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Plugged into Safety: A primer on the hazards of working with battery electric vehicles | March 2024
HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS
IMPACTED
INDUSTRIES
LEGISLATION
Electrical Risk of damage to the battery if
welding connections are made
close to the battery.
Dealerships,
autobody, collision
OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d),
25(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer
responsibilities)
Unintended
Movement/
Starting
Potential for vehicle to start
unexpectedly if proximity key is
left in the vehicle or a potential
short circuit has occurred.
Dealerships,
autobody, collision,
recyclers, emergency
response/towing
OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d),
(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer
responsibilities), 26(1)(k)
(written instructions)
Reg. 851 s. 57
(immobilized vehicle),
76 (blocking)
Identification of
Hybrid/BEV
Some Hybrid/BEVs may not
be identified as having a high-
voltage system, resulting in
unexpected contact with high-
voltage system.
Dealerships,
autobody, collision,
recyclers, emergency
response/towing
OHSA s. 25(2)(a)(d)(h)
(employer responsibilities)
Vehicle
Modifications
Deliberate or inadvertent
changes to battery
management system, or battery,
can cause unexpected changes
to the battery operation
including design, operation
and safety.
Dealerships,
autobody, collision,
recyclers, emergency
response/towing
OHSA s. 25(2)(a)(d)(h)
(employer responsibilities)
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
HAZARD HAZARD DETAILS
IMPACTED
INDUSTRIES
LEGISLATION
Chemical
Exposure
Lithium-ion batteries contain
electrolytes that can be made
up of various chemicals. Risk
of exposure is minimal when
the battery is in good repair
or intact. When the battery is
damaged, potential exposure
to the electrolytes can occur.
Exposure to these chemicals
can be associated with toxicity
or corrosiveness. Accidental
exposure can lead to chemical
burns as well as respiratory
issues.
Manufacturing,
autobody/collision
after damage,
recyclers
OHSA s. 25(1)(a)(b)(c)(d),
(2)(a)(d)(h) (employer
responsibilities)
Reg. 851 s. 79
(PPE training),
81 (eye protection),
84 (skin protection),
124 (eye washes/shower),
130 (Chemical
exposure training),
126 (safe removal
of material),
127 (ventilation)
Reg. 833
Reg. 860
