Risk Assessment & Mitigation Flashcards

Before mounting solar collectors on a residential roof, which structural risk assessment step is MOST critical?

Answer: Verifying roof framing can support added dead load of panels plus snow/wind

Solar collectors add significant dead load, and roof framing must be assessed to ensure it can support panels plus applicable snow and wind loads without failure.

An installer is working on a steep-pitch roof without guardrails. Under OSHA 1926.502, what fall protection measure is required when working at or above 6 feet?

Answer: Personal fall arrest system, safety net, or guardrail system

OSHA 1926.502 mandates that workers on roofs 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected by guardrails, safety nets, or a personal fall arrest system.

When running AC wiring from a solar thermal pump controller on a ladder, what electrical risk is specifically associated with aluminum ladders?

Answer: Aluminum conducts electricity, increasing electrocution risk if the ladder contacts a live wire

Aluminum ladders are electrically conductive; contact with live wiring can complete a circuit through the installer, causing electrocution.

What is the risk of not installing a check valve on the collector supply line of a thermosiphon or pump-driven solar system?

Answer: Reverse thermosiphoning at night, cooling the storage tank

Without a check valve, cooled fluid in the collectors can thermosiphon backward at night, drawing heat out of the storage tank and wasting stored energy.

A solar thermal installer suspects roof decking is deteriorating under existing shingles. What is the BEST risk-mitigation step before penetrating the roof for collector mounting?

Answer: Probe suspect areas and consult a structural engineer or roofer before mounting

Mounting on compromised decking risks fastener pull-out under collector load or wind uplift; a qualified evaluation must occur before any penetrations are made.

During a site visit, an installer finds the main electrical panel is already at full capacity. What risk does adding a pump controller circuit create?

Answer: Overloading the panel, creating a fire hazard from overloaded breakers

Adding circuits to an already full panel can overload the service, creating a fire risk; a panel upgrade or load audit by a licensed electrician is required.

Why is it important to wear UV-protective sunglasses when handling unglazed or glazed flat-plate collectors during outdoor installation?

Answer: Both A and C are valid risks

Collectors concentrate and reflect intense UV and visible light; both direct glare causing retinal damage and long-term UV exposure increasing cataract risk are real hazards.