- Electrical Hazards:
- PV arrays produce electricity whenever exposed to sunlight or artificial lighting.
- DC cables, often rated up to 1500 VDC, can cause lethal electrocution and arc flash hazards.
- Fire and Evacuation Hazards:
- PV systems installed on roofs complicate firefighting due to ongoing electrical production.
- DC cables routed through escape routes increase the risk during evacuations.
- Cutting energized DC cables during emergencies increases the risk of severe injury or electrocution.
- Accountability and Liability:
- Ambiguity regarding who holds legal responsibility during PV-related incidents.
- Potential liability extends to building owners, system installers, maintenance contractors, and even first responders.
- Negligence cases could arise if proper procedures, training, or PPE are not provided.
PVStop Overview:
PVStop is a polymer-based fire-retardant coating specifically designed for PV (photovoltaic) systems. It rapidly blocks sunlight, eliminating electricity generation from PV panels during emergencies, thus mitigating electrocution risks and enabling safe intervention.
Product Composition & Safety:
- Composition: Water-based, containing proprietary non-hazardous polymer resins.
- Safety Profile:
- Non-hazardous according to Regulation (EU) 2015/830.
- Low environmental impact; miscible in water.
- Non-toxic, non-irritating, no special hazards, safe for general handling.
Advantages in Emergency Situations:
- Immediate Isolation: Quickly eliminates electrical hazards by physically blocking sunlight from reaching the PV cells.
- Non-Electrical Solution: Unlike electrical rapid-shutdown devices (“fireman switches”), it doesn’t require complex electrical connections (MC4 connectors), thus eliminating additional points of failure.
- Improves Firefighter Safety: Allows firefighters to safely approach PV systems without risk of electrical shock.
- Certified and Compliant: Holds relevant certifications, including the EU-Type Examination Certificate (CE 603059), confirming its suitability for professional firefighting use.
Legal and Safety Considerations for South Africa:
From a legal perspective, recommending PVStop as part of the safety protocol has several benefits:
Emergency Protocol Simplification: Easily incorporated into standard operating procedures without specialized electrical training, simplifying compliance and training. Safeguard lives, protect property, and reduce legal risks associated with photovoltaic system emergencies.
Legal Clarity: Using PVStop as a standard practice clearly demonstrates proactive risk mitigation, meeting regulatory compliance under OHSA, fire safety laws, and standards.
Insurance and Liability: Reduces legal liability exposure, as its deployment represents a demonstrable effort to mitigate electrical hazards effectively and safely.