Workplace EV charging? Ensure a safe charging infrastructure
Employers are making significant investments in the installation of charging stations in car parks and bike sheds. This makes perfect sense, as there are more and more electric vehicles in use each year. However, it is not without its risks. Poorly planned charging infrastructure can be a fire hazard or overload the electricity grid. IDEWE can help you ensure safe workplace charging – with a risk assessment, clear advice based on multidisciplinary expertise and instructions for users.
What are the risks of workplace charging?
Charging infrastructure always poses safety risks, whether this involves charging stations for cars or sockets for e-bikes. The exact risks depend on the battery type, where charging stations are installed and how these are used.
Common hazards:
- Thermal runaway due to severe overheating or a damaged battery. This is when a battery heats up uncontrollably, causing it to catch fire or even explode. It is mainly a risk for lithium-ion batteries that have been damaged, improperly charged or exposed to high temperatures.
- Grid overload – using a standard mains socket to charge your car, for example
- Dangerous situations – such as charging stations along escape routes or passageways
Want to add more charging stations? Have them installed correctly and in safe locations. Give your employees clear instructions.
Charging small equipment safely? A few tips
Besides electric cars and e-bikes, there are also more and more cordless tools that use lithium-ion batteries for power. Although charging such devices may not seem all that dangerous, there are still risks involved that can have serious consequences, such as a short-circuit leading to fire.
There is no legislation specifically addressing this currently. Good practices for safe charging of small equipment:
- Ensure that your company’s electrical systems comply with Belgium’s General Regulations for Electrical Installations (AREI).
- Provide rated fire-resistant charging cabinets with fire-resistant ventilation grilles.
- Do not store other flammable solids or liquids in the charging space.
- Use only wall sockets, not extension leads.
- Only charge during the day and under supervision. Use fire detectors.
- Provide an appropriate fire extinguisher.
- Use an automatic power cut-off timer to prevent charging after hours.
- Provide employee training, including on the safe use and proper charging of devices.
What does the law say about workplace charging infrastructure?
There is no specific law that unites all the regulations on safe workplace charging. As an organisation, you do have various legal obligations regarding electrical installations, workplace safety and fire prevention.
The most important regulations:
- Your charging infrastructure is installed by a qualified installer.
- Your installation complies with the General Regulations for Electrical Installations (AREI).
- Carry out a risk assessment and implement the recommendations.
- Schedule regular safety inspections and maintenance.
- Create and communicate clear guidelines for users.
These regulations apply to all electric vehicle charging stations, including for e-bikes, speed pedelecs, e-scooters and hoverboards.
Is your charging installation located in an enclosed or underground area? This may require the implementation of additional measures such as ventilation, fire detectors and escape routes.
Want to be sure your installation meets all legal requirements and best practices?
How can IDEWE help you to ensure safe workplace charging?
Towards a safe workplace charging infrastructure, step by step:
- Risk assessment – Gain insight into the risks of workplace charging through a comprehensive analysis of your infrastructure, vehicles and facilities such as ventilation and escape routes.
- Advisory report – Receive targeted recommendations for a safe installation, signage and fire safety. You will also receive specific instructions for use for your employees.
- Awareness – Your employees learn how to:
- Use charging infrastructure safely
- Prevent incidents
- Intervene if anything does go wrong
Planning to invest in charging infrastructure?
Our experts are there for you, from planning to implementation.
Does your organisation currently have charging stations? Ensure your installation won’t be going anywhere with a risk assessment and advisory report from IDEWE.