Hope this helps steve.
Solar distance from edge of roof.
The fire code which is partially enforced by building code is dictating these days that yes you need 36 inches from edge to panel to allow walking space for firemen.
However roof mounted solar installations must also be more than 30cm away from the external edge of the roof meaning that actually you will need an even larger space so this needs to be factored in to any roof sizing calculations.
Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the roof edge.
For general industry working at a 4 foot height or a low sloped roof osha requires.
Conventional fall protection guardrail fall restraint or fall arrest system is required.
Conventional fall protection guardrail fall restraint or fall arrest system is required.
Employers are to ensure that each employee is protected from falling by using fall protection systems such as non penetrating guardrails safety net system fall restraint or fall arrest systems.
Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the edge.
Source i do a lot of inspections for solar.
Panels with a minimum distance between the panel and roof edge of 2s where s is the gap between the underside of the panel and the roof surface.
60mm gap 120mm from roof edge 70mm gap 140 mm from roof edge etc.
The reason for this clearance is that it allows air flow under the solar panels for cooling them.
Is there a safe distance from the edge of a roof for construction workers doing work while on a roof but not engaged in roofing residential pre cast erection or leading edge work.
Roof mounting clearance solar panels you want to mount on a roof must have at least 3 inches but 4 to 6 inches is better distance between the roof and solar panels frame.
So if you have a 50mm high gap between panel and roof 100mm minimum distance panel from the roof edge.
The international fire code 605 11 3 2 4 that states panels modules installed shall be located no higher than 3 ft below the ridge to allow for fire department ventilation operations significantly decreases the attractiveness of residential solar pv because it applies to both sides of a peaked roof.
There shall be a minimum 6 foot wide 1829 mm clear perimeter around the edges of the roof.
6 feet from the edge.
Where either axis of the building is 250 feet 76 200 mm or less there shall be a minimum 4 foot wide 1290 mm clear perimeter around the edges of the roof.
The minimum distance from the chimney is 60cm.
Answer background in 29 cfr part 1926 subpart m fall protection 1926 501 b 1 states.
In order to reduce the wind load the array should be a sufficient distance from the edge of the roof rule of thumb.