Ford Ranger EV. Electric Manual - part 29

LESSON 3: SAFETY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION

3-7

Hazard Two: Arcing

An arc is a discharge of electricity across a circuit gap. The primary

danger of this hazard is the burn that a person can receive. The heat at

each end of an arc reaches up to and beyond 19,427°C (35,000°F), or

about 4 times the surface temperature of the sun. Arcing is a

significant concern in power plants and other areas of extremely high

voltage because arc size and length are proportionate to voltage.

Arcing is a potential hazard with lower voltages as well. It can result

in insulation damage, the melting of conductors, and vaporization of

metal.

Hazard Three: Blast

Electric blast is the pressure expansion caused by an arc. The

expansion is actually the rapid heating of the surrounding air and the

boiling of a metal, usually copper. Both expand at incredible

proportions under the intense heat of an arc. Copper expands by a

factor of 67,000 when vaporized.

LESSON 3: SAFETY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION

3-8

ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS

Electrical accidents can usually be attributed to one or more of the

following causes:

•

Unsafe Equipment or Installation – Serious problems can occur

when using improper equipment. Not only must equipment have a

safe design, but also it must be installed correctly.

•

Unsafe Work Areas – Poor lighting, moisture, flammable liquids,

flammable gases, poor labeling and covered labels are all items of

concern around high voltage.

•

Unsafe Acts by Workers – Failure to follow established procedures

can result in an electrical accident.

Personal injury from electricity can vary from trivial burns to

complete charring of the skin. Approximately 4,000 people in the

United States are injured by electricity each year and about 1,000 are

accidentally electrocuted. Five percent of admissions to burn centers

are related to electrical injury.

Whether an electric shock will cause injury or death is determined by

the amount, duration, and pathway of the current. A relatively large

amount of electrical energy may be harmless due to its inability to

penetrate dry, callused skin. A shock victim can be thrown back or

become paralyzed and remain in contact with the circuit. In either

case, extreme care should be taken when treating a person affected by

electricity. Symptoms of electric shock are loss of consciousness and

skin burns.

LESSON 3: SAFETY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION

3-9

ACCIDENT PREVENTION

The Electric Ranger operates on a system that is isolated from the

earth ground and its high voltage system is isolated from the vehicle

chassis ground. A person must join the positive and the negative to

become part of the high voltage circuit. As with any high voltage

system, assume nothing when working around an EV.

Safe practices will protect you and those around you. In fact, most

EV guidelines are the same as those used in home electrical repairs.

Keep in mind the following safety rules and share them with others:

1. Do not work when you are tired or taking medicine that makes

you drowsy.

2. Do not work under poor light.

3. Do not work in damp areas.

4. Use approved tools, equipment, and protective devices.

5. Do not work if you or your clothes are wet.

6. Remove all rings, bracelets, and metallic items.

7. Never assume that a circuit is open. Check it with a device or

piece of equipment that you are sure is operating properly.

8. Do not tamper with safety devices. Never defeat an interlock

switch. Verify that all interlocks operate properly.

9. Keep your tools and equipment in good condition. Use the

correct tool for the job.

10. Verify that capacitors have discharged.

11. Do not remove equipment grounds. Verify that all grounds

are intact.

12. Do not use adapters that defeat ground connections.

13. Use only an approved fire extinguisher. Water can conduct

electrical current and increase the hazards and damage.

Carbon dioxide (CO

2

) gas extinguishers are preferred for most

electrical fires.

14. Follow directions when using solvents and other chemicals.

Some may explode, ignite, or damage electrical circuits.

15. Certain electronic components affect the safe performance of

equipment. Always use the correct replacement parts.

LESSON 3: SAFETY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION

3-10

16. Do not attempt to work on complex equipment or circuits before

you’re fully trained. There may be hidden dangers.

17. Some of the best safety information for electrical and electric

equipment is in the literature prepared by the manufacturer.

Find and use it.

18. Always wear protective eyewear.

19. Never touch a shock victim with your bare hands if you suspect

that the person is still part of the electric circuit. First deactivate

the electricity at its source. If that is not possible, move the

victim away from the electrical source with a nonconductive

object (a wooden reach pole, a dry board, etc.).

20. Always wear the specified protective clothing and use insulated

voltage-rated special service tools and equipment when working

with an EV.

21. Always be with another individual when working on or around

high voltage components and circuitry. The other person can

seek help if an emergency arises.

22. When working around high voltage, wear high voltage gloves

and work with ONE HAND INSTEAD OF TWO to prevent your

body from becoming a conductor of electricity. Failure to do so

may result in personal injury.

23. Take the time to be safe. Don’t rush through a job.

24. Most electrical accidents are the result of incorrect or careless

action, not faulty equipment. Follow procedures exactly.

25. Don’t work around energized electrical equipment unless it’s

necessary. Perform the work only after a written and approved

procedure is available.

26. Keeping adequate distance between you and a high voltage

circuit will lessen the risk of injury by arc, blast, or flying debris

if an accident occurs.

27. Know the emergency procedures for your work area and

building. Remember emergency phone numbers in case of an

accident.

28. If you don’t know what something is, don’t touch it.

29. Electrical arcs will melt polyester clothing to the skin. The

recommended clothing materials for working around high

voltage are natural fabrics like cotton.