NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

Module V:Emergency Operations

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NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

Module V: Emergency Operations

Analyze simulated crash scenes to determineappropriate actions.

Terminal Objective

● Identify unique extrication challenges incrashes involving P/HEVs and EVs.

● Determine appropriate actions to extinguish a P/HEV or EV fire.

● Determine appropriate actions to handle a fire involving a P/HEV or EV battery.

Enabling Objectives

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Module V Objectives

Introduction

● Many procedures for response to P/HEV and EV incidents are the same as for a conventional incident.

● However, there are some important differences. Learning to take appropriate action at P/HEV and EV incidents is critical.

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Initial Procedures

● Scene Size Up.

● Utilize appropriate PPE for operations.

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Identify

Immobilize

Disable

Emergency Operations

● Extrication

● HV Battery Breach

● Vehicle Submersion

● Fire

● Incidents Involving Charging Stations

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ExtricationStabilization

● Standard cribbing methods are acceptable.

● Always place cribbing at vehicle structural points.

● Avoid fuel lines, HV cabling, etc.

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Extrication

● HV components and cabling are usually not in typical “cut points.”

● Before conducting extrication operations, determine location of:

● Occupant Protection Systems

● HV Components

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Impact of HV Battery Location (Some models)

● Trunk Tunneling - Some models’ batteries are located behind the rear seat.

● Through the Floor - High voltage cabling and batteries may be in the way.

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Extrication

High Strength Steel● High strength / low weight metals are

used frequently in P/HEVs and EVs to enhance safety and fuel economy.

● Rescue tools that are suitable for these high strength metals must be used.

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Extrication

HV Battery Breach

● Electrolytes can be caustic, toxic, and / or flammable.

● Batteries are dry cell. Even if crushed, electrolyte leakage should be minimal.

● Some models may leak liquid coolant.

● DO NOT touch or handle a damaged HV battery. High Voltage shock hazard!

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HV Battery Breach

● Follow local medical protocols in the event of exposure to electrolyte or fumes.

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● Watch for unusual odors or eye, nose, throat, or skin irritation. If detected, limit exposure and don SCBA.

● Monitor HV battery for leaks, sparks, smoke, or gurgling/ bubbling sound. These are signs battery may be overheating (risk of off-gassing and fire).

Submersion

● Designed so the vehicle’s shell is not a shock hazard.

● Damaged high voltage components could be hazardous. Do not touch!

● HV systems are isolated from chassis.

• Designed to NOT energize water.

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Submersion● Follow standard shutdown procedures.

● If access is a problem, remove the vehicle from water and then shut down.

• Never remove submerged service disconnect!

● Note: Microbubbling may occur. This is NOT a shock hazard, but a natural result of electrolysis.

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Video

Vehicle Submersion

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Video

Vehicle Submersion

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Vehicle Fires● Use NFPA compliant firefighting PPE and SCBA. ● Utilize standard equipment for extinguishing any vehicle fire.

● Do NOT use equipment to blindly pierce hood, due to location of HV components and cabling.

● Follow normal emergency shutdown procedures.

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Vehicle Fires

● Copious amounts of water required for a P/HEV or EV fire.

● Electrical systems designed to not energize water (including fire streams).

● After extinguishment, determine any HV battery involvement. Use thermal imaging equipment if available.

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Vehicle Fires: Battery Involvement

● If burning internally, allow battery to burn itself out (if situation allows).

● Battery enclosure will impede direct extinguishment.

● HV battery fires are extremely difficult to extinguish and may reignite later. Use thermal imaging to monitor.

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Vehicle Fires: Battery Involvement

As always, protect bystanders from exposure.

● Each type produces different byproducts when burning.

● Byproducts can be harmful, and require full PPE and SCBA in accordance with NFPA standards.

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Video

Vehicle Fires

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Video

Vehicle Fires

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Post-Fire Overhaul

● Avoid all high voltage components.

● Relays in the HV battery could be damaged or welded in closed position.

● Always treat the high voltage components as hazardous.

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Incidents Involving Charging Stations

Fires● Treat as any

energized electrical fire.

● Shut down power to charging station.

● Perform extinguishment operations.

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Incidents Involving Charging Stations

Collision

● If a vehicle is struck while at charging station, turn off charging station power before operations.

● Identify, Immobilize, Disable vehicle(s).

● Shut down charging station power source.

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Post-Incident

● Avoid all HV components- treat as energized during storage & investigation.

● Consider ventilating passenger and cargo compartments to prevent possible gas buildup.

● Notify authorized service center or dealer ASAP if there is damage or potential damage to the HV battery.

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Post-Incident (continued)

● Flatbed recommended by manufacturers for transporting P/HEV or EV.

● Do not store a severely damaged vehicle with a Li-Ion battery inside a structure or within 50’ of any structure or vehicle.

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● Vehicle should be monitored for leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, fire, or gurgling sounds from HV battery.

Real World Incidents

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The following slides contain images and anecdotal information from a series of actual vehicle crash scenes involving hybrid and electric vehicles.

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Photo by Kevin Cooney

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Photos by Kevin Cooney

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Photos by Kevin Cooney

Activity 5.1

Emergency Operations

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What methods would you use to secureand disable this vehicle?

What scenario-specific response concerns do you have to consider?

Here are two scenarios involving a P/HEV or EV.

Review and discuss each scenario. Use your experience to fill in any missing details. Answer the following questions.

Activity 5.1Scenario 1

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Dispatch: Car in a canal.• 3:00 pm, 91°F, clear and calm.

On arrival: Vehicle is a Honda Civic hybrid.• Partially submerged.• Vehicle has gone through guardrail. • No other vehicles visible.• Bystanders state that driver still in vehicle and

appears unconscious.• Airbags have deployed.

Scenario 1

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What methods would you use to secure and disable this vehicle?

What scenario-specific response concerns do you have to consider?

Activity 5.1Scenario 2

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Dispatch: Vehicle Fire in a parking lot.• 11:00 am, 75°F, clear and windy.

On arrival: Vehicle is a Toyota Highlander hybrid.• Smoke and flames coming from engine

compartment.• Heavy smoke coming from passenger

compartment. • Owner meets you and informs you that no one

is in the vehicle.

Scenario 2

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What methods would you use to secure and disable this vehicle?

What scenario-specific response concerns do you have to consider?

Many response procedures for P/HEV and EV incidents are the same as for incidents involving conventional vehicles. Special response considerations for P/HEV and EV incidents include:

IdentificationShut Down and ImmobilizationAvoiding High Voltage ComponentsHV Battery InvolvementHigh Strength SteelCharging Station Hazards

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Module V Summary