.jpg)
The ever-increasing trend towards electric and hybrid vehicles is demanding the motor trade to revolutionise how they clothe their staff to ensure they meet new safety guidance.
The automotive sector is rapidly changing, and “traditional car mechanics” are almost a thing of the past. The modern term for a mechanic, is a “Technician”, and with the rapid migration away from the combustion engine, many technicians have already been re-trained in order to maintain electric powered vehicles. However, the typical electric vehicle, (‘EV’) contains a deadly level of electrical charge. Therefore, the automotive sector is having to protect their technicians by re-clothing their teams in new PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) so they can carry out their work safely.
Workwear manufacturers have developed many new ranges of head-to-toe protection - meeting the rising demand to protect workers exposed to the high voltages now involved in vehicle maintenance.
For example; Technician’s eyes need to be protected from potential ‘flash-over’ which can be caused if an electrical spark is produced. This means that face shields now need to be worn when dealing with an EV.
Most EV manufacturers also recommend that insulated rubber gloves should be worn when working near all high-voltage components, not just the vehicle batteries. Standard Latex gloves are not thick enough and do not provide sufficient protection from the shock hazard. It is also recommended that cotton under-gloves should be worn underneath electrical safety to give complete protection.
Next, insulating rubber aprons should be worn to protect technicians working with live voltages up to 1 kilovolt. Finally, special ‘dielectric over-boots’ also have to be worn over existing footwear. These provide additional protection of insulation, preventing electric shocks should a vehicle technician encounter contact with a live electric source. Manufacturers have also designed specific non-metallic work boots and shoes to protect workers from electrical discharges up 18 kilo volts.
Clearly, the increase in electric vehicles has impacted the new car manufacturers and regional dealerships the most to date. However, the first generation of electric and hybrid vehicles are now reaching the used car market, and many independent garages and repair centres will need to ensure that they upgrade their team’s PPE in the very near future.
Workwear Pro Direct have been helping a number of regional automotive dealers to specify and source the correct PPE for use with electric vehicles and are happy to provide free advice to those who need assistance.
0800 0239 290
