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