Photovoltaic power station LOTO

Photovoltaic power station LOTO
Safety begins with adequate planning and preparation. To prevent accidents or injuries, an effective safety policy must be in place and plant personnel and contractors must be familiar with and strictly follow the following safety procedures.
Important safety requirements during the operation of a photovoltaic plant include the proper use of the Lockout/Tagout procedure (LOTO), proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe disconnection of live electrical circuits, and careful observation and compliance with all signs and warnings relating to the photovoltaic system.
The purpose of the Lockout/Tagout procedure must be to ensure that plant personnel strictly follow these safe operations – at all times, power must be turned off prior to system maintenance. Corresponding clauses for Lockout/Tagout are included in 29 CFR1910.147.

When the equipment is repaired and the safety guard is removed, the operation and maintenance personnel must Lockout/Tagout a certain part of his body in contact with the operating part of the machine or enter the dangerous area when the machine is running.

Steps for Lockout/Tagout:
• Notify others that the device will be turned off;
• Perform a controlled shutdown to shut down the equipment;
• Turn on all energy isolation devices marked with specific Lockout/Tagout procedures;
• Lock all energy isolators and hook all locked energy isolators;
• Release stored or surplus energy;
• Verify that the equipment is completely powered off by attempting to run the equipment;
• Verify that the equipment is completely powered off by voltmeter voltage detection.
Correct Lockout/Tagout program labels include:
• Name, date and location of the person who placed the Lockout/Tagout program;
• Detailed information on specific device shutdown specifications;
• List of all energy and separation units;
• Labels indicate the nature and magnitude of potential or residual energy stored on the device.

During maintenance, the device should be locked and unlocked only by the person who locks it. Locking devices, such as padlocks, should be approved by the relevant Lockout/Tagout procedures. Before setting up the device to be energized again, you should follow security protocols and notify others that the device is about to be energized.

Operations personnel must be aware of the personal protective equipment required for a particular job and wear the protective equipment when performing the operation. Among various items, personal protective devices include fall protection, arc light protection, fireproof clothing, heat-insulating gloves, safety boots and protective glasses. Personal protective devices are designed to help operations personnel minimize exposure to the photovoltaic system itself when exposed to the outside. With regard to the potential hazards of photovoltaic systems, the selection of appropriate personal protective devices is crucial to completing the work safely. All personnel in power stations must be trained in identifying hazards and selecting appropriate personal protective equipment to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of these hazards.