Why its important to implement
Heavy damage assessment requires battery discharge following manufacturer guidelines to prevent shock/death from exposed systems.
Manufacturer Guidelines Compliance
Due to the high voltage that electric and hybrid vehicles carry it is important to check with manufacturer guidelines on handling live batteries and discharging processes, either way it is advised to use extreme caution when the VDA assesses the damage and to discharge the battery in case there are exposed wires or damage to the battery that could cause shock or death.
Business Impact
Safety risks include serious injury or death. Missing electrical damage causes approval issues and repair delays or rejection.
Safety
Missed damage could result in serious injury or death.
Profit
Missing critical electrical damage may cause issues with approval and may cause the repair to be delayed or rejected.
action steps
Train VDAs on high voltage safety, enforce policy with warnings, ensure trained staff member can discharge systems.
Certified Discharge Technician
Every body shop should have a trained staff member, that can carry out the discharge and disconnection of the system prior to work or estimating commencing.
High Voltage Policy Enforcement
Strong internal warnings if policy not followed once established.
High Voltage Vehicle Training
Implement training and process regarding working safely with electric and hybrid vehicles for all VDA's.
Related tasks
Milestone:
16: Implement Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Safety Protocols