Browse through our library of WSPS policies, annual reports, strategic plans and more.
Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1518118
13 Plugged into Safety: A primer on the hazards of working with battery electric vehicles | March 2024 Electric Vehicle (EV) – Safety Hazards Associated with Working On or Around the Battery Ontario is attracting over $16 billion in investments by global automakers and suppliers of EV batteries and battery materials to position the province as a global leader on the EV supply chain. It is anticipated that, over time, more than 100,000 workers in the Province of Ontario will be upskilled to work in this emerging sector. The health and safety hazards of working on or around EV batteries and the applicable legislation and standards are not well understood by employers in Ontario. WSPS is working with industry partners to help close this knowledge gap. Below is a list of hazards associated with handling, working on, storing and repairing EV batteries. The battery build process itself is outside the scope of this project. MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER HAZARDS HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS IMPACTED INDUSTRIES LEGISLATION High Force Depending on vehicle size and class, lithium-ion batteries can weigh between 300-600 kg. Manufacturing, repair shops lifting/ lowering from vehicle OHSA s. 25(1)(c), (2)(a)(d)(h) (employer responsibilities) Reg. 851 s. 45(a) (material handling), 51 (lifting devices) Force/Awkward Posture Working on and around an EV battery during repair can be associated with high forces and awkward postures depending on the task being completed. Manufacturing, autobody/collision after damage, recyclers OHSA s. 25(1)(c), (2)(a)(d)(h) (employer responsibilities) Reg. 851 s. 45(a) (material handling) SAFETY HAZARDS HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS IMPACTED INDUSTRIES LEGISLATION Crush Hazard Potential for battery to crush worker(s) while lifting/lowering battery or moving around workplace. Dealerships, autobody, collision, recyclers OHSA s. 25(1)(c), (2)(a)(d)(h) (employer responsibilities) Electrocution- Low Voltage System EV has low and high-voltage systems. Some examples of how electrocution can occur include direct contact with battery terminals (two points), contact with damaged or exposed parts of the battery system, touching components before energy has been dissipated (can retain charge after vehicle is turned off), bridging of circuits with tools touching cables or connectors. Dealerships, autobody, collision, recyclers, emergency response/towing OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d), 25(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer responsibilities) Reg. 851 s. 42 (LOTO), 42.1 (live work), 43 (electrical tools), 79 (PPE training), 81 (eye protection), 84 (skin protection) CSA Z460.20