BRIAN DUPLESSIS, BS, CSP, REM LOSS PREVENTION COORDINATOR The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) produces fire and life safety standards covering a wide array of risk exposure, including electrical safety. NFPA 70E sets safety requirements for any worker exposed to 50 volts or more. Workers exposed to 50 or more volts must be trained to be “Qualified Electrical Workers” according to the Standard. Qualified workers demonstrate the ability to test systems and prevent arc flash along with other competencies, including implementing OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout Standard (1910.147). NFPA 70E also sets requirements for Personal Protective Equipment while working on electrical equipment and removing someone safely from an electric current. Current battery systems for electric cars typically have operating voltages of 200-600 volts, and output current can reach 500A. Battery capacity directly affects the driving mileage of EVs and also impacts charging efficiency and charging time, so we can expect these numbers to climb. Resources for compliance are built into the EV training service technicians receive from the manufacturer, aside from possibly some program development and/or recordkeeping. NHADA Loss Prevention will be able to assist in these deficient areas. EV Service Training Requires Compliance with Additional Federal Safety Standards Independents May Face a Tougher Challenge to Comply CURRENT BATTERY SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRIC CARS TYPICALLY HAVE OPERATING VOLTAGES OF 200-600 VOLTS, AND OUTPUT CURRENT CAN REACH 500A. BATTERY CAPACITY DIRECTLY AFFECTS THE DRIVING MILEAGE OF EVS AND ALSO IMPACTS CHARGING EFFICIENCY AND CHARGING TIME, SO WE CAN EXPECT THESE NUMBERS TO CLIMB. D R I V E 17
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