Page 40 - OHS, February/March 2025

E L E C T R I C A L S A F E T Y
3. Battery Storage and Handling: Lithium-ion batteries should
be stored in temperature-controlled environments and regularly
inspected for signs of damage such as loss of electrolyte.
4. Maintenance Protocols: Isolation and lockout/tagout proce-
dures must be applied to prevent accidental energization. HVDC
modifi cations, such as double-pole isolators, are recommended.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Workers must be trained in fi rst
aid and emergency response for electrical injuries and battery-re-
lated incidents, such as thermal runaway.
Evaluating Processes Training Outcomes
To ensure the eff ectiveness of safety protocols and training, organi-
zations must establish robust evaluation mechanisms.
1. Metrics for Training Eff ectiveness: Assess workers’ knowl-
edge through pre- and post-training evaluations. Monitor incident
rates to gauge training impact.
2. Safety Audits: Conduct regular inspections of HVDC
systems and safety measures. Audits should include checks for
compliance with ANSI/ASSP standards (i.e. ANSI/ASSP A10.10,
ANSI/ASSP Z15 or ANSI/ASSP B11) and ISO 45001 requirements.
3. Compliance Indicators: Evaluate adherence to lockout/tagout
procedures, PPE use, and proper handling of higher voltage batter-
ies. Non-compliance should trigger immediate corrective actions.
4. Innovative Training Tools: Simulations and VR tools can
enhance understanding of HVDC hazards by providing realistic,
hands-on learning experiences.
5. Worker Feedback: Encourage workers to share observations
and suggestions for improving safety practices. Feedback can identify
gaps in procedures and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Given the increasing prevalence of HVDC, it is crucial for indus-
try professionals to receive training so they understand and mitigate
shock and arc-fl ash hazards from increasing HFDC adoption. Imple-
menting safety measures becomes paramount even when not directly
handling high voltage lithium-ion batteries or working on HFDC sys-
tems, but also when these systems are being constructed, transported
or serviced. Additionally, workers and fi rst responders must be famil-
iar with emergency response actions when a battery thermal runaway,
fi re, arc-fl ashes or shocks which can be
caused by direct contact, accidents or
improper usage.
David Paoletta, MS, CSP, CUSP, CESCP,
is the Consulting Services HSE Manager
for BSI Professional Services (www.bsig-
roup.com/en-US/products-and-services/
consulting/). He has signifi cant experience
in safety program management, safety con-
sulting and training, as well as in EHS pro-
gram development, implementation, and
assurance.
REFERENCES
• tinyurl.com/bdz8cvec
• tinyurl.com/f833amu5
• tinyurl.com/esz4pmft
• tinyurl.com/w9mjd896
• tinyurl.com/2rx4jrc5
• tinyurl.com/vjn32uc4
• tinyurl.com/mr3mv2wj
• tinyurl.com/ace2v68x
• tinyurl.com/yckehz9x
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