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FIREFIGHTING
Extinguish small fi res, that do not involve the high voltage battery,
using a CO
or ABC extinguisher.
2
During overhaul, do not make contact with any high voltage
component. Always use insulated tools for overhaul.
Stored gas infl ation cylinders, gas struts, and other components
can result in a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE)
in extreme temperatures. Perform an adequate "knock down" on
the fi re before entering the incident's "hot zone."
If the high voltage battery becomes involved in fi re or is bent,
twisted, damaged, or breached in any way, or if you suspect that
the battery is heating, use large amounts of water to cool the
battery. DO NOT extinguish fi re with a small amount of water.
Always establish or request an additional water supply.
Battery fi res can take up to 24 hours to fully extinguish. Consider
allowing the vehicle to burn while protecting exposures.
Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the high voltage battery
is completely cooled before leaving the incident. If a thermal
imaging camera is not available, you must monitor the battery for
re-ignition. Smoke indicates that the battery is still heating. Do not
release the vehicle to second responders until there has been no
sign of smoke from the battery for at least one hour.
Always advise second responders (law enforcement, tow
personnel) that there is a risk of the battery re-igniting. After a
Model S has been involved in a submersion, fi re, or a collision that
has compromised the high voltage battery, always store it in an
open area with no exposures within 50 feet.
WARNING: When fi re is involved, consider the entire vehicle energized and DO NOT TOUCH any part of the vehicle. Always wear full PPE, including SCBA.
WARNING: Regardless of the disabling procedure you use, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT ALL HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS ARE ENERGIZED! Cutting, crushing or touching
high voltage components can result in serious injury or death.
HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY - FIRE DAMAGE
A burning or heating battery releases toxic vapors. These vapors
include sulfuric acid, oxides of carbon, nickel, aluminum, lithium,
copper, and cobalt. Responders should wear full personal
protective equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA), and take appropriate measures to protect
civilians downwind from the incident. Use fog streams or positive
pressure ventilation (PPV) fans to direct vapors.
The high voltage battery consists of lithium-ion cells. These are
considered dry cell batteries. If damaged, only a small amount of
battery fl uid can leak. Lithium-ion battery fl uid is clear in color.
The high voltage battery, the drive unit, the charge controllers,
and the DC-DC converter are liquid cooled with typical glycol-
based coolant. If damaged, blue fl uid can leak out of the battery.
A damaged high voltage battery can cause rapid heating of the
battery cells. If you notice smoke coming from the battery area,
assume the battery is heating and take appropriate action as
described under the heading "FIREFIGHTING" on this page.
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