Recycled Materials Industry Offers Free Online Safety Training For Electric Vehicle Batteries in the Sustainable Supply Chain
(July 11, 2023 - Washington, D.C.) – Working with worldwide safety experts, ISRI the Voice of the Recycled Materials Industry® has developed the first-of-its-kind 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 yields high quality recycled steel, copper and aluminum for both domestic and global manufacturers. Recycling EV batteries presents unique safety requirements, and ReMA partnered with the Energy Security Agency (ESA) and other fire safety experts to develop High Voltage Electric Vehicle Technology Training for Recycling Professionals.
“Developing this program was important not only for our employees, but also for first responders and the communities around us,” said ReMA 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.”
“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 Energy Security Agency. “This training content features a partnership between the world’s foremost experts in this space. ReMA 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.”
This training is just a part of a larger education effort ReMA is leading on how to safety 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 onsite management of batteries in their respective operations. ReMA plans to roll out additional tiered training programs in September.
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For more information contact: Vicki Morgan, (202) 975-9042, vmorgan@isri.org
ISRI is the "Voice of the Recycling Industry®," representing more than 1,500 companies in the U.S. and 40 countries around the globe. Based in Washington, D.C., ReMA provides advocacy, education, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycled materials play in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.