrical hazards and safe isolation

Live conductors on an array cannot be switched off at the meter, because sunlight keeps them charged. Installers treat each DC string as live until proven otherwise, using test equipment rated for the task.

Anyone working near a stored charge should assume terminals remain energetic long after shutdown. Lockout devices, insulated tools and rated gloves form the core protective equipment during commissioning. Electrical safety regulators in every state publish supplementary advice for photovoltaic and storage installation.

Fire, heat and hazardous chemistry

Thermal runaway inside a damaged cell can vent flammable gas and ignite. Placement rules exist for sound reason: keep units clear of exits, bedrooms and combustible cladding, then confirm that fire separation matches the manufacturer specification.

Swollen or punctured cells become hazardous waste requiring licensed disposal. Local fire safety authorities may dictate clearances, signage and access provisions, so emergency planning should nominate extinguishing equipment, isolation points and an unobstructed evacuation route for occupants and crew.

Pre-start equipment checks

A documented inspection routine keeps gear serviceable and evidence audit-ready. Before crews step onto a roof, verify the following:

• Test-and-tag currency for all 240 V power tools and extension leads.
• Insulation resistance readings recorded with calibrated test equipment.
• Harness and lanyard tags within the six-monthly interval, with defective equipment quarantined.
• Ladder feet, stiles and locking mechanisms free of damage.
• Signage, barricades plus traffic control equipment positioned before unloading panels.
• Slings, hooks and lifting equipment matched to the mass of each module.
• First aid supplies and burn treatment equipment accessible at ground level.
• A current copy of the installation manual available on site.

Who can install a battery system?

The regulator advises that regardless of whether these installations form part of a new rooftop solar system or an addition to an existing setup, they must be conducted by qualified electricians, adhering to local regulations and the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Only licensed electrical trades may terminate DC and AC circuits. State authorities sometimes impose extra conditions, so confirm accreditation before working on a grid-connected supply. Suppliers should also hand over compliance certificates for switchboards and metering equipment. Builders and head contractors retain safety and health responsibilities for coordinating trades across the site.

Where to read the guidance

Read the full guide on the Safe Work Australia website: Updated guidance on installation of batteries for rooftop solar systems.

Written procedures turn guidance into daily habit. Our Solar SWMS Pack addresses height access, electrical isolation and hot work controls for photovoltaic crews, while an integrated management system keeps policies, registers and training records aligned with your health and safety duties.

Related reading

• Earlier guidance on rooftop solar installation hazards
• Industrial rope access systems guide
• Farm safety guide for primary producers
• Management systems product guide

Demand for storage paired with solar power keeps climbing, and documentation must keep pace. Working alongside licensed electrical contractors, and reviewing controls each time a product changes, protects households and crews alike. Exp