EVs And The Safety of Technicians

As the UK aim to make electric vehicles the norm, it is important that we discuss how the safety of the technicians that work on EVs can be ensured. The EV market is already booming, this means that more and more auto repair shops will need to be equipped to not only work on EVs, but to do so safely.

The first requirement is to have a technician trained in the repair and maintenance of EVs. You could give one of your existing technicians the opportunity to go for training, or employ new graduates.

In order to ensure the safety of your employees, you need to be able to identify if an EV is high-voltage. Voltages greater than 60 V DC are referred to as high-voltage. At this level, the use of contact protection is required. Voltage ranges vary for different categories of vehicles.

Be aware that electric currents of more than 0.5 mA in AC voltage and more than 2 mA in DC voltage are capable of causing injury, It is therefore pertinent that you know whether your technicians are working on a high voltage EV so that they can be adequately protected.

One way to protect employees is by utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.

These often include:

Insulated gloves
Goggles
Non-slippery insulated boots
A hot stick; a long insulated pole that can be used to separate a person under electric shock from contact.
Protective clothing

You should also provide employees with insulated tools. It is a fundamental part of the equipment needed to work on EVs. Insulated tools protect the user against shock in the event that any contact is made with any high-voltage source.

Before working on an EV, the high voltage system should be disconnected and secured so that it cannot be accidentally switched back on. It should be tested to prove that no current is active.

To have better insight into safety protocols, you can read this guide provided by the Health and Safety Executive.