ROUND ROCK, TX – Immersed Technologies President Mike Brock presented a technical paper at the 2026 IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop (ESW). The paper, Enhancing EV Electrical Safety Using Digital Work Instructions, examines a way to help mechanics follow high-voltage safety procedures on zero-emission buses.
Electrical safety standards define each step a mechanic must complete before working on high-voltage systems. These steps include lockout/tagout, verification of the absence of voltage, and establishment of an electrically safe work condition. In the shop, mechanics perform these steps under time pressure while wearing arc-rated PPE. A skipped or out-of-order step can leave a hazard in place.
The paper by Brock describes digital work instructions as a safety layer at the point of work. A tablet or head-mounted display presents the approved procedure one step at a time. The mechanic confirms each step before the next step appears, and each confirmation creates a time-stamped record.
Field Observations
Immersed applied the method in transit bus maintenance facilities during high-voltage qualification, refresher training and routine maintenance. Observations included:- Procedural sequencing: Mechanics completed steps in the specified order, with fewer skipped safety steps.
- PPE compatibility: The devices did not interfere with arc-rated gloves, face shields or hoods.
- Task performance: Mechanics performed their tasks without any observed decrease in performance.
- Documentation: Each procedure produced a time-stamped record for safety review.
“The standards tell a mechanic what to do. Digital work instructions help the mechanic do every step, in order, on every job,” said Mike Brock, President of Immersed Technologies.
The paper also states clear limits. Digital work instructions do not replace training, PPE, engineering controls or supervision. Mechanics keep the devices outside the restricted approach and arc flash boundaries. The paper aligns the method with NFPA 70E-2024 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147.
Immersed Technologies provides high-voltage training for transit agencies through its High Voltage for Transit Essentials program. To learn how digital work instructions can support your high-voltage safety program, contact Immersed Technologies.