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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
Flammable Damaged or defective batteries
can pose a fire hazard during
handling/transportation or
storage. Additionally, individual
cells/modules may be packaged
in combustible materials such
as cardboard, that allow for
damage during transportation,
and make it difficult to identify
damage.
All stages, elevated
risk after damage,
recyclers
OHSA s. 25(2)(a)(d)(h)
(employer responsibilities)
Reg. 851 s. 123
(Fire extinguishers)
Reg. 213/07: Fire Code
Reg. 860
Flammable
Chemicals
Fire hazard if flammable
chemicals contact electricity
or arc, including gloves
contaminated with oils.
Dealerships,
autobody, collision,
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/
showers),
130 (Chemical exposure)
Reg. 213 (Fire Code)
Reg. 860 (WHMIS)
Reg. 833 (Bio/Chemical
Agents)
Chemical
Exposure-
Hydrofluoric
Acid (HF)
When a lithium-ion battery
is damaged, overcharged,
or exposed to elevated
temperatures, the chemicals
inside can break down into
other hazardous compounds.
The LiPF6 within the battery
can produce hydrofluoric acid
(HF) if it is exposed to high
heat. The addition of water may
decrease the temperature at
which this reaction occurs. HF
is a highly corrosive and toxic
substance that can cause severe
burns upon contact and can be
lethal if inhaled.
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)
Reg. 860 (WHMIS)
Reg. 833(Bio/Chemical
Agents)
