In Hybrid Technology Training? Safety Precautions to Go By

If you’re an aspiring mechanic who wants to work on hybrid and electric vehicles, then it’s important to know some safety procedures that will help you service those vehicles safely and efficiently while also preventing you from harming yourself in the process. Hybrids and electric vehicles come with a lot of high voltage that can be dangerous if not handled properly. 

At ATC Surrey, you’ll get hands-on training on how to service hybrids, which will help you learn about safety issues, general maintenance, and much more. Read on to learn about some essential safety precautions that are important to keep in mind!

Recognizing a Hybrid Vehicle After Your Hybrid and Technology Training

For an aspiring auto mechanic who’s just about to start working in the field, it’s important that you’re able to distinguish between a hybrid and a regular vehicle. Sometimes it can be confusing, and if not cautious, you’ll end up starting your service work on the wrong foot, which can be hazardous due to the high voltage a hybrid vehicle contains. So, it’s really important to know how to recognize a hybrid vehicle when you see one during and after your hybrid technology training. Car manufacturers have made it easier for you to distinguish between a hybrid and a regular car by using different colour-coded high voltage cables. The colour coding is intended to warn a driver or an auto mechanic of the potential danger that comes with a high voltage. 

Don’t Forget Your Protective Gear

Wearing the right protective gear is vital in your line of work regardless of whether you’re working on a hybrid and electric vehicle or a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. But, for hybrid and electric vehicles, you’ll have to ensure that you wear specific types of gloves that offer protection against high voltage current. It’s recommended that you always wear heavy-duty gloves specifically designed for work on hybrid and electric vehicles. You’ll have to always ensure that your gloves don’t have any tears or cracks, as this can cause your skin to come in contact with a high voltage electrical charge. Also, wear protective glasses and other important safety gear at all times when servicing a hybrid and electric vehicle. 

It’s Crucial that You Disconnect the Battery

Disconnecting the battery is one of the most important safety precautions you’ll have to take as a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic before servicing hybrid vehicles and EVs. You’ll have to check with the owner’s manual and check for a manual service disconnect (MSD) isolator switch. Before any work is carried out on the hybrid vehicle, you’ll need to remove the MSD and store it in a secure location for re-use later. 

The removal of the MSD switch isolates the high voltage battery from the entire vehicle’s electrical system. Don’t start your service work right away. Wait a few minutes to ensure that the high voltage has been removed. To ensure that there’s no voltage after waiting a few minutes, use a voltage absence tester.

Are you interested in a hybrid and electrical mechanic course?

Contact ATC Surrey for more information!