Approaching a Damaged High Voltage Vehicle
ALWAYS ASSUME THE VEHICLE IS POWERED UP
Rules apply when approaching any potential high voltage situation. Always follow your high voltage safety training. Some pre-cautions to take in any high voltage situation include:
- Remove all jewelry, watches, necklaces, earrings, etc. Metal objects are conductors of electricity.
- Wear the necessary protective clothing (high voltage rubber gloves, face shield, insulated boots, protective raincoat or apron)
- Bring the following equipment:
- Class ABC type fire extinguisher
- A non-conductive object - about 5 feet long (1.5 meters) - used to safely push someone away from the vehicle if they accidentally become in contact with high voltage.
APPROACHING A DAMAGED VEHICLE
- Disable the high voltage electrical system using as many of the following steps as possible.
- Secure the vehicle - Put the shift lever into Park. Remove the ignition key. Block the wheels if necessary. Removing the ignition key or turning it to the off position will disconnect the high voltage system.
- Disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt battery this will also disconnect the high voltage.
- If possible - remove the High Voltage Service Disconnect Switch by turning it counter clockwise and lifting out. (See section on Hybrid components for location). The High Voltage Service Disconnect Switch should be re-inserted into the service or shipping position.
WARNING Removing the High Voltage Service Disconnect Switch disconnects high voltage from the vehicle. The individual cells inside the battery pack will still be charged. Do not cut into the high voltage battery case or penetrate the batteries in any way.
WARNING:
- The nominal high voltage traction battery (HVTB) voltage is 330 volts DC. The buffer zone must be set up and high voltage insulated safety gloves and a face shield must be worn. Failure to follow these instructions may result in severe personal injury or death.
- The high voltage traction battery and charging system contains high voltage components and wiring. High voltage cables and wiring are orange in color. High voltage insulated safety gloves and a face shield must be worn when carrying out any diagnostics on this vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions may result in severe personal injury or death.
- Before carrying out any removal and installation procedures of the high voltage traction battery system, the high voltage traction battery must be depowered. Failure to follow these instructions may result in severe personal injury or death.
- The high voltage insulated safety gloves that are to be worn while working on the high voltage system should be of the appropriate safety and protection rating for use on the high voltage system. They must be inspected before use and must always be worn in conjunction with the leather outer glove. Any hole in the rubber insulating glove is a potential entry point for high voltage. Failure to follow these instructions may result in severe personal injury or death.
- High voltage insulated safety gloves and a face shield must be worn when working with high voltage cables. The ignition switch must be OFF for a minimum of 5 minutes before removing high voltage cables. Failure to follow these instructions may result in severe personal injury or death.
- The buffer zone is required only when working with the high voltage system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in severe personal injury or death.