EV Fire Safety from Kent | 7 Essential Tools for Collision Repair Centres

EV Fire Safety Starts Here: 7 Essentials Every Canadian Collision Shop Needs

Electric and hybrid vehicles are no longer a novelty on the road. Whether you’re working in downtown Toronto, small-town Alberta, or anywhere in between, chances are you’ve seen an uptick in EVs and HEVs needing repair. Along with that comes a new layer of responsibility: dealing with high-voltage systems and the very real risk of EV fires.

When we talk about EV fire safety it’s not just about following procedures. We want to keep your crew safe and your shop prepared. We've heard from Canadian technicians who’ve had EVs start smoking hours after arrival, catching everyone off guard. The difference between a close call and a crisis often comes down to the tools you have on hand and the training to use them.

At Kent Automotive Canada, we work alongside repair professionals every day. We're here to make sure you’re equipped, informed, and ready to handle the challenges EVs bring.

Here are seven essential tools that every collision shop across Canada should keep within reach when it comes to EV fire safety.

1. Vehicle Fire Blanket: Rapid Containment

EV battery fires burn hotter and longer than conventional engine fires. Standard extinguishers aren’t enough once thermal runaway begins. A properly sized vehicle fire blanket helps contain the flames and control radiant heat. Choose a blanket large enough to fully cover SUVs, trucks, and fleet EVs common on Canadian roads. It’s a fast, proven way to stop a bad day from becoming a disaster.

2. High-Visibility EV Safety Signage: Clear Communication

In a busy collision centre, clear signage helps reduce guesswork and improve awareness. Post signs like “Danger High Voltage Discharging” or “Vehicle Safe Discharged” to alert the crew about the status of a vehicle. These visual cues act as a daily reminder to slow down and follow proper protocols, something every tech can appreciate on a hectic day.

3. Lockout Tagout Devices: Essential for Safe Repairs

Even after a crash, EVs and hybrids may still carry dangerous electrical energy. That’s why lockout tagout devices are critical. They allow your team to safely disable high-voltage components before starting work. OEMs such as Honda and Toyota now require these systems for certified collision repair programs. At Kent, we help shops across Canada meet these requirements with dependable, easy-to-use solutions.

4. High-Voltage Rescue Hook: Emergency Response Tool

An energized EV can cause severe injury in seconds. In an emergency, a high-voltage rescue hook allows coworkers to safely pull a technician away from an energized vehicle—without risking themselves. A tech told us they keep a rescue hook mounted in every EV service bay and practice quarterly safety drills. It’s a simple tool that saves lives.

5. Arc Flash Coveralls: Full-Body Protection for High-Voltage Repairs

EV repair isn’t just about what you touch with your hands. Arc flash coveralls provide crucial body protection when working near high-voltage systems. These garments help shield workers from sudden bursts of heat or electrical energy, and they send a clear message: “Safety matters here.” Workers feel the difference, and it shows in their performance.

6. Rubber Insulating Gloves: Trusted Hand Protection

Your hands are your livelihood; protect them properly. Kent’s rubber insulating gloves meet Class 0 ratings. Check the Canadian Electrical Code for requirements for your worksite. Each pair is designed for high-voltage protection and built to withstand demanding work conditions.

Best practice:

•  Inspect gloves daily with a glove inflator to detect tiny punctures.

•  Recertify gloves every six months to maintain compliance and effectiveness.

7. Glove Inflator: Quick Checks That Save Lives

A glove inflator might be the most overlooked tool in the shop! A quick inflation check each morning ensures your insulating gloves are up to the task. Even a pinhole can turn a routine repair into a medical emergency. Don’t let that happen on your watch.

Kent’s Commitment to Your Collision Shop

Electric vehicle safety is everyone’s responsibility, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Kent Automotive, we’re proud to support technicians across Canada with reliable products, trusted expertise, and proactive service.

Want to learn more?

Read our full guide to EV repair safety on the Kent blog. Then, browse our complete lineup of Electric Vehicle Solutions built for collision shops like yours.

Let’s keep your team safe, confident, and ready—every step of the way.