While the amount of voltage and amperage in hybrid vehicles is enough to be fatal if a technician comes in contact with the high-voltage circuits, the high-voltage system does not ground to the body or the chassis, but rather is isolated from the vehicle body completely. A technician would have to touch pole-to-pole or become part of the circuit for an injury to occur.  As a highly visible safety warning, all high-voltage circuits are encased and heavily insulated, and normally identified by the SAE standard color-coding of bright orange.  Never cut into, touch, mangle or otherwise disturb the big orange cables that carry the high voltage from the batteries (in the back) to the controller (in the front). Always wear class "O" heavy-duty gloves (lineman's gloves) rated to withstand 1,000 volts when disconnecting high-voltage components, such as the battery.  These gloves should be maintained in excellent condition and checked prior to each use to ensure there are no leaks. Even a small opening can draw current that is seeking a ground.  Always disconnect the high-voltage hybrid battery before doing any major repair work or electrical work and most manufacturers also recommend waiting at least 10 minutes before working on the vehicle after the battery has been isolated or disconnected. The high-voltage capacitors need time to discharge so there is no residual voltage to pose a shock hazard.   Hybrid vehicles may seem similar to gasoline-powered engines, and indeed there is much in common. But the differences are important ones from a safety perspective, bringing risks of injury and even death to the untrained or careless service technician.   Proper training, adherence to a company's service operations protocols and constant vigilance around these 'silent while on' vehicles will ensure a safe environment.  We credit Fleet Maintenance magazine and Peter Zaidel for the above.  Autotech Training offers IMI Levels 1-4 electric/hybrid vehicle training courses and IMI Levels 1-3 electric HGV courses. These can be delivered at the company’s dedicated EV Training Suite or on the premises of any company or garage across the country.    Autotech Training also offers a Workshop and Electric Vehicle Safety Package worth £630 which includes:  Transparent Insulating Shroud 1000V  Insulated Rescue Pole  High Voltage Floor Matting – 1 Metre  High Voltage / No Admittance Sign  Set of 4 Posts & Bases with Chain (Black / Yellow)  High Voltage Sign (Double Sided)  Electric Shock First Aid Poster  Safety Lockout Padlock  Steering Wheel Lockout Cover 500mm  Terminal/Cable End Insulated Covers – 10pc  Lockout Tags – 10pc  For further information contact 01234 240 503 or visit www.autotechtraining.co.uk