Personal protection equipment is needed to safely service hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles can generate up to 600 volts of alternating current, which can be dangerous. Proper protection includes approved rubber and leather gloves, safety glasses, a digital voltmeter, danger signs, and emergency cones. It is important to follow manufacturer safety requirements and ensure equipment is approved and in good condition. When working, one should be protected by rubber gloves under leather gloves that extend beyond the wrists, safety glasses, and only use equipment once it has been inspected within the last six months.
Hybrid vehicle safety personal protection equipment by alan crouch
1. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) This is a short video by Alan Crouch about what personal protection equipment is needed to service hybrid vehicles properly.
2. How can you be safe around such high voltage? Hybrid vehicles can generate up to 600 AC volts.
3. Hybrid vehicles can be dangerous unless you are properly protected. Not using approved equipment or equipment needing repair can be dangerous.
4. To be safe, you need to follow the manufacturer safety requirements and have the proper equipment. That equipment should consist of approved rubber and leather gloves, safety glasses , the proper digital volt/ohm meter, danger signs to warn others and emergency cones placed around the vehicle.
5. This vehicle is ready to be worked on. It has the emergency cones in place and a sign notifying others to be careful. Remember that the ignition key should be properly stored at least 15 feet away from the vehicle. Now its time to get yourself protected.
6. Hybrid vehicles use a regular 12 volt battery system. They also use a “high voltage” system . The high voltage wires have an orange color outer coating to identify them. Always be protected when working around the orange cables.
7. With safety glasses in place, check the rubber gloves date of inspection and do not use them if it is over 6 months old. Test the rubber gloves for air leaks and check the leather gloves for excessive wear. Put the rubber gloves on first and then the protective leather gloves. They must be inspected every 6 months.
8. Notice how the rubber gloves must extend at least ½” beyond the end of the leather gloves for proper fit.
9. Now you are ready to begin working on your hybrid vehicle. Take your time and be careful to work safely. High voltage can be deadly!
10. Don’t let carelessness cause this to happen to you. Protect yourself when working around high voltage!