WorkSafe is reminding employers of their obligations to provide appropriate training and supervision with the growing popularity of EVs bringing new challenges for mechanics and electricians.

The reminder comes after the new federal Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, which seeks to improve access to vehicle safety information, took effect on 1 July.

The scheme allows registered training organisations and trained motor vehicle repairers to access information about a vehicle’s high voltage, electric and hydrogen propulsion systems and connected components.

The scheme is supported by the new Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) and the ACCC.

EVs include battery EVs, hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which can be dangerous if not worked on safely.

WorkSafe executive director, health and safety Narelle Beer says Section 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to give workers appropriate information, instruction, training, or supervision to enable them to work safely: “With the popularity of electric vehicles increasing, demand for repair and maintenance work is also expected to rise – yet many mechanics may not have training or experience working with these systems.

“Electric vehicles contain large battery arrays that can be extremely dangerous if not worked on safely.

“Without a safe system of work, these batteries, and components wired into their circuits, can cause electrocution or burns, leading to serious injury or death.”

Units on maintenance of EVs are currently not a standard in many vehicle mechanics courses and many existing qualified vehicle mechanics may not have had any training specific to electric vehicle safety. EV safety skills can be obtained through further study and are a requirement for those seeking to participate in the scheme.