The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) announced the creation of “Electric Vehicle Technician/Shop Personnel Electrical Safety Standards.” ASE says the purpose of the standards is to provide guidance, document, and establish electrical safety requirements, standards, procedures and safe work practices relating to the development of an electrically safe working area for service professionals in North America working on or around electrified vehicles (EVs).

ASE says the intent of these standards is to minimize exposure to these hazards and their associated impacts, and these standards were developed in conjunction with vehicle manufacturers, aftermarket personnel and other electric industry subject matter experts.

In addition to the EV standards, ASE has developed a new testing and certification program for all EV vehicles including light-duty and medium-/heavy-duty hybrid/electric vehicles (EV) based on the standards. This industry-developed program provides two options to certify shop owners and their employees based on their involvement with EVs. The certification tests are in pilot testing now and plans are to launch them shortly, according to ASE.

The two tests that will be available are:

xEV Electrical Safety Awareness Certification (Level One) – This certification is designed for anyone who may encounter an EV in the workplace. This includes identifying individuals who perform tasks in the proximity of electric-powered vehicles in sales, service, repair and/or related environments. Level One individuals require high-voltage electrical safety awareness to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risks when working on or near electric vehicles (xEVs) and/or near high-voltage components of electric-powered vehicles.

xEV Technician Electrical Safety Certification (Level Two) – This certification is for service professionals, technicians or specialists who have received high-voltage electrical training; have demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction, operation and repair of electrically powered high-voltage vehicles; maintain an electrically safe working area and use required personal protective equipment (PPE). They have also received safety training to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risks.