New High Voltage training for vehicle dismantlers and recyclers

Very soon after starting Salvage Wire we identified a need for high voltage vehicle training

specific to vehicle dismantlers and recyclers, so we wrote training and got it accredited. Over the last couple of years we have seen vehicle technology change very rapidly and we have just completed a review and re-write of the training.

Previously there was one training level, now due to the changes we have seen in high voltage technology there will be four training levels for vehicle dismantlers that reflects the increased level of technology in the vehicles and the changing needs in the vehicle salvage and dismantling industry. This new training provides a tiered approach to training that helps develop vehicle dismantling and recycling technicians, raises their knowledge, understanding and competence with these vehicles and the technology, and increases professional standards across the industry.

The training is specifically designed for vehicle dismantlers, it is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Waste Management, and will soon be certified by TUV Rheinland - an organisation that will give global certification for the training; 

The training is at four levels and certification is valid for three years. Level 1 is awareness for leaders and managers. Level 2 is the lower level of technical training for technicians working on the vehicle that has already been made safe. Level 3 is higher level technical training for ‘live’ vehicles and Level 4 is battery strip. 

Level 1 - informs leaders, owners and senior managers about High voltage vehicles, what they need to do to keep their staff, their customers and their business safe; the processes and procedures required along with the risks of these vehicles and the need to invest in training, tools and PPE.

4 hours duration including theory training, practical demonstration, and assessment and this training can be face-2-face or on-line/remote

Level 2 is for vehicle technicians, parts storage and shipping, and drivers collecting vehicles and gives them the knowledge and confidence to work on high voltage vehicles after the vehicle has been made safe; to remove, store, sell and ship high voltage components.

Technicians, parts team and drivers can start at Level 2 - they do not need to complete level 1 first, but they must be working in the vehicle salvage and recycling industry.

8 hours duration including theory training, practical training, and assessment. Training must be face-2-face

Level 3 for vehicle dismantling technicians and drivers collecting vehicles and enables them to safely assess and work on high voltage vehicles that are ‘live’; make them safe and confirm disconnection before continuing to dismantle the vehicle themselves or handing the vehicle to a Level 2 person for further dismantling; they also become the point of reference for technical queries and processes. Candidates for Level 3 MUST have completed Level 2 training within the previous 12 months

8 hours duration including theory training, practical training, and assessment. Training must be face-2-face

Note: A fast track level 2 and 3 training can be completed over a two-day period.

Level 4 – technicians will be able to assess and dismantle high voltage battery packs, store modules correctly and prepare for shipping. They will also understand the process to re-manufacture, balance, and test batteries.

There are 2 entry options for Level 4:

1. Vehicle Dismantlers for Level 4 MUST have completed Level 3 training within the previous 12 months 
2. Battery Dismantlers for Level 4 must have completed Level 1 within the previous 3 months Note: Core product businesses do not dismantle vehicles; they just deal with components that have already been removed so levels 2 and 3 are not appropriate - hence the option for battery dismantlers to jump straight into level 4

8 hours duration including theory training, practical training, and assessment.

So much of the work that Salvage Wire complete is dedicated to helping vehicle recyclers become leaders in their industry and this is another example of how Salvage Wire are raising professional standards, keeping people and businesses safe, helping them to become better, train and retain staff, and grasp the new opportunities that high voltage vehicles bring.