Online training addresses safety considerations related to fighting fires involving solar energy

Solar power has become a fast-growing energy source. Over the past couple decades, the number of new photovoltaic (PV) systems installations has increased sharply worldwide. As more PV systems are installed, the likelihood increases that fires will occur on buildings with PV systems, making it critical for firefighters to receive evidence based training.

Traditional firefighter tactics for suppression, ventilation, and overhaul are complicated by PV systems, leaving firefighters vulnerable to severe hazards. The UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) “Firefighter Safety and Photovoltaic Systems” online course has been revised to include updated research findings and safety considerations for firefighters.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the basic principles of solar energy and electricity and some common strategies to avoid electrical shock.
• Describe the factors that cause and contribute to fireground injuries and fatalities during incidents involving photovoltaic systems.
• Summarize the results of experiments conducted testing photovoltaic modules.
• Incorporate tactical considerations based on experimental results into standard operating procedures and guidelines to improve firefighter safety.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ONLINE TRAINING

“This updated course provides the fire service with the basics that they need to know to safely operate around PV systems and important safety considerations on topics such as water application, limitations of PPE, isolating the power, covering the panels and the hazards of damaging panels or system components with tools.” – Steve Kerber, Vice President of Research, UL FSRI

This project was supported by a Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

To learn more about this research, visit the project page here.