Safe Work Australia has updated its Guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work.

This reflects the increasing popularity of battery energy storage systems. The updated guide aims to outline clear and practical guidance for managing the work health and safety (WHS) risks in battery installation.

The guide supports those in retailing, surveying, designing, installing, testing, commissioning, retrofitting, repairing, maintaining, decommissioning or removing rooftop solar systems on residential or commercial structures.

This includes new or retrofitted solar panels, inverters, batteries and related equipment.

Safe Work Australia has emphasised that battery installations must be completed only by qualified electricians. Batteries need to also comply with Australian standards and be compatible with the associated rooftop solar system.