Module V : Emergency Operations

Module V: Emergency Operations 5-1

Module V Objectives Terminal Objective Analyze simulated crash scenes to determine appropriate actions. Enabling Objectives • 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. 5-2

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

Module V Outline Emergency Topics Addressed: • Initial Response Procedures • Extrications • Battery Breaches • Submersion • Fire and Overhaul • Incidents involving charging stations 5-4

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

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

Extrication 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

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

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

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 • Each type produces • different byproducts • when burning. • Byproducts can be • harmful, and require • full PPE and SCBA in • accordance with NFPA • standards. As always, protect bystanders from exposure. 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 • Shut down charging station power source. • If a vehicle is • struck while at • charging station, • turn off charging • station power • before operations. • Identify, • Immobilize, • Disable. 5-21

Real World Incidents The following slides contain images and anecdotal information from a series of actual vehicle crash scenes involving hybrid and electric vehicles. 5-22

5-23

Photo by Kevin Cooney 5-24

Photos by Kevin Cooney 5-25

Photos by Kevin Cooney 5-26

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. 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 5-29

1. What did you gather from a size-up? What hazards are present? 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 2 5-31

What did you gather from a size-up? What hazards are present? Using your size up and experience, what actions should be taken to: - Ensure a safe work environment? - Mitigate and Control the Incident? 5-32

Scenario 3 5-33

What did you gather from a size-up? What hazards are present? Using your size up and experience, what actions should be taken to: - Ensure a safe work environment? - Mitigate and Control the Incident? 5-34

Module V Summary 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 : Emergency Operations