CWU Launches EV Safe Driver Guidance for Members
As electric vehicles become increasingly common across Openreach, BT and other fleet operations, the CWU has produced comprehensive EV Safe Driver Guidance to help protect members, improve awareness and ensure safe systems of work are in place.
The guidance highlights both the opportunities and the unique safety considerations that come with the growing use of electric vehicles in the workplace. While EVs are generally safe, members need to understand the warning signs associated with battery faults, charging issues and thermal runaway incidents.
Understanding the Risks
The guidance identifies several key areas that drivers should be aware of, including battery damage following impacts, charging faults, overheating, battery degradation and the potential release of hazardous gases if a battery fails. It also warns that dashboard alerts may not always provide early warning, making driver awareness and vigilance essential.
Members are encouraged to carry out routine pre-drive checks and remain alert for any unusual smells, smoke, overheating, warning lights, fluid leaks or signs of vehicle damage. Where concerns exist, the guidance is clear: do not continue driving and seek professional assistance.
Safety Starts Before the Journey
The document contains practical advice on:
Pre-drive vehicle inspections.
Safe charging practices.
Responding to battery warnings.
Emergency procedures for smoke, fire or chemical smells.
What to do following a collision or underbody impact.
Safe storage and parking arrangements. A particularly important message for drivers is that any EV displaying signs of battery distress should be removed from service immediately and professionally assessed before being re-used.
Practical Checks Every Driver Can Perform
One of the strengths of the guidance is its focus on simple, visual checks that any driver can carry out safely without specialist training. These include checking for fluid leaks, damaged panels, impacts to battery protection trays, charging port defects and signs of heat damage.
The guidance also makes it clear what drivers must not do, including attempting to inspect battery systems, touching high-voltage components or continuing to drive vehicles showing potential warning signs.
Recognising Thermal Runaway
A significant section of the guidance focuses on thermal runaway, a serious battery failure event that can lead to fire, explosion or toxic gas release. The briefing explains how drivers can identify early warning signs such as unusual chemical smells, unexpected heat, smoke, vapour, hissing noises or erratic vehicle behaviour.
The CWU advises that if two or more warning signs occur together, drivers should stop immediately, leave the vehicle, move to a safe distance and contact emergency services, informing them that the incident involves an electric vehicle battery.
Employers Have Responsibilities Too
The guidance reminds employers of their legal duties under health and safety legislation, including providing safe vehicles, suitable training, effective maintenance arrangements and clear emergency procedures. Employers must also ensure that charging infrastructure is maintained safely and that workers receive sufficient information and instruction to recognise and report defects.
For CWU representatives, the document provides valuable advice on recording incidents, investigating recurring faults, seeking maintenance records where concerns arise and ensuring that members receive appropriate EV safety briefings.
Keeping Members Safe
As workplace fleets continue to transition to electric vehicles, safety awareness must evolve alongside the technology. This guidance provides members, safety representatives and branches with practical, evidence-based information to help identify risks early and respond appropriately.
The key message is simple: if an EV displays battery warnings, unusual heat, smoke, hissing, chemical smells, fluid leaks or has suffered impact damage, stop using it, keep clear, do not charge it, and seek professional assistance immediately.
CWU North Anglia welcomes this guidance and encourages all members who drive electric vehicles for work to familiarise themselves with its contents and discuss any concerns with their local CWU representative.
Read the guidance below:
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