The pace of uptake of electric vehicles continues and it is only a matter of time before they become commonplace on the repair shop floor. Critical in this transition will be ensuring any workplace can deal with them safely.
There are new and inherent risks associated with the maintenance and repair of Electric Vehicles and Hybrids such as short circuits, exposed connections and the presence of high voltage cables.
Obtaining additional skills, appropriate training through registered training facilities and following the car manufacturer’s guidelines will be necessary to allow technicians to work safely with these vehicles. But there is also the indispensable gear a workshop needs to tackle EVs and hybrids safely.
AS 5732:2022 “Electric Vehicle Operations- Maintenance and Repair” lists necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the task and level of risk involved.
Some of these last lines of defence measures include:
Electrical Insulating Gloves with an appropriate voltage rating, commonly these are Class 0, that offer protection up to a working voltage of 1000V AC /15000V DC. These can be worn with a cotton under glove to reduce sweating and provide comfort. Leather overgloves are worn to protect the rubber insulated gloves from mechanical harm and also to provide protection against electrical arcing.
The use of Caution signage and Warning steering wheel covers to alert others of potential risks and temporary exclusion zones to instruct non authorised people to keep away.
Using 1000V insulated rated tools when working on energised components to lessen the risk of shorting out the high energy source.
Wearing arc rated face shields and clothing to protect the face and body against the direct force of an electric arc incident.
Having an (AED) automated external defibrillator immediately available in the event of an electrical shock.
To get more information on product solutions that help technicians mitigate risk, contact Electrical Factory Outlet. www.electricalfactory.com.au