PART 1

1A: Safely Working with Solar Electricity

Solar vaccine refrigerators use low voltage direct current (DC) electricity but there are hazards
anytime you work with electricity. A solar array will require a secure mounting structure and
this often is attached to a roof or tall pole that requires installers to work at heights. Some roof
structures are not strong enough to support the weight of the equipment or the weight of the
installer. Solar vaccine refrigerators can be heavier than standard refrigerators of the same size.
When batteries are used another set of safety concerns are encountered including corrosive
materials, electrical dangers and heavy weight.

Your first assignment is to complete the questions in this section. Every day your first concern
will be safety.

You will need to know:

a.) Symbols for safety, prohibitions, cautions and warnings;

b.) How to use equipment and tools safely;
c.) Where the first aid kit is located;
d.) safely work at heights;
e.) How to safely work with low voltage electricity; and
f.) How to safely work with batteries (if battery systems are installed).

In this manual we will use the following symbols:

ELECTRICAL SAFETY: This symbol is used to highlight electrical safety

information. Mike, replace symbol with graphic AK3

DO NOT: This symbol is used for prohibitions (example is no smoking).

Mike, replace symbol with graphic AK7

CAUTION: Refrigerators, shipping boxes, mounting poles and batteries can be too heavy
for one person to lift or control.
 WARNING: Before climbing on to a pole or buildings check that the structure is safe
and strong and that any ladders or scaffolding is secure.

Safety and First Aid

WARNING: Know where the first aid kit is located in the classroom and on the
installation site.

Always keep the first aid fully stocked.

Always carry a first aid kit when travelling to installation site.

Wear hard hats on work sites.

Use eye the correct protection when hammering, drilling, and handling battery acid.

When working in direct sunlight protect yourself with hats, sunglasses and sunscreens, take
breaks and drink plenty of water.

Answer the questions below.

Where is the first aid kit for class and labs located?
________________________________________

Where is the first aid kit for transportation located?

_________________________________________

Where will the first aid kit for installations be located?

_______________________________________

How would I manage an emergency situation if someone is injured and who would I contact
first?
______________________________________________________________________________
_____

Mike should we highlight where an answer is requested?

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are a suffocation hazard for children.

Many new refrigerators use refrigerant R600a.

R 600a is flammable.

SDD refrigerators have built in liquid to store energy and can be extremely heavy.

Answer the questions below.

What refrigerant does the refrigerator use? _____ Is it flammable? _____

Mike, we need graphic for this R600a label (blue rectangle below with R600a written in it) and
also replace warning symbol triangle with graphic AK 8 including the R600a wording (see below
and leave out all extra wording and outlines),

Solar Array

WARNING: Do not work on live electrical wiring or parts.

Solar modules used for vaccine refrigeration can produce up to 45 volts (open circuit).

Do not exceed 45 Voc when connecting solar modules.

Even low voltage will create an arc of electricity that can cause accidents, ignite fires and
damage tools and equipment.

Solar modules produce electricity when exposed to sunlight and there is risk of electrical shock.
Handle with care as most solar modules are made with metal frames with sharp corners and glass
covering.

Always disconnect electricity sources when working on electrical wiring and parts. Then confirm
electricity is off with a multimeter.

To stop electricity production use a disconnect switch or cover the solar array with an opaque
object.

Answer the questions below.

What is the power system voltage? _____ Voc

What is the power system amperage? ____ Isc

How do you disconnect this power system? ________________________________________

Working at Heights

Ladders must be safe and in good repair.

Position ladders firmly to avoid movement.

Use rope and harness systems (see Appendix B: Safely Working at Height)

Use crawling boards when walking on roofs (see Appendix B: Safely Working at Height)

If you fall from the roof or ladder do not move until professional help arrives.

For the user there must be a safe and convenient way to access to the array.

Batteries

Batteries must always be kept secure to prevent unauthorized contact.

Batteries contain sulphuric acid that can cause blindness or produce burns on skin and clothing.
Use AK 2 with this sentence

Keep fresh water near batteries

In case of an acid accident flush eyes immediately for at least 15 minutes and then immediately
contact nearest health professional.

In case of accidental acid contact with skin or clothing flush with water immediately and wash
with soap and water.

Battery weight may require more than one person to lift and move.
Lift batteries to avoid muscle strain.

Do not carry on your head.

Wear protective eyewear or a face shield and protective clothing such as PVC rubber gloves and
acid resistant aprons.

When transporting secure batteries to prevent spilling or splashing battery.

Use a funnel or plastic bottle with a spout to add distilled water.

Have baking soda and water ready to neutralize acid spills.

Batteries can instantly deliver large amounts of power which can cause electric shock and/or
cause fire.

Keep metal jewelry and un-insulated tools away from batteries because they may cause a short
circuit.

Protect battery terminals from accidental short circuits that can be contacted by metal tools,
trays, or other equipment.

Do not lift batteries by their terminals unless approved by battery manufacturer.

Lift batteries by carrying handles, straps or by underside support.

Always keep flooded batteries in upright position.

Place batteries on smooth surfaces to avoid puncture of battery base.

Tall thin batteries can require additional support.

Never install controls or switching in a battery enclosure.

Always disconnect power input from the solar array before disconnecting the battery.

Disconnect refrigerator wiring first at the battery terminals to avoid short circuits caused by free
wiring.

Reconnect refrigerator wiring last at the battery to avoid short circuit of battery cables.

Batteries give off hydrogen gas which is explosive. No open flame or smoking allowed
in or around batteries Replace with AK 7
Battery enclosures must be used and must be vented outdoors to prevent build-up of explosive
gas.

Batteries are made of toxic lead. At the end of battery life recover the battery and deliver to a
commercial recycler.

Answer the questions below.

Are batteries used in this class? _____ If yes, where are they located?
____________________________

If used, are the batteries safe and protected from unauthorized contact?
_________________________

What safety equipment is required to work safely with batteries? _________________________