AARC Recycling Processes & Dismantling Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When dismantling a hybrid vehicle, what is the FIRST safety step before removing the high-voltage battery?
- Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery and wait the manufacturer-specified discharge time (Correct answer)
- Remove the high-voltage battery immediately using insulated gloves
- Drain all fluids from the vehicle first
- Check the battery state of charge with a standard voltmeter
Correct answer: Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery and wait the manufacturer-specified discharge time
Disconnecting the 12V auxiliary battery disables the HV system's control circuits, and the wait time allows capacitors to discharge to safe levels.
Question 2: Which component must be removed BEFORE depressurizing a vehicle's air conditioning system during dismantling?
- Compressor drive belt
- Refrigerant must be recovered before any component removal (Correct answer)
- Condenser fan
- Expansion valve
Correct answer: Refrigerant must be recovered before any component removal
EPA Section 608 regulations require refrigerant recovery before any AC system component is removed or opened.
Question 3: What is the proper method for removing a catalytic converter for resale as a recyclable commodity?
- Cut the exhaust pipe as close to the converter as possible to maximize length
- Remove with at least 6 inches of pipe on each end to preserve converter integrity (Correct answer)
- Grind the converter housing off the exhaust manifold
- Only remove catalytic converters after the engine has been run for 30 minutes
Correct answer: Remove with at least 6 inches of pipe on each end to preserve converter integrity
Leaving pipe stubs on each end protects the substrate and makes the converter easier to handle and grade for precious metal recovery.
Question 4: During airbag module removal, a technician notices the squib connector is corroded. What should be done?
- Proceed with removal after applying dielectric grease
- Tag the vehicle as non-deployable and follow the facility's inoperable airbag disposal protocol (Correct answer)
- Use a wire brush to clean the connector before proceeding
- Apply 12V to test if the squib circuit still functions
Correct answer: Tag the vehicle as non-deployable and follow the facility's inoperable airbag disposal protocol
A corroded squib connector creates uncertainty about deployment status; the unit must be treated as potentially inoperable and disposed of per facility SOP, not resold.
Question 5: In an automotive recycling facility, 'secondary containment' around fluid storage tanks is required to hold at minimum:
- 25% of the largest tank's capacity
- 50% of the total combined tank capacity
- 110% of the largest single tank's capacity (Correct answer)
- 100% of all tanks' combined capacity
Correct answer: 110% of the largest single tank's capacity
EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules require secondary containment of at least 110% of the largest tank to contain a full spill plus precipitation.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the correct procedure for removing mercury switches from vehicles built before 2003?
- They may be left in the vehicle because mercury content is minimal
- Remove switches from hoods, trunks, and ABS systems and place in dedicated mercury collection containers (Correct answer)
- Crush the switches and collect the liquid mercury in a standard hazardous waste drum
- Mercury switches only need removal if the vehicle is going to a shredder
Correct answer: Remove switches from hoods, trunks, and ABS systems and place in dedicated mercury collection containers
Mercury switches must be removed pre-shredding and collected in sealed containers for proper mercury recycling under state and federal hazardous waste rules.
Question 7: When processing a vehicle with an intact fuel tank, what is the OSHA-recommended method for removing residual gasoline?
- Puncture the tank from below and drain into a portable container
- Use an approved pump or vacuum extraction system into a closed, labeled container (Correct answer)
- Allow the tank to sit open until fuel evaporates
- Heat the exterior of the tank to accelerate fuel evaporation
Correct answer: Use an approved pump or vacuum extraction system into a closed, labeled container
Closed-system pump or vacuum extraction prevents vapor release and ignition risk, complying with OSHA flammable liquid handling standards.
AARC Recycling Processes & Dismantling Procedures 2
When dismantling a hybrid vehicle, what is the FIRST safety step before removing the high-voltage battery?