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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Initial Procedures ● Scene Size Up. ● Utilize appropriate PPE for operations. 5-4 IdentifyImmobilizeDisable

5. Emergency Operations ●Extrication ●HV Battery Breach ●Vehicle Submersion ●Fire ●Incidents Involving Charging Stations 5-5

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

7. Extrication ●HV components and cabling are usually not in typical “cut points.” ●Before conducting extrication operations, determine location of: ●Occupant Protection Systems ●HV Components 5-7

8. 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. 5-8 Extrication

9. 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

10. 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! 5-10

11. HV Battery Breach ● Follow local medical protocols in the event of exposure to electrolyte or fumes. 5-11 ● 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).

12. 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. 5-12

13. 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. 5-13

14. Video Vehicle Submersion 5-14

15. Video Vehicle Submersion 5-15

16. 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. 5-16

17. 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. 5-17

18. 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. 5-18

19. 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. 5-19

20. Video Vehicle Fires 5-20

21. Video Vehicle Fires 5-21

22. 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. 5-22

23. Incidents Involving Charging Stations Fires ●Treat as any energized electrical fire. ●Shut down power to charging station. ●Perform extinguishment operations. 5-23

24. 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. 5-24

25. 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. 5-25

26. 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. 5-26 ● Vehicle should be monitored for leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, fire, or gurgling sounds from HV battery.

27. Real World Incidents 5-27 The following slides contain images and anecdotal information from a series of actual vehicle crash scenes involving hybrid and electric vehicles.

28. 5-28

29. 5-29 Photo by Kevin Cooney

30. 5-30 Photos by Kevin Cooney

31. 5-31 Photos by Kevin Cooney

32. Activity 5.1 Emergency Operations 5-32

33. 5-33 What methods would you use to secure and 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.

34. Activity 5.1 Scenario 1 5-34 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.

35. Scenario 1 5-35

36. 5-36 What methods would you use to secure and disable this vehicle? What scenario-specific response concerns do you have to consider?

37. Activity 5.1 Scenario 2 5-37 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.

38. Scenario 2 5-38

39. 5-39 What methods would you use to secure and disable this vehicle? What scenario-specific response concerns do you have to consider?

40. 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 HV Battery Involvement High Strength Steel Charging Station Hazards 5-40 Module V Summary