The growth of photovoltaic installations poses challenges in fire safety. A very serious mistake is not to recognise panels as an installation or accessible roofs as work areas, which prevents the adoption of mandatory measures and, therefore, generates non-compliance and problems for all actors in the sector. In addition, the lack of protection affects the sustainability and image of the sector.
The 10 breaches and tips to take into account
These are the common non-compliances in fire protection when installing a photovoltaic system:
1. Failure to assess and determine the new level of risk
Problem:
Installing solar panels on industrial roofs can increase the risk of fire due to combustible materials and direct current (DC) generation. If the new level of risk is not properly assessed, the installation could fall outside the required safety parameters.
Regulations:
- RSCIEI (Royal Decree 2267/2004) – Article 3 and Article 6: Requires an assessment of the level of risk in modifications of industrial establishments.
- CTE DB-SI: Requires that any changes to the structure or facilities of a building be evaluated in terms of safety.
Key actions:
Prior to installation, it is key to conduct a risk study to adapt existing fire safety systems. This includes a standardised initial assessment, documentation of ignition hotspots, analysis of the impact on existing safety, development of a mitigation strategy and planning of periodic reviews.
2. External propagation and protection
Problem:
Photovoltaic systems can spread fires from the roof to the interior of the building due to improper wiring, electric arcs, openings such as skylights, and heat build-up on the roof or supporting structure.
Regulations:
- CTE DB-SI, RSCIEI Annex II, section 5.4: Requires the installation of protective barriers to prevent spread.
- UNE-EN 13501-2: Fire resistance regulation of construction materials.
- UNE-HD 605: Requirements for fire-resistant electrical cables.
Applicable requirements:
To reduce the development and spread of fire, fire-resistant cables and conduits should be used, cable passages should be sealed, safety distances should be maintained with roof edges and skylights, and fireproof mounting materials should be used.
3. Impact on sectorisation
Problem:
An inadequate installation of photovoltaic panels can affect or compromise the sectorization of the building and the compartmentalization of fire, facilitating its spread.
Regulations:
- RSCIEI – Art. 13 and Annex II: Requires that fire sectors be independent and not affected by new installations.
- CTE DB-SI: Requires that sectorization is not compromised with additional installations.
Essential Measures:
Separations must be left, strips and fire barriers must be implemented, as well as fire-resistant seals must be used between sectors.
4. Emergency plan or self-protection
Problem analysis:
The installation of a photovoltaic system changes the conditions for evacuation and firefighting, which makes it necessary to update emergency and self-protection plans.
Regulations:
- Royal Decree 393/2007 (Regulations on Self-Protection Plans).
- Regional and local fire protection regulations.
Required Measures:
Update the Emergency Plan with procedures for roof fires; new evacuation routes and periodic drills. Implement measures for the intervention of firefighters, signpost access routes, install emergency stop systems and guarantee the availability of documentation at entry points.
5. Training
Problem:
Maintenance and intervention personnel must be trained to work safely in environments with a risk of fire and electrocution.
Regulations:
- Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks and RD 1215/1997: Requires training to be provided on the specific risks of the workplace.
Recommendation:
Implement specific training on risks in photovoltaic systems, work at height with electrical risk, firefighting and emergency response, in addition to the use of extinguishing equipment.
6. Provision of means of protection
Problem:
On roofs accessible with photovoltaic systems, it is necessary to have additional means of protection, such as fire extinguishers or others.
Regulations:
- RIPCI (RD 513/2017): Requires that the facilities have adequate fire protection measures.
- UNE 192005: Specifications for the review and maintenance of fire protection systems.
Required Equipment:
Specific fire extinguishers for electrical fires, fire and arc fault detection systems, emergency stop mechanisms and personal protective equipment.
7. Personal Protective Equipment
Problem:
Workers and emergency equipment must have specific personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risks of burns and those of a damaged photovoltaic installation (electrocution and/or arcing).
Regulations:
- RD 614/2001: Regulation of protection against electrical risk.
Essential points:
Provide complete personal protective equipment, including face shields, insulating gloves, fireproof clothing, and harnesses. Implement safe disconnection procedures and use specific products such as PVSTOP, which eliminates arcs (not possible with fire extinguishers) and hazard factors for safe and effective interventions.
8. Compliance with specific regulations of the site or activity
Regulations:
- REBT ITC-BT-40: Establishes the electrical requirements for low-voltage generating installations.
- Regional and local fire protection regulations.
Recommendation:
Ensure compliance with PCI and electrical regulations, as well as site-specific regulations such as special hazard premises, ATEX, etc.
9. Notification to the insurance of the aggravation of the risk
Problem:
Insurance companies must be informed about the installation of photovoltaic systems, as it can affect the conditions and coverage of the insurance.
Regulations:
- Insurance Contract Law: Requires the insurer to be informed of any change that increases the insured risk.
Recommendation:
- Inform the insurance company and review if it is necessary to adjust the insurance policies.
- Verification of coverage.
- Claims management protocols.
10. Arc Risk Assessment
Problem:
Photovoltaic systems pose an arc flash hazard, dangerous to people and with the potential to cause fires if not properly controlled
Regulations:
- REBT ITC-BT-24 and UNE 50110: Regulations on the risk of electric arc.
- UL1699B and IEC 63027 standards for the detection and mitigation of arc faults.
Recommendation:
Implement arc fault detectors, minimize connection points, install remote/rapid shutdown systems, use predictive maintenance software, and employ specific products – such as PVSTOP – for added safety.
Real sustainability of photovoltaic systems
In short, it is crucial that all actors in the photovoltaic sector know and implement these measures to avoid legal, business and security problems. Fire protection is essential to achieve the real sustainability of the facility.
Its priority application guarantees the safety of personnel, property and the environment, while also preserving the good image of the sector.
Antonio Molina
I am an Industrial Chemist and Chemical Engineer from the University of Murcia. In addition, I have several master’s degrees in disciplines or topics, such as Quality, Environment and Sustainability, I am a Senior Technician in ORP (Safety, Industrial Hygiene and Ergonomics).
A large part of my professional career has been developed in the product manufacturing sector, where I have been lucky enough to collaborate in the research and development of some innovative products or solutions. Currently, I hold the position of Technical and Product Development Director of Extinction Against Fire and Safety SL (Extinction).
I am also a member or collaborator in important associations in the sector and director of the Innovation project ‘Novel devices for specific applications’, awarded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
I have been lucky enough to patent some devices (photovoltaic, fire, etc.) and to be part of groups or companies that promote innovation. I am passionate about security as well as technological advancements. My goal is to disseminate all these developments and transfer them to the sector, in order to improve safety and the environment.
