Don't Be Shocked — Be Informed

As a vehicle service technician, you are undoubtedly professionally excited about hybrid vehicles, which represent new engineering innovations that are interesting to service. With hybrid vehicle sales expected to increase to 11% of all new car sales in the U.S. by 2012, hybrid vehicle training will be an increasing part of your professional education.
You are probably aware of the new dangers of servicing hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery responsible for the outstanding mileage of the vehicles packs enough juice to kill, quickly. The electrolyte in the high-voltage battery will dissolve human tissue.
Fortunately, manufacturers design hybrid vehicles not only with an eye on fuel efficiency and overall attractiveness to the buyer, but also with strong consideration for the safety of service technicians and emergency responders.
In Japan, where many of the first hybrid cars were developed, the government required that hybrid vehicles be designed so that use of the "Jaws of Life" on a crashed and mangled vehicle could not penetrate the high-voltage circuit. Likewise, in the U.S., hybrid vehicles must comply with strict DOT standards to be allowed on the road.
Eight Basics of Hybrid Safety
Vehicle manufacturers and third-party training centers have extensive programs for service technicians. Many technicians have not yet been trained, however, because hybrid vehicles are still rare for most service  bays. Here's a list of some of the basics that every service technician should know:

1. Identifying a vehicle as a hybrid
2. Is the vehicle really turned off?
3. Protecting yourself from high voltage
4. Protecting yourself from corrosive liquids
5. Disposing of high-voltage batteries
6. Towing and in-shop vehicle movement
7. What to do in case of fire
8. Getting trained