Several types of lifts are available at rental yards. We've used a hand
crank type air conditioner lift to move 8 modules up at a time. For
anything over 10 modules, its really a good idea to use something
besides a man on a ladder, especially with today's larger modules.
--
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified, Licensed Contractor
808 269-7491
On 2/7/2013 5:15 PM, August Goers wrote:
Eric and Garrison -
Yea, I see your point. I was questioning the ladder method because
walking modules up the ladder seems to be the standard for roofs 2
stories or higher. I thought maybe some folks had a different
interpretation. I'm particularly interested in seeing what Solar City
is doing these days.
Eric, I like the big tote bag/backpack idea. I believe it's been
discussed on the wrenches list before so you might want to do a quick
search. Schuco used to sell a collector strap kit for solar thermal
collectors but it was designed more for hoisting. We just installed a
30 collector system with it (not Schuco collectors though!) a few
weeks ago.
Best,
August
*From:*[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>] *On Behalf Of
*Eric Youngren
*Sent:* Thursday, February 07, 2013 12:51 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof
I agree that its impossible to maintain 3 points of contact on a
ladder while sliding a module up above you. I've done it many times
but I agree that its probably not kosher according to OSHA.
This reminds me of a product idea I had with a friend who does canvas
sewing for boat covers and such.
How about this?: A heavy-duty canvas bag for carrying PV modules,
with backpack straps and D-rings in the corners? With a module pack
bag, installers could climb a ladder with both hands while the module
is securely on their back, Or it could also provide an easy way to
tie on a rope and haul them up, or secure them on a sloped roof before
installation. How many installers would be interested in something
like that?? How much would you be willing to pay for it?
Eric
Solar Nexus International
On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 12:03 PM, Garrison Riegel
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>>
wrote:
It is not possible to maintain three points of contact at all times
while carrying a module up a ladder. It is my understanding that if
three-point contact is not possible at all times, then a personal fall
arrest system is required. This is not called out specifically in
Subpart X
<http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10839>,
but if an injury or fatality were to result from carrying modules up a
ladder I think it would be difficult to avoid getting fined or sued.
We use a power ladder whenever possible. It takes a while to set up,
but is OSHA compliant, can lift multiple modules at once, and saves
wear and tear on the crew. The only real issue is upfront cost, but
this is cheap when compared to the long term cost of a workman's comp
claim.
My 2ยข
Garrison
Solar Service Inc
847-677-0950 <tel:847-677-0950>
*From:*[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
[mailto:[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>] *On Behalf Of
*August Goers
*Sent:* Thursday, February 07, 2013 12:44 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof
Hi Wrenches,
I imagine that all of us working in rooftop PV have put some good hard
thought on the best way to get the modules up to the roof. There are
various lifts on the market, you can hoist them with ropes manually,
or walk them up a ladder (sling them over your back). I find that the
majority of our competition in the Bay Area walks panels up the ladder
for residential projects. What is your feeling about OSHA compliance
of doing this?
Best,
August
415.559.1525 <tel:415.559.1525>
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