Photo voltaic Energy World has devoted its March 2024 protection to set up ideas for photo voltaic contractors huge and small. You possibly can learn the remainder of our Q&As within the journal and on-line right here.
For perception into the “security and wearables” phase, SPW talked with Kendra Lewinski, senior advertising and marketing supervisor at Carhartt Firm Gear, to study extra about how clothes makes the photo voltaic installer.
What attire does Carhartt provide that’s related to photo voltaic contractors?
Carhartt x SunRun
Carhartt Firm Gear is the uniform options arm of Carhartt, providing Carhartt’s sturdy, high quality product that’s curated and purpose-built to assist crews of 10 to 10,000. With a choice of UV-rated T-shirts, long-sleeves, sweatshirts and button downs, in addition to a wide range of work jackets, pants, shorts and gloves, our product choices stack up towards any climate situation photo voltaic crews and contractors could face – from extreme solar publicity and warmth to the bitter winter chilly, and all the pieces in between.
Carhartt not too long ago partnered with Sunrun to outfit and assist shield their 5,000 technicians and set up crews. Photo voltaic firms can see how Carhartt gear is supporting photo voltaic work crews like Sunrun on-line.
How a lot of a distinction does utilizing UV-rated clothes make in areas with excessive solar publicity?
At Carhartt, we exist to serve and shield all hardworking individuals. For photo voltaic contractors uncovered to the weather and solar throughout sizzling, humid climate, there is no such thing as a escaping the difficult working situations. Offering the precise tools and instruments, like UV-rated clothes, is crucial to supporting and holding crews secure.
Carhartt x SunRun
For photo voltaic contractors, the precise tools consists of the precise clothes to get the job finished. Carhartt gives purposeful solar safety in our Power collection of product which has 30-50 UPF. Power Solar Defender clothes, our latest merchandise obtainable now on-line and coming quickly to Firm Gear, provide a minimal of fifty UPF. The Carhartt Power merchandise that embrace UPF provide superior solar safety and have added purposeful options that stretch, wick moisture and are light-weight, which guarantee photo voltaic contractors and crews are safer and extra comfy. This gear additionally is available in girls’s appropriate types to make sure Carhartt is outfitting all the crew.
Carhartt launched a warmth security whitepaper that communicates sensible steps to assist crews keep away from heat-related accidents. Ideas embrace:
- Act earlier than it will get sizzling: OSHA estimates that 50-70% of out of doors employee heat-related fatalities happen within the first few days of working in sizzling climate. Make sure that your crew has the precise workwear and security procedures (i.e. water, frequent breaks to chill down, keeping track of staff) in place when you recognize excessive warmth is coming.
- Educate your crew: Make sure that your crew understands that warmth stress may be harmful and educate them on methods to beat the warmth earlier than these climate situations arrive.
- Present the precise tools and instruments: Corporations ought to search for methods to enhance jobsite resiliency by constructing in plans for coping with excessive temperatures. Throughout the high-heat months, present staff PPE with superior UV-protective cloth applied sciences. Different treatments like transportable followers, water misters and easy barrier safety, like tarps or screens, may help cut back the hazard.
How can photo voltaic contractors keep heat whereas working at heights?
For photo voltaic contractors, working at the next elevation or in winter climate can current three totally different job website challenges: air temperature, wind velocity and humidity/participation ranges. The excellent news is that crews may be ready by having the precise gear and attire. Staying true to our mission to guard crews underneath any situation, Carhartt gives an assortment of chilly climate gear at a spread of various heat ranges to assist shield crews in numerous parts.
What’s the superb outfit for a photo voltaic contractor to enrich the tools and security gear they’re utilizing on the job?
The perfect outfit for a photo voltaic contractor is one that matches and performs primarily based on the present situations and their particular job operate. Photo voltaic contractors who’re within the parts day in and time out want merchandise that may stand as much as the situations and hold them protected. Staff who’re uncovered to potential industrial flash fireplace via electrical work will want PPE/flame-resistant gear. From the person employee perspective, a latest third-party examine showcased that crucial factor about clothes is gear that retains them secure and is sturdy.
