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Plugged into Safety: A primer on the hazards of working with battery electric vehicles | March 2024
ATS supports the research WSPS is doing because they count on WSPS as
"a reliable source of information to lean on." Cressman says they are also keen
to share what they've learned. "We can share information with others, and as
younger health and safety professionals get into BEVs and they get better and
smarter, I'll learn from them."
ST. CLAIR COLLEGE: STANDARDS REDUCE FEAR
St. Clair College offers one of two Electric Vehicle Technician programs in Canada.
Program Coordinator and Professor Eric Ellis says there are many concerns about
transitioning from internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles; however,
with information and awareness, there is no need to be fearful.
Ellis says EVs are basically computers; they require a unique skill set to diagnose
dangerous, software-related issues. In addition, mechanics require expensive PPE
and insulated tools to work around these high-voltage systems safely. However,
he says, "The wheels are in motion. The transition is going fast, and there is no
going back. We need a system to keep students, mechanics and Canadians safe.
If there is a plan, people will feel calmer."
To be recognized by the Ministry of Education, St. Clair College needed safety
basics in place, but little information was available. They have been using guidelines
created by the Society of Automotive Engineers to fill the void.
While the guidelines have been a good starting point, Ellis supports the work that
WSPS is doing because he is passionate about developing a Canadian standard.
"I have a personal stake in this. It is very important. There used to be propaganda
against powerlines. When they were new, people believed they would fall and
electrocute them. Knowledge and awareness will help curtail fear, and if there
is a standard, it will help keep people safe and healthy."
