Department: Field Operations

Policy Purpose: To ensure all contractor-owned vehicles (approved pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs) are safely equipped, fully stocked, and visually professional before accepting any MobileBattery dispatch.

1. Vehicle Appearance & Branding

Even though contractors use their personal or dedicated work vehicles, the vehicle represents MobileBattery the moment it arrives at a customer's location.

• Exterior Cleanliness: Vehicles must be washed regularly. The vehicle should never appear neglected or heavily soiled when pulling up to a job.

• Brand Identification: If you have been issued MobileBattery magnetic signs or temporary window decals, they must be securely applied and highly visible on the driver and passenger sides before starting your shift. Remove them when off duty.

• Interior Professionalism: The front cab should be clean and free of personal clutter or trash. Customers often walk up to the window to speak with you, and a disorganized cab projects a lack of care.

2. Battery Storage & Transport Safety

Transporting heavy lead-acid and lithium batteries in a personal SUV, van, or truck bed requires strict safety measures to prevent damage, spills, or accidents.

• Secure Tie-Downs: All batteries must be secured in the cargo area or truck bed using heavy-duty straps, cargo nets, or custom battery racks. Batteries must never be left loose where they can tip over during sudden stops.

• Spill Protection: Contractors using SUVs or vans must use heavy-duty rubber cargo mats or spill-containment trays. Battery acid ruins vehicle interiors and poses a severe health hazard in enclosed cabins.

• Inventory Separation: Keep your daily inventory organized by tier. Ensure standard AGM units are separated from the Discover EV Dry Cell units. The Option C: Ultra Premium Lithium (Group 24 Discover Blue) batteries must be handled with extra care and secured away from sharp tools that could puncture the casing.

• Service Diversity: Ensure your storage setup can accommodate the varying sizes you will encounter, from large Group 31 RV batteries down to smaller scooter batteries.

3. Essential Tool & Equipment Checklist

Contractors must verify the following tools are present, charged, and in working order before marking themselves "Available" in the hub:

• Core Hand Tools: Complete metric and SAE socket sets (specifically 10mm, 12mm, 13mm), battery terminal pullers, wire brushes, and terminal cleaners.

• Electronics & Diagnostics: A fully charged jump-pack, a reliable digital multimeter for testing alternators, an OBD2 scanner, and a memory saver (OBD2 or 12V adapter) to keep the vehicle's computer powered during swaps.

• Consumables: Anti-corrosion spray, terminal protection pads, shop towels, and heavy-duty hand wipes.

4. Emergency & Roadside Gear

Since you will be servicing vehicles in high-traffic areas, parking lots, and roadside shoulders, safety gear is non-negotiable.

• Visibility: Minimum of three highly reflective traffic cones or LED warning triangles.

• Spill & Fire Kit: A standard acid neutralizing spill kit (baking soda/water mix or commercial spray) and a securely mounted, unexpired fire extinguisher (Class ABC).

• First Aid: A basic first aid kit stocked with eyewash solution in case of accidental acid exposure.

5. Daily Pre-Shift Inspection

Before accepting your first ticket of the day, perform a 3-minute walk-around:

• Fuel & Fluids: Ensure you have enough fuel to cover your designated service zone without causing dispatch delays.

• Tires: Check for proper inflation and visible tread wear to prevent your own roadside emergencies.

• Tech Check: Ensure your phone/tablet is fully charged, your vehicle phone mount is secure for hands-free routing, and you can log into the MobileBattery hub.