November/December Issue 64 - Flipbook - Page 18
NEWS
HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE GUIDAN
With the growth in environmental
awareness, the use of electric
and hybrid vehicles (E&HVs) is
increasing.
The
recovery,
repair,
and
maintenance of these vehicles
outside the manufacturers and
franchised dealership networks is
increasing. The Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) have developed
a webpage
aimed at people
working with these vehicles in the
motor vehicle repair and roadside
recovery industries and also the
emergency services.
[These vehicles are also referred
to as a Battery Electric Vehicle
(BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Vehicles (PHEV).]
BACKGROUND
People in the motor vehicle repair
and recovery industry are now
more likely to come across E&HVs
and as a result need to be aware
of the additional hazards they may
be exposed to when working with
these vehicles.
They may also need to develop
a wider range of skills and
knowledge and have access to
specialist tools and equipment in
order to be able to work safely.
Voltages present in E&HVs are
significantly higher (currently up
to 650 Volts direct current (dc))
than those used in other vehicles
(12/24 Volts dc). In dry conditions,
accidental contact with parts that
are live at voltages above 110
Volts dc can be fatal.
For E&HVs dc voltages between
60 and 1500 Volts are referred to
as ‘high voltage’. This terminology
18
is used in this guidance although
high voltage is defined differently
in other industry sectors.
Battery systems may contain
chemicals that can be harmful
if released. They also store
significant amounts of energy
that can give rise to explosion
if not dealt with correctly. There
are substantial differences in the
designs of E&HVs from different
manufacturers.
Having information specific to
the manufacturer and the vehicle
being worked on is important
in identifying what actions are
necessary to work safely.
TYPES OF VEHICLE
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Electric vehicles use a large
capacity battery and electric
motor(s) to drive the vehicle.
The battery needs to be charged
from the electricity supply network
when the vehicle is not in use
although some energy may be
recovered during braking.
HYBRID VEHICLES
Hybrid vehicles typically have two
sources of energy, an internal
combustion engine using either
diesel or petrol for fuel and a
battery. Hybrid vehicles will
use the two sources of power
automatically and may use both
simultaneously.
The internal combustion engine
and energy recovered from the
vehicle braking systems are used
to charge the battery.
