Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified (EVHQ) Program
The OEC Certified Repair Network is working with industry experts and our OEM partners to develop industry standards and best practices for the safe handling of electric vehicles after a collision. The EVHQ program will help collision centers understand the required equipment and processes to safely handle electric vehicles after a collision.
OEC connects collision shops, vehicle manufacturers, and insurance companies through one common goal: enhancing consumer safety. But as vehicle technology advances, so does the complexity of the repair. Every day, technicians face increasingly tougher challenges as emerging vehicle technologies become a part of the day-to-day work experience. Sounds complicated, but that’s why OEC CRN (Certified Repair Network) solutions provide tools and resources to help the industry make quality, safe repairs easier.
Why EVHQ?
As the number of electrified vehicles on the roads today continues to increase, collision centers across North America must prepare to safely manage the handling of collision damaged electric vehicles that arrive at their collision repair facilities.
Are you prepared to handle Electrified Vehicles?
Collision Centers need to be prepared for the potential dangers of handling electrified vehicles. Dangers after a collision are not limited to electric shock injuries from the high voltage system. There is also significant danger from fire and toxic gas in the event of a combustion event and additional liabilities of damaging electric vehicles or components with improper handling.
The Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified (EVHQ) program has been developed by industry experts to identify, qualify, and promote EV Ready collision centers across North America. The EVHQ program provides shops with the information and training to help their staff to understand the dangers and have the process and tooling recommended to handle EVs at their facility. It also provides consumers and insurers an easy way to find a collision center that has demonstrated they are prepared to safely handle electric vehicles after a collision.
How can you let your customers, community, and business partners know you have made the investment in the tools and training necessary to properly receive EVs after a collision?
Becoming EVHQ qualified provides recognition that you have the facility, equipment, tooling, and understanding of what is needed to safely handle high-voltage vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified
Is your facility ready to take the next step and become EVHQ | Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified?
EVHQ Requirement List – updated 06.21.2023*
List of Required Equipment:
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Insulated Gloves – cotton inner, rubber insulated, protective leather.
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Safety Glasses (OSHA approved)
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CPR First Aid Response Kit
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Shepherds Hook – 6 ft
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Class C fire-rated, ABC or BC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
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EV Fire Blanket
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Stickers and Signage (High Voltage Warnings, Battery Warning Stickers – Technical Data Plates – Electrocution Risk – High Voltage)
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2 post lift (rated 3500kg/7700lbs)
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DVOM (Digital Volt/Ohm Multimeter) with HV probe - CAT III 1000V
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HV Battery Charger (level 1,2 or 3)
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Smart Charger (low voltage)
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High Voltage Cable Cutters
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Insulated Hand Tools
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LOTO Lock and Labels (Lock-Out/Tag-Out)
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Mobile Safety Barriers (enclose workspace, enclose quarantine areas)
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Digital Thermometer
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Wheeled Dollies - (4 min)
Recommended additional best practices:
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Face Shield
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EH Rated Shoes
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Respirator – min. of half mask with P100 and general-purpose charcoal filters
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AED (Automated External Defibrillator) - with trained team member
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Resuscitation Bag
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Balaclava
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Heat Resistant Clothing
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Burn Kit
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Thermal Imaging Camera
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Electric Isolation Mat
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EV Rubber Glove Tester
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Class D Fire Extinguisher
- Quarantine Areas
EVHQ – Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified Instructional Module Requirement
It is encouraged that every staff member at your collision center take the EVHQ Instructional Modules.
For EVHQ completion, one person in each of the two (2) roles listed below must complete and pass the EVHQ Instructional Modules to meet EVHQ requirements. One (1) person may not satisfy the requirements for multiple roles.
- 1. At least one (1) estimator
- 2. At least one (1) structural technician
Additional EVHQ Instructional Modules may be introduced. The Repair facility will be advised via email as new classes are introduced and will have 120 days from the date that a given class is announced to complete any additional modules.
*This list may be updated from time to time, it is your responsibility to keep current on OEM and industry expert required equipment and best practices.
DISCLAIMER:
EVHQ is a qualification program only. You are the expert and shall be solely liable for the repair of any vehicle you choose to perform repairs. Proper service and repair procedures are vital to the safe, reliable operation of all motor vehicles, as well as the personal safety of those performing repairs or maintenance procedures. Safety procedures and precautions should be followed at all times to avoid personal injury, illness, death or property damage, and to avoid compromising the safety of the vehicle or third parties. The information provided is not intended as a substitute for your professional training and knowledge.
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