As pe site incharge must ensure safety all time

 As pe site incharge shri SKB Vali sir  must ensure safety all time 

Operation of a new utility-scale solar plant, such as the Trinity project, involves significant hazards related to high-voltage electricity, environmental conditions, and mechanical systems. The primary risks during the operational phase include electrical shocks, fire hazards, and environmental factors like extreme weather. 

Here is a list of operational hazards for a new solar plant:

1. Electrical Hazards 

High-Voltage Shock/Electrocution: Exposure to energized conductors, particularly in combiner boxes and inverters (up to 1,500 V DC), poses a lethal risk.

Arc Flash/Arc Faults: High-power discharges between conductors can cause fires or explosions, especially when checking energized equipment.

Persistent Energy Production: PV arrays generate electricity whenever exposed to light, making it difficult to fully isolate the system for maintenance.

Faulty Grounding: Improperly grounded components can lead to electrifying the support structures. 

2. Fire and Explosion Hazards

Electrical Fires: Caused by arcing, short circuits, or loose connections in inverters, combiner boxes, and cabling.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): If included, these pose fire and thermal runaway risks.

Toxic Fumes: Burning solar components and materials can release hazardous smoke.

Grass/Brush Fires: Dry vegetation under panels increases fire risks. 

3. Site and Environmental Hazards

Lightning Strikes: The large, metallic, elevated surface area of the solar array makes the site more prone to lightning during storms.

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Uneven terrain, mud, and cables pose risks, especially in winter or wet conditions.

Weather-Related Illnesses: Exposure to high heat, causing dehydration, sunstroke, or heat exhaustion, is a major concern.

Wildlife and Livestock: Potential for venomous snake bites, spider bites, or insect stings. 

4. Mechanical and Maintenance Hazards

Moving Machinery: Risk of collision with maintenance vehicles, trackers, or automated equipment.

Mechanical Injuries: Hand tools, power tools, and unsecured equipment can cause injuries.

Falling Panels/Debris: Improperly secured panels or structural failure, particularly in windy conditions. 

5. Chemical Hazards

Cleaning Agents: Chemicals or detergents used to clean panels can contaminate the ground, necessitating proper containment.

Hazardous Materials: Older or damaged panels may leak toxic materials like cadmium or lead, though this is less common with new panels. 

6. Operational/Human Factors

Complacency: O&M technicians becoming too comfortable and overlooking dangers in an operating plant.

Ineffective Lockout/Tagout: Failure to properly isolate equipment before performing maintenance. 

Key Mitigation Strategies

Rapid Shutdown Systems: Required to reduce voltage within 30 seconds.

PPE & Tools: Use of CAT III/IV rated multimeters and arc-rated clothing.

Training & Safety Protocols: Regular training, adherence to O&M procedures, and, if applicable, using drones for inspection to reduce human exposure. 

For a 33kV line, minimum safe distances vary, but generally, expect at least 5.2 meters (around 17 feet) vertical clearance from the ground and a significant horizontal buffer for construction, often around 2.2 meters (7 feet) from poles, with larger distances (6-9 meters/20-30 feet) required for working near towers or with heavy machinery, and 10 feet (3 meters) is a common general safety practice for personnel. Always maintain a much larger distance for downed lines (35+ ft) and contact the utility company. 

Minimum Clearances (Varies by Region/Rule) 

Vertical (Ground): Around 5.2 meters (17 ft) for the lowest conductor, increasing with height or across streets (e.g., 6.1m/20ft).

Horizontal (Construction/Excavation):

Near Poles: ~2.2 meters (7 ft) for 11-33kV lines.

Near Towers: ~6 meters (20 ft) for 11-33kV lines.

For heavy machinery, larger setbacks (e.g., 9 meters/30 ft) are often mandated.

General Personnel: A common safety guideline suggests 10 feet (about 3 meters) as a minimum buffer. 

Key Safety Considerations

Downed Lines: Stay far away (at least 35 feet/10.7m) and call emergency services/utility company immediately due to dangerous ground currents (step potential).

Sagging: Lines sag, so clearance is reduced in the middle of spans, requiring extra caution.

Regulations: Local electrical safety standards (like India's Indian Electricity Rules) dictate specific clearances, so check local rules.