NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Module V : Emergency Operations Module V : Emergency Operations 5-1

NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Module V : Emergency Operations Analyze simulated crash scenes to determine appropriate actions. Terminal Objective ● Identify unique extrication challenges in crashes 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 5-2 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. 5-3

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 5-4 Module V Outline

Initial Procedures ● Scene Size Up. ● Utilize appropriate PPE for operations. 5-5 IdentifyImmobilizeDisable

Extrication Stabilization ● Standard cribbing methods are acceptable. ● Always place cribbing at vehicle structural points. ● Avoid fuel lines, high voltage cabling, etc. 5-6

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 5-7

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. 5-8 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. 5-9 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. 5-10

Video Vehicle Submersion 5-11

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. 5-12

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. 5-13

Video Vehicle Fires 5-14

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. 5-15

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. 5-16

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. 5-17

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. 5-18

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. 5-19

Incidents Involving Charging Stations Fires ●Treat as any energized electrical fire in a structure. ●Shut down power to charging station. ●Perform extinguishment operations. 5-20

Incidents Involving Charging Stations Collision ● 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. 5-21

Real World Incidents 5-22 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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5-24 Photo by Kevin Cooney

5-25 Photos by Kevin Cooney

5-26 Photos by Kevin Cooney

Activity 5.1 Emergency Operations 5-27

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? 5-28

Scenario

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? 5-30

Scenario

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

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: Identification Shut Down and Immobilization Avoiding High Voltage Components Battery Involvement High Strength Steel Charging Station Hazards 5-35 Module V Summary