The risk of which hazard is increased when servicing hybrid vehicles?

When servicing hybrid vehicles, the risk of high voltage shock is particularly increased due to the presence of high-voltage battery systems that are integral to their operation. Hybrid vehicles utilize electric motors in conjunction with conventional internal combustion engines, which necessitate the use of high-voltage electrical systems often exceeding 200 volts.

Technicians working on these vehicles must be aware of the electrical components, including the hybrid battery packs and power electronics, which can store significant amounts of energy. If proper safety precautions are not taken, such as discharging capacitors or using insulated tools, there is a potential risk of receiving an electric shock when handling these systems. This understanding highlights the importance of specialized training for technicians working with hybrid technology to ensure they can safely manage the high-voltage components involved.

While other hazards may exist, such as fuel leaks, excessive noise levels, and heat exposure, they do not present the same immediate and severe shock risk associated with high-voltage components found specifically in hybrid vehicles.