ISRI has developed an online safety training program on how to safely recycle electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The recycled materials industry processes roughly 17 million automobiles annually, including those powered by large-format EV batteries, which yield high-quality recycled steel, copper, and aluminum for both domestic and global manufacturers. Recycling EV batteries presents unique safety requirements, and ISRI partnered with the Energy Security Agency (ESA) and other fire safety experts to develop the High Voltage Electric Vehicle Technology Training for Recycling Professionals online training program.
"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."
"I'm encouraged by ISRI's willingness to lead the pack in proactively creating training that is progressive and offers tangible solutions to stakeholders," said Dalen Zartman, CEO of the Energy Security Agency. "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 safe handling of EV batteries with deterring thermal events as the goal."
ISRI says that this training is part of a larger education effort 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.
