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6. In case of fire.
6.1 Firefighting operations
Strict precautions must be taken while conducting firefighting operations due to following reasons:
•
Lithium-ion batteries contain electrolytes that can vent, ignite, and produce sparks when subjected to temperatures
above 150°C.
•
Vehicle may burn rapidly with a flare-burning effect.
•
Even after the high-voltage battery fire appears to have been extinguished, renewed or delayed fire can occur.
-
Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the high-voltage battery is completely cooled before leaving the incident.
-
Always advise second responders that there is a risk of the battery re-igniting.
-
In a fire, submersion or a collision that has compromised the high-voltage battery, always store it in an open area
with no exposures within 50 feet.
•
A burning battery could release hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide gasses. Use NIOSH/MSHA
approved full-face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full protective gear. Even if the high-voltage battery
pack is not directly involved in a vehicle fire, approach the vehicle very carefully.
6.2 Extinguishers
•
Small fires that do not involve the high-voltage battery should be extinguished using an ABC fire extinguisher (ex. Fire
caused by wiring harnesses, electrical components, etc.)
•
Do not attempt to extinguish fires that involve the high-voltage battery with small amounts of water as this can result
in electrocution. Fires that involve the high-voltage battery should be extinguished using large amounts of water (max.
10,000 litres) to cool the high-voltage battery. Firefighters should not hesitate to pour larger amounts of water on the
vehicle in such scenarios. Make sure the battery is fully cooled to avoid fire re-ignition.
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