Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric vehicle charging guidelines

The growing use of electric vehicles has seen the need to provide charging facilities in premises, which, if not managed properly, can introduce potential hazards. Read our risk management guide so you can avoid them.

Risk assessment

Your fire management strategy should consider practical passive, active and control measures as part of the fire risk assessment, when selecting and designing your electric vehicle charging areas and points. Your risk assessment should include the following steps:

Separate the charging points from process and storage areas
Ensure a suitable power supply is in place with control and isolation systems

Fire detection and warning in case of fire
Smoke ventilation for the removal of toxic fumes
Fire extinguishers
Emergency action plan
Staff training in the sage charging of vehicles and fire procedures

Where appropriate you should conduct an assessment in accordance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).

Fire safety management

Make sure there is adequate well-ventilated space for the charging vehicle to be parked safely
If locating in a multi-storey car park use the top open air roof deck level to minimise the potential for fire spread
Keep the charging area free from flammable or combustible material
Devise and document your emergency action plan in case of fire
Appoint and train a member or members of staff to be responsible for necessary actions in case of an emergency
Train all relevant staff in how to use and manage charging equipment safely
Ensure fire detection, warning and prevention systems are in place

General safety considerations

Charging points should not be located within your premises
Charging bays should be clearly signed and marked out
Charger should be inspected prior to each use
Charging areas should be well ventilated
Rapid charging points should be clearly labelled and differentiated from standard charging points
Vehicle charging points should be installed by a qualified electrician in accordance with manufacturer instructions

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