Risk management for PPE clothing in the EV and battery industries

For employees within the electric vehicle (EV) and battery industries, there are a range of unique risk factors present. In this blog, we outline how effective risk management is key to selecting the right PPE clothing for professionals working in these industries, and ensuring the highest levels of safety and performance. 

What are the risks for workers in the EV and battery industries?

The EV and battery industries require workers to come into contact with a range of sensitive materials. Despite high automation and collective protection measures, workers are still at risk of critical hazards when working with these materials during the battery production process.

 The hazards that workers may face include: 

• Electrical hazards: arc flash and short circuits are a risk during cell assembly and testing.
• Chemical hazards: including electrolyte leaks and toxic gases.
• Fire and thermal hazards: which can be caused by thermal runaway events.
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD): without proper dissipative garments, workers risk damaging sensitive battery cells.

Furthermore, as workers may often be working in confined assembly or maintenance spaces, they can be at a risk of a combination of the aforementioned risks at the one time.

What are the key PPE clothing features to address these risks?

In order to address the risks outlined above, it is essential that the selected PPE safety wear contains the following features:

• Arc-rated and flame-resistant.
• Resistant to chemical splashes or contamination: to eliminate the chance of harmful chemicals coming into contact with the skin and causing permanent damage.
• Anti-static and ESD-safe properties.
• Breathability and comfort for mobility and long wear: to ensure workers remain comfortable during the extended periods of time they will be wearing the garments, thereby boosting compliance levels.
• Able to withstand industrial laundering: so that the protective properties of the garments do not become compromised. 

What steps can be taken to apply risk management to PPE clothing choices for these industries?

To apply effective risk management when making PPE clothing choices for workers within the EV and battery industries, end users should consider taking the following steps:

• Perform a hazard-specific task analysis: matching the numerous risks present within these workplaces to a standard (e.g. EN 1149, EN 13034, IEC 61482-2) to ensure the selected PPE is covering all possible ground when it comes to protection.
• Select protective fabrics that combine multiple certifications: since the EV and battery industries are inherently multi-risk workplaces, it is therefore essential that the selected PPE clothing has multi-risk protection built in.
• Involve workers in field testing: comfort and compliance are directly linked, so getting workers actively involved in the selection process helps yield positive results.
• Plan for PPE clothing maintenance, inspection and replacement cycles: to ensure the selected PPE continues to function at its highest standard, and is replaced when necessary.
• Conduct a Proclaud^® protective clothing audit: to see what your options are when it comes to PPE clothing choices tailored specifically to your workplace’s needs and budget.

Want to take the stress out of selecting the right PPE clothing solution?

Why not get in touch with us to discuss a Proclaud^® protective clothing audit for your workplace. Our specialists will be happy to talk you through what the process entails and how it can benefit you and your employees.