As an individual with over 30 years’ experience in the transport industry, I find myself retired but concerned about the safety training and handling protocols for battery- and hydrogen fuel cell-electric vehicles.
My quest for knowledge has led me to various organisations, including the fire service, HSE, and planning departments. Their responses have been inconclusive, leaving me with limited options for obtaining the necessary safety training. That which I came across was primarily provided by the companies that supply or install equipment.
Specifically, I am interested in the protocols to be followed in case of accidents involving electric buses. Where should an electric bus involved in an accident be parked within the depot? Is it to be placed in the workshop, the yard, or a designated quarantine area as a precaution?
In my observations of new depot construction on Google Earth, I notice a lack of these quarantine areas. That raises further safety concerns. As is evident from recent incidents, they can lead to severe consequences. It is crucial to understand who holds the responsibility for the design and implementation of safety measures in depot infrastructure.
Under ISO guidelines, the recommendation to have clear labels indicating the bus type and emergency cut-off switch locations appears essential for efficient responses during emergencies.
Given my background, I had the opportunity to introduce the Net Zero Director of my former employer to contacts in hydrogen production, which sparked my interest in safety considerations surrounding these technologies. Hence, I have been eager to deepen my understanding of the safe use and handling of battery- and hydrogen fuel cell-electric vehicles:
[blob] Where can comprehensive safety training for the use and handling of these vehicles be had, beyond equipment suppliers?
[blob] Who holds the responsibility for ensuring depot designs include adequate safety measures to minimise risks associated with new technologies?
[blob] How can the implementation of ISO guidelines for appropriate labelling and signage on vehicles be better enforced to enhance emergency response procedures?
As a passionate advocate for the advancement of sustainable technologies, I believe that addressing safety concerns is vital for realising a safer and greener future.
Stephen Wigglesworth
Manchester
sp.wigglesworth@gmail.com
