DC2021-06-0018 — Solar Safety, Health and Environment Code of Practice
Full title: Solar Safety, Health and Environment Code of Practice Issued: 11 June 2021 | Secretary: Alfonso Cusi (2,226 lines OCR) Basis: RESHERR (DC2012-11-009), Rule 2, Section 8
This circular establishes binding safety, health, and environmental requirements for solar RE operations. One of five simultaneously issued sub-codes under the RESHERR framework.
Scope
Applies to all employers, employees, contractors, and other entities engaged in solar RE operations (utility-scale and distributed) in the Philippines.
Structure
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| I | Safety, Health and Environment Policy Statement |
| II | Definition of Terms |
| III | Safety, Health and Environment Practices (general) |
| IV | Power Plant Facilities |
| V | Solar Energy Operations |
| VI | Separability Clause |
| VII | Resolution of Conflicts and Overlapping Jurisdictions |
| IX | Effectivity |
Key Sections
Section III — General SHE Practices: Contractor management; emergency response; incident investigation; fire prevention; electrical safety; mechanical safety; work permits; PPE; ergonomics; hazardous materials (including battery electrolytes for storage-coupled systems); environmental management.
Section IV — Power Plant Facilities: Structural integrity of solar panel arrays and mounting systems; inverters and DC/AC conversion equipment; transformers and step-up substations; grid interconnection switchgear; battery energy storage systems (BESS) if applicable [DC2021-06-0018, §IV, 2021-06-11].
Section V — Solar Energy Operations: Panel installation and maintenance procedures; electrical arc flash hazard assessment and prevention; inverter operations and maintenance; SCADA/monitoring systems; end-of-life panel disposal and recycling protocols [DC2021-06-0018, §V, 2021-06-11].
Employer Obligations
All solar RE companies must designate an eligible Safety Officer and are subject to random safety inspections by REMB [DC2021-06-0018, §III, 2021-06-11].
Full text: Cleaned copy