David Coulthard has added his voice to the growing safety concerns over F1's plans to introduce KERS next season.
In recent weeks two serious incidents have occured as a result of F1 teams testing the Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems.
While Red Bull were forced to evacute their factor when one of the batteries used to store the energy failed, a BMW mechanic was taken to hospital last week when he was shocked by a car fitted with KERS.
"There has been a lot of discussion in the past week or two about the teething problems associated with the Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) that the teams are developing for next year," Coulthard told ITV.
"We evacuated the Red Bull factory last week as a precaution after steam was let off when a battery failed, and there was a nasty incident during this week's Jerez test when a BMW mechanic suffered an electric shock, fortunately escaping with only minor injuries.
"As has been well documented elsewhere, there are concerns about isolating the electrical charge that is stored within the car and the volatility of the chemicals used in the lithium batteries.
"Formula 1 is all about the technical challenge, but usually the risk is limited to the drivers. Quite clearly KERS has opened up another area.
"You can bury your head in the sand, and it's not politically correct to talk about it, but while we are going through the development phase there is a risk that extends to people at the factory and trackside personnel.
"I know there are working groups looking at how to manage and overcome these issues, so hopefully a satisfactory solution will be found, but the timescale is certainly pretty tight to be ready for the start of next season."
The Scot, who is retiring from F1 racing at the end of this season concedes some measures will have to be taken to ensure the safety of the drivers should they climb into a car fitted with KERS.
"Part of my role for next year will be to assist with the development of Red Bull's KERS system," he said.
"I'll be wearing a full rubber body suit to make sure that I'm safe... Formula 1 driving suits will become like fireproof condoms!"
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