Enhanced Safety RAL Quality Mark for Electrical Vehicles in Collision Scenarios
The Association for Road Surface Cleaning and Accident Site Restoration has introduced a new RAL quality mark, "Havarie Elektromobilität und Energiespeicher" (Accident Electric Mobility and Energy Storage), which sets a standard for safety, environmental responsibility, and technical excellence in dealing with electromobility. This quality mark applies to companies specializing in recovery, towing, transportation, storage, and disposal of safety-critical vehicles and stationary energy storage systems.
The RAL quality mark covers electric, hybrid, hydrogen vehicles, and stationary battery storage systems, as well as gas-powered vehicles and associated facilities. It aims to ensure safe handling and reduce risks related to high-voltage components, hazardous substances, and potential fire or explosion dangers.
Key Requirements and Safety Standards
Scope and Application
The quality mark applies to all emergency services, recovery companies, and disposal facilities dealing with electric, hybrid, hydrogen vehicles, and stationary battery systems. It covers scenarios involving accidents, breakdowns, decommissioning, and disposal.
Recovery and Towing
Specialized training for personnel in handling high-voltage and hydrogen systems safely is mandatory. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as insulated gloves, protective suits, and face shields against electric shock and chemical exposure is required. Procedures for electric shock, thermal burns, and chemical exposure incidents, as well as deactivation procedures, are also part of the quality mark's requirements. Vehicle securing using non-conductive towing equipment and methods that avoid damage to battery or hydrogen components is also crucial.
Transportation
The use of approved, ventilated, and insulated containers or transport means for damaged or defective battery packs is required. Fire-resistant transport measures and the presence of appropriate fire extinguishing agents for lithium-ion and hydrogen fires are also necessary. Safe separation of damaged battery units to prevent thermal runaway propagation and documentation accompanying transport with detailed hazard and safety documentation outlining risks and handling protocols are also part of the quality mark's requirements.
Storage
Storage in fire-resistant, well-ventilated areas equipped with early fire detection and suppression systems is required. Monitoring and maintaining safe storage temperatures to prevent overheating or degradation is also necessary. Physical separation of batteries and hydrogen tanks from other materials and vehicles, as well as protocols for containment and neutralization of electrolyte leaks or hydrogen emissions, are also part of the quality mark's requirements.
Disposal
Disassembly only by trained personnel using insulated tools and under controlled conditions is required. Recycling or disposal procedures compliant with hazardous waste regulations, ensuring recovery of valuable materials and neutralization of toxic substances, are also part of the quality mark's requirements. Records of disposal steps ensuring environmental compliance and traceability are also necessary.
General Safety and Environmental Protection
Compliance with national and international regulations for hazardous materials, risk assessment and periodic review of safety procedures, clear marking and labeling of all vehicles and systems with hazardous energy information, and coordination with fire departments and hazardous materials response teams are also part of the quality mark's requirements.
Summary
The RAL quality mark "Havarie Elektromobilität und Energiespeicher" acts as a certification ensuring that companies and emergency responders adhere to rigorous safety protocols in handling electric, hybrid, hydrogen vehicles, and stationary batteries. It addresses proper training and PPE, detailed deactivation and recovery steps, safe transport and storage conditions, and environmentally responsible disposal and recycling. This quality mark aims to reduce accidents, environmental damage, and ensure occupational safety in a rapidly growing field with evolving technologies.
