e-Mobility

New mobility concepts,
new challenges!

The challenge: New drive systems require different handling with and working on vehicles. In addition, the different types of vehicles carry different potential hazards.
 
Basically, there is little danger from operating electrical systems. However, since it is not possible to predict how or whether the system is correctly operating or if it might be damaged, the basic protection of the employee is of primary importance. It is also essential to be equipped for all purposes.

Car usually high-voltage intrinsically safe

Commercial vehicle usually high-voltage intrinsically safe

What does high-voltage intrinsically safe mean?

HV intrinsically safe means that technical measures taken on the vehicle ensure complete protection against contact and arcing with the HV system.
This is achieved in particular by:

Vehicles with high-voltage systems are generally intrinsically safe, meaning that in the event of a breakdown the passengers can assume that there is no danger from the vehicle's electrical components. Accordingly, the breakdown service is usually without risk potential. However, this only applies as long as the fault can be rectified without interfering with the high-voltage systems and there is no damage caused by an accident. Furthermore, there is an increased risk if the vehicle is salvaged from snow and water. An electric shock or arc is a potential hazard, and most vehicles are equipped with appropriate safety devices to protect against this. However, not all vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, are fully protected against this.

Follow the instructions in the
safety rules of electrical engineering!

- unlock
- secure against restarting
- determine absence of voltage
- grounding and short circuiting
- cover or isolate adjacent live parts

The first three safety rules must always be applied. Whether the fourth and fifth
safety rule needs to be applied must be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) can reduce or eliminate the effects of hazards on people. The following articles of personal protective equipment are to be understood as a selection. We offer articles for different risk categories. An appropriate selection should be made with a PPE specialist in relation to the intended use. In principle, however, it can be said that complete protection from head to toe is highly recommended.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Face and eye protection

Clothing

Gloves

The use of suitable tools, markings, safety devices when handling electric/hybrid vehicles and corresponding high-voltage systems can significantly increase safety.

Marking and securing the vehicle

Tools

Isolation of the work area

Insulation material

Insulated rescue pole for rescuing people from the danger zone in case of electrical accidents. For indoor and outdoor use, but not in the event of rainfall. The insulated rescue pole is made of glass fibre/polyester resin and has a safety disc to prevent slipping. The permanently mounted rescue hook is suitable for rescuing persons of up to 150 kg.

The increased use of lithium-ion batteries due to electromobility requires a good protection concept to safeguard the batteries. Fire blankets serve to prevent the release of flames and support the extinguishing work by isolating the fires. In addition, flames are prevented from spreading to the surrounding area.

The HV safety cabinet was developed especially for vehicle workshops where an increased volume of damaged electric vehicles, dismantled high-voltage batteries and battery-powered tools is to be expected. The HV safety cabinet contains a fire protection cover made of special high-temperature fabric with a special coating on both sides.