Identificação e mitigação de riscos operacionais em instalações fotovoltaicas

Abstract

The photovoltaic solar energy sector in Brazil has grown rapidly in recent years, reaching 70.34 GW of installed capacity in April 2026 and generating over 2 million direct and indirect jobs. This expansion, however, was not accompanied by a proportional development of structured occupational safety practices, which has contributed to an increase in accidents among installers and maintenance technicians. This study aims to analyze the main occupational risks in photovoltaic power plant (PVP) installation, operation, and maintenance activities, and to propose prevention and control measures based on applicable standards, with emphasis on the Brazilian Northeast region. The methodology combines a bibliographic review of national and international literature with the application of Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), with severity scales adapted to worker consequences, as well as analysis of standards NR-10, NR-35, ABNT NBR 16690, ABNT NBR ISO 31000, and ABNT NBR ISO 45001. The identified risks were grouped into five categories: electrical, fall from height, physical, ergonomic, and fire. The FMEA application resulted in 15 prioritized risk situations by Risk Priority Number (RPN). The three highest-criticality risks identified were: MC4 connector failure with delayed arc formation (RPN = 378), accidental contact with the DC busbar in the string box (RPN = 350), and panel cleaning on wet rooftops (RPN = 300). The study also identified gaps between current regulatory standards and sector practices, particularly the absence of a specific regulatory standard for the photovoltaic segment and widespread non-compliance with the qualification requirements of NR-10 and NR-35. The work proposes risk treatment protocols based on ISO 31000, sector-specific PPE and CPE requirements, and training guidelines.