Hybrid Electric Vehicle Fire Hazards Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for approaching a vehicle on fire at a 45-degree angle?

To protect from potential flying debris from tires or split rims (correct)

To assess the extent of the fire and potential electrical components involved

To reduce the risk of explosion from the fuel tank

To prioritize life safety and determine the need for rescue operations

What may occur when air suspension systems in larger vehicles are exposed to heat or flame?

The vehicle will experience a sudden acceleration

The vehicle will suddenly drop several inches (correct)

The vehicle will experience a gradual loss of air pressure

The vehicle will experience a sudden loss of power

What should be done first when patients are trapped in a vehicle on fire?

Apply first water to suppress the fire

Apply first water to protect the patients and permit rescue (correct)

Attempt to rescue the patients immediately

Call for additional resources before taking any action

What is the primary consideration when determining whether to suppress a fire or allow it to burn out?

The extent of the fire and potential exposures Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step when arriving on the scene of an electric or hybrid vehicle fire?

Properly size up the scene, including the extent of the fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum requirement for an attack team responding to a vehicle fire?

At least one member with forcible entry tools Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when responding to an Electric Vehicle incident?

Ensuring the safety of the responders Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum amount of water to be ordered for an Electric Vehicle incident?

3,000 to 8,000 gallons Signup and view all the answers

Why should you never assume the power is off in an Electric Vehicle incident?

Because the high voltage batteries can still be energized Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for extinguishing small fires that do not involve the high voltage batteries?

Using typical firefighting methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a Fog Nozzle in an Electric Vehicle incident?

To apply water to the underside of the battery pack and the interior of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing Tactical Priorities in an Electric Vehicle incident?

To establish a clear order of operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended angle to attack an EV fire?

45-degree angle Signup and view all the answers

Where may batteries vent during an EV fire?

Below the vehicle's rocker panels and exhaust out the rear or sides Signup and view all the answers

What is the priority when attacking an EV fire from the interior?

Knocking down the interior like an Internal Combustion Engine Car Fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of tucking the blanket edges while flowing water on top and sides of the blanket?

To keep the blanket cool and prevent re-ignition Signup and view all the answers

Why is rapid deployment of the EV Fire Blanket important in parking garages or sub-level spaces?

To reduce the risk of smoke movement causing a life hazard Signup and view all the answers

How should the Fog nozzle be placed under the vehicle?

Slightly off-center in the direction the battery was burning Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying Wheel Chocks or an Electric Vehicle Emergency Plug?

To prevent the vehicle from rolling or moving Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard associated with energy absorbing bumpers during a fire?

They may release high pressure and travel up to 25 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard associated with Lithium-Ion High Voltage Batteries?

Electrical shock, Explosion, Flammability, and Toxicity hazards Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a Lithium-Ion battery reaches Thermal Runaway?

The battery will transition from a stable state to an unstable state and then to catastrophic failure Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to gas cylinders in hold-open devices when exposed to heat?

They will rupture Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Lithium-Ion battery vent points?

They are located downward and to the sides of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using initial interior knock down and sustained water flow over the blanket?

To provide a greater layer of protection for the blanket and responders Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when deciding whether to suppress a vehicle fire or allow it to burn out?

Whether there is a life hazard or exposure Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the vehicle after it has been removed from exposure?

Uncover and allow the battery pack to burn in the new location Signup and view all the answers

How should gear exposed to Lithium-Ion battery off-gases be cleaned?

Using a PH of 9 or greater detergent Signup and view all the answers

Who maintains a collection of Emergency Response Guides from vehicle manufacturers?

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step after all firefighting related operations have been completed?

Perform fire ground Post Fire Gross Decontamination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Operational Guidelines for EV and Alternate Fuel Vehicle Response

Effective Date: 2/1/2024; applies to all fire department personnel.
Forcible Entry Tools: At least one team member must have forcible entry tools for safe access to vehicles.

Vehicle Stability and Hazards

Exploding Tires/Rims: Fire-exposed tires or split rims can explode, leading to sudden drops.
Approach Safety: Approach vehicles at a 45-degree angle to minimize exposure to flying debris.
Heavy Vehicles: Air suspension systems in larger vehicles can fail under heat, resulting in sudden drops.
Patient Safety: Apply water to protect trapped patients and facilitate rescue efforts.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicle (EV) Considerations

Initial Assessment: Conduct a 360-degree size-up to determine fire extent, distinguishing between vehicle contents fire and electrical fires.
Tactical Priorities: Focus on victim care, extrication, and fire suppression protocols.
Water Supply: Secure a substantial water supply; may require extra pumpers and significant gallons of water.

Fire Suppression Techniques

Wheel Chocking: Chock wheels for EVs, as they can move silently.
Key Removal: Remove ignition keys to ensure the 12-volt system is disabled and maintain a safe distance.
Small Fire Response: Use standard firefighting methods for small fires not involving high-voltage batteries.
Firefighting Approach: Attack EV fires from 40 feet at a 45-degree angle; extinguish interior fires before addressing battery pack issues.

EV Fire Blanket Deployment

Deployment Method: Pull EV fire blanket over the vehicle from the fire side; tuck edges while applying water.
Smoke and Heat Management: Rapid deployment decreases fire spread and smoke production.
Nozzle Operation: Slide fog nozzle under the vehicle to cool the battery pack effectively.

General Hazards and Safety Considerations

Energy Absorbing Bumpers: Can experience explosive release, potentially injuring personnel due to high-pressure gas and fluids.
Lithium-Ion Battery Dangers: High voltage batteries pose explosion, flammability, toxicity, and electrical shock hazards.
Thermal Runaway: Rapid failure of battery cells can occur, potentially spreading to adjacent cells.
Post-Fire Decontamination: Gear exposed to lithium-ion battery fires must be cleaned with a pH 9 detergent to remove contaminants.

Fire Management Strategies

Controlled Burn Decisions: Consider letting a vehicle burn without suppression if there are no life hazards or exposures; suppress interior fires to limit smoke.
Post-Operations: After firefighting operations, conduct gross decontamination for responders.
Collaboration: Engage in a collaborative hazard mitigation process for EV fires, utilizing NFPA emergency response guides.

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Description

Test your knowledge of electric vehicle safety considerations, including general hazards and precautions to prevent accidents. Learn about the risks of energy-absorbing bumpers and lithium-ion high voltage batteries. Ensure you're aware of the necessary safety measures to take when working with electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Safety Hazards