In India, the selection of a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) team for a solar plant is guided by standard industrial safety practices and general legal principles, as specific statutory mandates for HIRA team composition are typically not outlined. The legal requirement is for the employer to conduct HIRA, and the team's composition should ensure a robust and comprehensive assessment. 

Criteria for HIRA team selection

A multidisciplinary team is essential for an effective HIRA process. The key criteria for selecting members include:

Competence and knowledge: The team should be composed of individuals who have the requisite technical knowledge of the plant's activities and safety procedures. A competent person is defined as one capable of recognizing and solving hazards in the workplace.

Supervisory employees: Include employees who have direct supervisory control over the tasks being performed, as they have firsthand knowledge of daily operations and potential risks.

Operational and administrative staff: Staff from various levels, including engineering, operations, and administration, should be involved to ensure all aspects of the plant's activities are covered.

Employee representation: Workers who perform the jobs should be included. Their perspective is crucial for identifying hazards that may not be apparent to management or technical staff.

Safety expertise: The team must include a designated safety officer or personnel with specific knowledge of safety protocols.

External consultants (optional): For large or complex projects, external safety consultants can be brought in to validate the HIRA process and provide best practices from other industries. 

Legal and regulatory context in India

While a solar plant does not involve hazardous chemical processing like a steel or chemical plant, it is still subject to several safety regulations. The Factories Act, 1948, governs health and safety for industrial establishments and requires employers to ensure a safe working environment. 

Other key regulations and guidelines affecting HIRA at a solar plant include:

The Factories Act, 1948: This act mandates that employers in establishments meeting the definition of a "factory" must prioritize worker health, safety, and welfare. The Factories and Boilers Department issues licenses and monitors compliance.

The CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023: These regulations, specifically updated for renewable energy stations, outline crucial safety requirements for solar plants, including:

Electrical safety: Requirements for proper earthing, lightning and over-voltage protection, and the provision of surge protective devices.

Access and pathways: Clear pathways for maintenance and emergency exits must be provided.

Fencing: Ground-mounted solar installations must have secure fencing to prevent unauthorized entry.

Environmental regulations: Compliance with environmental norms is necessary. For solar plants, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) is often required.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Safety procedures are formalized through SOPs, which must be strictly followed. 

The HIRA process in practice

The selection of the team is the first step in a structured HIRA process, which also involves:

Scope definition: Defining the processes and areas to be assessed.

Hazard identification: Involves walkthroughs, job safety analysis (JSA), and employee interviews to identify all potential hazards.

Risk assessment: Evaluating the risks based on the likelihood and severity of potential harm.

Control implementation: Putting measures in place based on the "hierarchy of controls" (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE).

Monitoring and review: Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of controls and updating the HIRA.