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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NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

Module V: Emergency Operations

Emergency Topics Addressed:

● Initial Response Procedures● Extrications● Battery Breaches● Submersion● Fire and Overhaul● Incidents involving charging stations

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Module V Outline

Initial Procedures

● Scene Size Up.

● Utilize appropriate PPE for operations.

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Identify

Immobilize

Disable

ExtricationStabilization● Standard cribbing methods are acceptable.

● Always place cribbing at vehicle structural points.

● Avoid fuel lines, high voltage cabling, etc.

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Extrication● High voltage

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

● Before conducting extrication operations, determine location of:● Occupant

Protection Systems● High Voltage

Components

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Impact of Battery Location

● 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

Battery Breach

● Unlikely due to location and protective cases.

● Batteries are dry cell. Only a small amount of electrolyte would leak if crushed.

● Some models will leak liquid coolant.

● There is high voltage electrical shock hazard if a battery is breached.

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

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VideoVehicle

Submersion

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Submersion● Vehicle shell is designed to not be a shock hazard.

● Damaged high voltage components could be a hazard.

● Electrical systems designed to NOT energize water.

● Ground fault circuit interrupters also provide protection.

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Submersion

● Follow standard shutdown procedures.

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

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

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VideoVehicle Fires

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

● Do NOT use equipment to pierce hood, due to HV components and cabling near surface.

● Follow normal emergency shutdown procedures.

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Vehicle Fires

● Copious amounts of water recommended 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.

● Constant cooling of the outside of battery can slow, and may prevent, fire spreading to adjacent cells.

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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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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 in a structure.

● Shut down power to charging station.

● Perform extinguishment operations.

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Incidents Involving Charging StationsCollision

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

● Identify, Immobilize, Disable.

● Shut down charging station power source.

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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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You will be given three scenarios. Each is an emergency incident involving a P/HEV or EV.

Working in your assigned group, answer the following questions for each scenario.

1. What did you gather from a size-up? What hazards are present?

2. What actions should be taken to: Ensure a safe work environment? Mitigate and Control the Incident?

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Scenario 1

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1. What did you gather from a size-up? What hazards are present?

2. Using your size up and experience, what actions should be taken to:

- Ensure a safe work environment? - Mitigate and Control the Incident?

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Scenario 2

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1. What did you gather from a size-up? What hazards are present?

2. Using your size up and experience, what actions should

be taken to: - Ensure a safe work environment? - Mitigate and Control the Incident?

Scenario 3

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1. What did you gather from a size-up? What hazards are present?

2. Using your size up and experience, what actions should be taken to: - Ensure a safe work environment? - Mitigate and Control the Incident?

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 ComponentsBattery InvolvementHigh Strength SteelCharging Station Hazards

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Module V Summary