The EV courses are split into these levels:
- Level 1 Vehicle Awareness, is about being aware of the potential dangers, even things as simple as how some EVs are very quiet when moving in the workshop. This level is ideal for valeters, sales staff, managers, and anyone who comes into contact with EVs in a working environment.
- L2: Vehicle Routine Maintenance Activities, is aimed at qualified or time served technicians who will be working around the high voltage systems and are able to safely switch them off (de-energise).
L2: Hazard Management for Emergency and Recovery Personnel, is about ensuring first responders (breakdown, fire, police) are able to work safely. - L3: Vehicle Repair and Replacement, is for technicians who will be working on the high voltage systems, with them switched OFF.
- L4: Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Vehicles and Components, includes working on high voltage systems with them switched ON, and is for technicians who have previously completed level 3.
To set a context here, the L1 course is usually just half a day, and all the others are about two days (for already qualified/experienced technicians).
In our trade we often debate whether technicians should be licensed or not. I will leave that one for another time but when it comes to EVs, qualifications are essential and it is also necessary to maintain the competence (stay up to date). IMI TechSafe™ is the way to ensure this, and here’s why.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and HSE guidance states:
“No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work.”
“In any proceedings for an offence consisting of a contravention of regulations, it shall be a defence for any person to prove that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of that offence.”
In simple terms, you get this wrong and as well as the injury or worse a fatality, as a business owner you become liable. To keep yourself and your staff safe, and to be prepared if proceedings are brought against you, IMI TechSafe™ is essential.
It is additional recognition within the IMI Professional Register. It identifies a member’s professionalism and safe working practice in the field of EV (and other safety-critical vehicle systems such as ADAS and Hydrogen). As well as proof of competence through the achievement of nationally recognised qualifications or IMI accreditations, IMI TechSafe™ recognition means that the member keeps up to date through mandatory requirements for CPD.
As well as IMI TechSafe™ the IMI can offer all sorts of benefits such as free training for members, but also just to help you keep involved with how our industry is changing (www.theimi.org.uk).
In the next article we will examine what you may need to do to make your workshop suitable for EV work.