⚠️ UNIVERSAL WATER FED POLE SAFETY PROTOCOL CHECKLIST

DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST

For professional solar panel cleaners — regardless of job size
Created by PV Maintenance Monthly Magazine

1. ✅ Pre-Use Inspection

  • ☐ Check for cracks, chips, or wear in the pole material

  • ☐ Inspect clamps, sections, hose routing, and brush housing

  • ☐ Look for exposed carbon fiber on hybrid or CF poles

  • ☐ Ensure hose is not frayed, pinched, or leaking

2. ⚡ Electrification Awareness

  • ☐ Visually inspect nearby junction boxes, MC4 connectors, and exposed wires

  • ☐ Never touch panel frames with your body while holding the pole

  • ☐ Assume panels are energized unless proven otherwise

  • ☐ Do not use poles during system maintenance or inverter work nearby

3. 💧 Water Quality & Electrical Conductivity

  • ☐ Always use RO/DI water only – no exceptions

  • ☐ Test TDS regularly — keep it below 10 ppm, ideally <5 ppm

  • ☐ Never use municipal tap water through your pole — ever

  • ☐ Flush lines before first use to ensure no conductive buildup

4. 🥾 Ground Safety

  • ☐ Never stand in pooled water while using the pole

  • ☐ Use non-slip, rubber-soled footwear rated for electrical resistance

  • ☐ Avoid aluminum ladders; use fiberglass or wood if climbing

  • ☐ Stay clear of grounded metal like conduit or racking systems

5. 🧤 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • ☐ Wear dielectric gloves when working near potential electrical sources

  • ☐ Use long sleeves and eye protection for added shielding

  • ☐ Hard hat required if working under active structures (carports, utility)

  • ☐ Harness required when on pitched or elevated roofs per OSHA guidelines

6. 🌧️ Weather Conditions

  • ☐ Do not clean during rain, lightning, or extreme humidity

  • ☐ Avoid early morning dew or late-day condensation buildup

  • ☐ Postpone cleaning if panels or roof are slick from weather

  • ☐ High winds? No poles. Period.

7. 🚫 Never-Do List

  • ☐ Never use a pole to test for power (yes, people have tried this…)

  • ☐ Never lay a wet pole across the roof edge

  • ☐ Never assume you’re safe because the system is “off”

  • ☐ Never clean panels near damaged or open electrical equipment

  • ☐ Never let a new tech use a pole without training + supervision

8. 🧠 Training + Communication

  • ☐ All techs briefed on voltage hazards before site work

  • ☐ Labeled shutoff locations known (main disconnects, inverter kill switch)

  • ☐ Job leader or foreman designated for emergencies

  • ☐ First aid kit and AED accessible on large projects

Bonus Tip:

Treat the pole like a firearm: always assume it’s live.
Not because it is, but because that mindset keeps you and your crew alive.

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