The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has developed a first-of-its-kind online safety training program on recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries in partnership with the Energy Security Agency (ESA) and other fire safety experts.
Launching this program in July, the organization noted that the recycled materials industry processes around 17 million vehicles every year. These include automobiles powered by large-format EV batteries, which yield high-quality recycled steel, copper, and aluminum for both domestic and global manufacturers.
The training program, called High Voltage Electric Vehicle Technology Training for Recycling Professionals, was designed by ISRI and ESA, keeping the unique safety requirements of recycling EV batteries in mind.
“Developing this program was important not only for our employees but also for first responders and the communities around us,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “EVs are a huge part of our country’s effort to decarbonize the transportation sector, including passenger vehicles. This training is helping us prepare for not only today but tomorrow as EVs are only projected to increase. We are also pleased to be partnered with such a great organization that brings knowledge about batteries.”
Dalen Zartman, CEO of the ESA, said, “I’m encouraged by ISRI’s willingness to lead the pack in proactively creating training that is progressive and offers tangible solutions to stakeholders. This training content features a partnership between the world’s foremost experts in this space. ISRI has helped facilitate the partnership to develop knowledge that has a direct impact on the safe handling of EV batteries with deterring thermal events as the goal.”
This training is part of a larger education effort being led by ISRI on how to safely handle the recycling of EV batteries. Participants must successfully complete the first online course and receive a certificate to be eligible for the second level. The second level is an in-person classroom course and hands-on training offered in collaboration with the Energy Security Agency in Piqua, Ohio.
This is a technical course designed to give participants a strong understanding of how to physically handle EV batteries. The third level course will be targeted to management-level professionals responsible for the onsite management of batteries in their respective operations. ISRI plans to roll out additional tiered training programs in September.
Click here for more details about the training program.