17
Plugged into Safety: A primer on the hazards of working with battery electric vehicles | March 2024
HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS
IMPACTED
INDUSTRIES
LEGISLATION
Thermal
Runaway
Byproducts
The chemical reactions during
thermal runaway can produce
gases like carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, hydrogen,
and hydrocarbons. Depending
on the location of the battery
storage (inside) and the size
of the battery the presence of
these gases can be toxic.
Battery storage, all
stages of EV battery
life, extra risk after
damage
OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d),
(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer
responsibilities)
Reg. 851 s. 130
(Chemical Agents)
Improper
Battery System
Coolant
If battery system coolant is
replaced with improper coolant
it may result in an increased
risk of thermal runaway if the
system develops a leak.
Dealerships, collision OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d),
(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer
responsibilities)
Reg. 851 s. 130
(Chemical exposure)
Reg. 860 (WHMIS)
Flammable
Chemicals in AC
Some AC refrigerants contain
flammable oils, which if used in
a high-voltage BEV AC System
could result in a fire.
Dealerships, collision OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d),
(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer
responsibilities)
Reg. 851 s. 130
(Chemical exposure)
PHYSICAL HAZARD
HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS
IMPACTED
INDUSTRIES
LEGISLATION
Lithium-ion
Battery Fire
Resulting in
a Thermal
Runaway
The temperature produced
by a thermal runaway fire in a
lithium-ion battery will depend
on battery size, chemistry, state
of charge etc. A substantial
amount of heat is produced
during a thermal runaway
event. Temperatures can reach
between 200-300° C+ which
can result in burns to the
worker, and smoke inhalation.
Battery storage, all
stages of EV battery
life, extra risk after
damage or improper
repairs
OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d),
(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer
responsibilities),
42 (Training on
physical agents)
PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARD
HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS
IMPACTED
INDUSTRIES
LEGISLATION
Stress Unknown hazards can lead to
increased fear and stress while
working on EVs.
Dealerships,
autobody, collision,
recyclers, emergency
response/towing
OHSA s. 25(2)(h)
CSA Z1003
