For more than 50 years, DuPont Personal Protection (DPP) has been creating groundbreaking solutions that protect industrial professionals around the globe. DPP brings together some of the most trusted names in personal protective equipment (PPE)—Tyvek®, Tychem®, Nomex® and Kevlar®—to provide unparalleled solutions that protect workers against chemical, thermal, electric arc, mechanical and other workplace hazards.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) serve as the primary energy source for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Electricity discharges when lithium-ions flow from the anode (negative electrode) to the cathode (positive electrode), and vice versa during charging.
The XEV industry is witnessing unprecedented growth. A paradigm shift from combustion engines to hybrid and battery electric vehicles is unfolding across various global regions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts EVs to constitute over 30% of the global vehicle fleet by 2030, a considerable increase from a 10% share in 2021.
However, a lesser-known aspect of this booming industry is that the battery cell manufacturing presents a unique set of challenges for HSE managers to both protect their workers and prevent contamination to the product and process. This entails introducing new safety protocols, specialized training, and offering optimal Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As the industry evolves and expands, more challenges will arise and HSE managers must proactively address emerging complexities to safeguard workers.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warn against severe or fatal hazards associated with certain chemicals used in manufacturing. Exposure can occur from slurry preparation to electrolyte filling and formation*. The consequences clearly highlight the importance of selecting the right Personal Protective Equipment for the workers and the environment. In certain advanced processes, this might entail the use of clean protective garments (ISO class 4-6) like Tyvek® IsoClean® garments.
DuPont provides a wide range of disposable chemical protective clothing and single-use cleanroom apparel solutions to help protect the people who encounter hazardous materials in battery cell or battery materials production. With knowledge and experience around the globe, DuPont advises customers along the value chain about the PPE needed from Cathode and Electrolyte Manufacturing to Cell Assembly. North America has seen tremendous growth in XEV business, with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the associated tax credits, and local supply chain and sourcing requirements.
When it comes to employee safety and compliance, DuPont Personal Protection has helped a number of XEV companies with understanding hazards involved in the quickly-evolving battery manufacturing process. DuPont sales, EHS, and Technical team members are here to help support the needs of these businesses and channel partners who supply them.
*https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.105.301
https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.229.943
https://www.osha.gov/battery-manufacturing/hazards
Talk to Us!
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *