Workshop safety with hybrid and electric vehicles
good morning
Today we publish this blog to remind you that safety is fundamental in working and private life.
Here are a few things NOT to forget, in particular, please read the following about the concept of TENSION and AMPERAGE .
Dangers from electric current
The electric or hybrid vehicle is not a common vehicle and can cause accidents if the necessary precautions are not taken.
Contrary to a very widespread idea, the risk of electrocution is not directly linked to the voltage (voltage), but depends above all on the intensity of the current (amperage) and the duration of its passage through the body.Here is a very simple table to read carefully
| Current intensity | Phenomenon caused | Consequences |
| 10 mA | Repulsion | Uncontrolled reactions (fall) |
| Between 10 and 25 mA | Muscle contractions | Uncontrolled picking up of parts (beginning of tetanisation, beginning of burn) |
| From 25 mA | Contraction of the muscles of the rib cage (if the current passes through the upper body) | Asphyxiation in the event of non-intervention (artificial respiration) |
| Over 30 mA | Cardiac fibrillation | Fatal effects, unless immediate specialised medical intervention is required |
Several factors determine the amount of current that can flow through the human body :
- Voltage (voltage)
- The perforation voltage (through the skin)
- Contact pressure
- Transpiration
- The humidity of the environment
Certain safety rules must be observed when setting up a workplace for electric or hybrid vehicles in the workshop:
- Workstation delimited by a safety cordon, fixed on standardised posts
- A sign indicating that only personnel authorised to work on electric vehicles are permitted to enter the work area
- An electric or hybrid vehicle must be easily identifiable: the prescribed sign must be placed on the bonnet or rear-view mirror
- For normal recharging of the traction battery: Use a socket to which no other current-absorbing devices are connected, of the 230 V - 10 A to 16 A type (depending on the country), equipped with an earth socket and protected by a 16 to 20 A thermal-magnetic circuit breaker with 30 mA differential lock (one protection per socket)
The following elements must be placed near the workstation marked with the 'Electric or Hybrid Vehicle' logo :
- A specific fire extinguisher according to the battery(ies) equipping the vehicle
- A water outlet to rinse thoroughly in case of contact with the electrolyte
| Provisions to be respected | |
|---|---|
| Obligation / Prohibition | Settings |
| Obligation | When carrying out voltage measurements or de-energizing, wear a helmet with a visor and heat and current protective gloves |
| Before any intervention : Carry out a check on personal protective equipment | |
| Check protective gloves for tears (inflate gloves) | |
| Check that the protective helmet visor is not scratched or cracked | |
| Interdiction | It is forbidden to wear metallic or electrically conductive materials, such as rings, watches, belt buckles, etc., during interventions. |
Warm greetings and good reading
Antonio
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