In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the category spans various vehicles like passenger cars, motorbikes, recreational vehicles, buses, and heavy vehicles (electric trucks) designed for public road use or industrial purposes like mining. It's worth noting that the information provided excludes electric trains, light rail, boats, or planes.
The landscape of EVs and renewable energy technology is in constant evolution, with ongoing improvements. As technology advances, the associated risks and hazards may undergo changes as well. It becomes crucial to assess whether any new or existing technology alters the risk profile of hazards, necessitating additional measures to mitigate risks, such as updated procedures, training, or educational initiatives.
Specific risks arise when working with EVs, as they introduce distinctive safety hazards, notably due to their higher operating voltages compared to other battery-powered industrial equipment like golf carts, forklifts, sweepers, and elevating work platforms. This distinction is especially pronounced in electric heavy vehicles such as freight trucks, buses, and mining vehicles, which may operate at higher voltages than electric cars or motorcycles.
Engaging in work on EVs exposes both workers and the community to the potential of severe injury or fatality. Risks include fire, explosion, toxic gas exposure, electric shocks, arc flashes, or contact with battery electrolytes. Vigilance and adherence to safety protocols are paramount when dealing with the distinctive challenges presented by EVs.
The following outlines the risks and potential impacts:
| Risk | Potential impact |
|---|---|
| Fire | Faults in electrical parts or short circuits occurring from damaged parts or unsafe work practices (especially related to battery circuitry of EVs) can cause fires and subsequent release of toxic gases, contaminants or explosion of battery cells which can cause injury or illness. |
| Explosion | When a battery is damaged or heats up uncontrollably, this may lead to thermal runaway resulting in an uncontrolled explosion. |
| Toxic gases | When a battery heats up uncontrollably and leads to an explosion (or violent deflagration) there is risk of toxic gases being released. These toxic gases are also highly flammable. |
| Electric shocks | Workers and others may receive an electric shock if they come into contact with components of the electrical system. Work on other parts of the vehicle (not involving the electrical system) may also involve the risk of shock if the isolation between the electrical system and the vehicle chassis has been compromised. |
| Arc flashes | Arc flashes may cause burns directly to the worker or through ignition of other materials. |
| Exposure to battery electrolytes | Battery electrolytes in liquid form are highly flammable and can lead to fire risks that can cause injury or illness. |
Safety requirements for work on EVs
Work on EVs must be performed in a way that achieves safe outcomes for everyone – the worker, the business, the end user and the wider community.
All persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must meet the duties required under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (ES Act) and theWork Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). This includes PCBUs that work on EVs.
Section 30 of the ES Act requires PCBUs to ensure the business or undertaking is conducted in a way that is electrically safe. This includes ensuring:
- all electrical equipment used in the conduct of the business or undertaking is electrically safe
- if the business or undertaking includes work which involves contact with, or being near exposed parts, the person performing the work is electrically safe.
Section 19 of the WHS Act outlines the primary duty of care for a PCBU. This requires a PCBU to ensure the health and safety of workers. This includes ensuring that the health and safety of other persons is not put at risk from the work being carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking, so far as is reasonably practicable.
The WHS Act also requires a PCBU to provide and maintain a safe system of work and any information, training, instruction or supervision that is necessary to protect all persons from risks to their health and safety arising from work be completed as part of the business or undertaking, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Work on electrical parts of EVs must be performed by suitably qualified persons who are trained and competent in identifying and addressing:
- any relevant electrical safety risk (which could be informed by suitable industry work practices or procedures)
- any electrical and workplace risks associated with the task to be undertaken
- the relevant manufacturer’s requirements relating to the electrical parts and work activity.