Browse through our library of WSPS policies, annual reports, strategic plans and more.
Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1518118
14 Plugged into Safety: A primer on the hazards of working with battery electric vehicles | March 2024 HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS IMPACTED INDUSTRIES LEGISLATION Electrocution- High Voltage EV has low and high-voltage systems. The high-voltage system can exceed 800 Volts. In some cases, work must be completed on the high-voltage system. When disconnecting the high-voltage system there is also a risk of electrocution in an EV. Dealerships, autobody, collision, recyclers, emergency response/towing OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d), (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 Arc Flash Arc flash may occur when working on or near the high- voltage electrical system and there is a short circuit, when the battery is being serviced and connections are made or broken under load, a fault or damage to components can also be a source. Dealerships, autobody, collision, recyclers, emergency response/towing OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d), (2)(a)(d)(h) (employer responsibilities) Reg. 851 s. 42 (LOTO), 43 (electrical tools), 79 (PPE training), 81 (eye protection), 84 (skin protection) Thermal Runaway-Fire Explosion This is a self-sustaining reaction in which the cell heats up rapidly and can ignite or explode. An electric short causes current to pass through the positive and negative end of the battery causing the battery to heat up and damage the internal components. Once the internal components are damaged, the reaction will increase and potentially spread to other cells. Battery storage, all stages of EV battery life, extra risk after damage OHSA s. 25(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer responsibilities), 42 (Training on physical agents) Reg. 851 s. 130 (Physical Agents) Reg. 213/07: Fire Code Electrical Electrical short to chassis – It is possible for an EV to develop a short to the chassis, either due to a manufacturing defect or damage. This could result in the body of the vehicle being energized and causing the potential for electrocution. There would be no visual indication of this hazard. Manufacturing defect, or after collision 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) CSA Z460.20 Electrical Contact with/damaged high- voltage cables or battery while moving an EV with a forklift or other mechanical material handling device. Recyclers, towing OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d) (2)(a)(d)(h) (employer responsibilities) Reg. 851 s. 43 (electrical tools), 45 (material handling), 51 (lifting device), 53 (traveling crane), 54 (mobile equipment) Reg. 851 s. 42 (LOTO),