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are certified to work with these kinds of systems. EN 50110 identifies three levels of certification.


• Electrical instructed person (EIP, also known as VOP/EUP)


• High-voltage technician (HVT, also known as VP/EFK)


• High-voltage work supervisor (HVWS, also known as WV/VEFK)


The standard identifies the technical knowledge required by individuals in order to work with high-voltage equipment and requires individuals to be recertified every three years.


PRODUCT TRAINING


In addition to electrical certification, individuals must also have training and certification specific to the materials handling equipment they will be working directly with. This is because electrical training can equip an individual on something like how to pull a master service disconnect (MSD), one of the first steps to disengage the high voltage system. But additional knowledge about the specific equipment is also needed, such as the location of systems or how they work together on that particular model. The frequency with which individuals must be recertified in product-specific training may vary based on the equipment manufacturer and how frequently their equipment designs are updated.


At the most foundational level, businesses need to be aware of these requirements so that they only allow individuals with proper certification to participate in maintenance or repair work that requires specialised training. To that end, businesses should confirm that their authorised dealer’s technicians are current on the certifications required in that location and for that equipment. Two technicians are required when disconnecting and reconnecting high-voltage systems: one technician working on the truck and another in a support role to immediately intervene if necessary.


While it is essential that only certified individuals are engaged in work that requires such certification, not all work on this equipment, such as changing windshield wipers or light bulbs, requires certification. Maintenance or repairs on systems that are not powered by high-voltage circuits may not require technicians who are certified in electrical safety.


For instance, once a high-voltage technician (HVT) has measured 0-volts, a mechanic who is only an electrical instructed person (EIP) could perform the service tasks. The HVT would then evaluate the work before reconnecting the high-voltage system. Operations and their technicians should carefully review the service manual for the particular forklift they plan to conduct service


or maintenance on to understand whether certified individuals are required for specific work.


SAFETY PRACTICES AND SYSTEMS The following list of considerations highlights several priorities for electrical safety in businesses using high-voltage equipment. 1. Establish your chain of command and procedures. Under EN 50110, this is considered an assignment policy. Operations must communicate high-voltage safety requirements to everyone in the organisation, not just those doing the work. It is important for all to understand the meaning of signage such as high-voltage or danger symbols, cones or pylons and barricade tape that may be used to indicate a restricted work area they should not enter because of risk of severe injury.


2. Designate an area for high-voltage work and mark it clearly. The space must be clearly marked every time high voltage components could be exposed. The area should also have a short escape route to the outdoors in case of a thermal runaway event.


3. Prepare a risk assessment form for the service mechanic. Among other items, the form may include procedures and checkpoints concerning the support technician, the site and the truck. Businesses that are not performing the electrical work with their own certified individuals must inform any contract employees, such as dealer technicians, of any changes to the truck that could affect the electrical system. The business, also known as a host employer, should also report any violations local electrical safety considerations to the contract employer.


SO, WHY GO ELECTRIC?


Pressure is mounting to move toward a more sustainable future. The European Union has pledged to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and regulatory requirements are growing.


There is also a variety of benefits that can make electric-powered materials handling


equipment an attractive solution for certain operations. For one, battery electric forklifts produce zero tailpipe emissions. Compared to ICE models, electric alternatives produce less noise and vibration, offering a more comfortable experience for the operator. Electric equipment can also be less expensive to maintain. For example, diesel engines require regular oil changes, usually every 500 or 1,000 hours of use, with each typically requiring multiple gallons or litres of costly oil. Not only are oil changes eliminated, but electric equipment reduces or eliminates many of the other extensive service requirements associated with ICE equipment for the engine, fuel and air filters, transmission and brakes.


And as emission standards for ICE equipment get more stringent, there is more emissions-related equipment on ICE trucks to maintain, such as the diesel particulate filter (DPF), diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system and exhaust gas recirculation components. Because of the reduced components of electric equipment, servicing a high-voltage truck can be less expensive in some cases than ICE alternatives, even with two technicians required for certain high-voltage tasks.


THE DRAW OF HIGH VOLTAGE High-voltage battery systems are used on heavy-duty equipment like high-capacity forklifts because of physical equipment design considerations, and because they offer productivity benefits that can be advantageous for some operations. From a design perspective, to achieve the necessary power using lower voltage wires, the wires would be thick and heavy enough that their bend radius would not allow them to fit within the frame of the truck. In terms of productivity, higher voltages allow for faster charging compared to lower voltage systems and provide very responsive performance. As you assess whether high-voltage, high- capacity materials handling equipment is the strongest choice for your operation, working with experienced experts can help you to make an informed decision, understand important safety considerations and access certified technicians for maintenance or repairs. ■


Above: Battery electric forklifts produce zero tailpipe emissions www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2025 | TTJ


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