Wear PPE and SCBA

Always wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) whenever you are around PV system components at an incident scene.

Your PPE will protect you from certain hazards. However, do not become overconfident, as its protection has limits. Studies conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have proven that PPE will NOT protect you from electrical shock. Other research shows that PPE may absorb some toxic and potentially carcinogenic particulates from burning PV panels. After the incident, make sure to fully decontaminate your gear.