Battery & Eletrical Vehicle Fires (medium)

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Questions and Answers

What is NOT an effective method for extinguishing small lithium fires?

Copper-based agents

Sodium chloride (correct)

Class D agents

Water

When dealing with lead acid batteries, what should be monitored for safety?

Thermal imaging for heat

Battery charge levels

LEL and CO levels (correct)

Water temperature

Which dry chemical is typically considered for fire suppression of lead acid batteries?

Calcium carbonate

Sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda

Ammonium phosphate (correct)

In a lithium-ion battery fire, what is a recommended action for safety?

Allow batteries to burn out in a safe area Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to adjacent battery cells during a lithium-ion battery fire?

Cool them with water Signup and view all the answers

What is one precaution when moving batteries that are on fire?

Conduct a full risk assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is one method used to assess battery conditions during a fire?

Thermal imaging Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended action if batteries are connected to a charger during a fire?

Unplug the batteries if safe to do so Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective method to reduce heat in battery emergencies?

Using water Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in an effective risk assessment for battery emergencies?

Hazards victims are exposed to Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the evacuation process for battery emergencies?

Assess financial damage Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when dealing with disposable alkaline batteries?

Considering alkaline hazard from large quantities Signup and view all the answers

Which role is NOT involved in the risk mitigation process for battery emergencies?

Evaluating alternative energy sources Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should suitable extinguishment techniques be considered for disposable lithium metal batteries?

There are no suitable techniques for lithium metal Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial part of risk assessment for battery emergencies regarding intervention?

The likelihood that hazards will cause harm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be done before implementing incident objectives in battery emergencies?

Get approval from Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step for initial operations when responding to battery and electric vehicle fires?

Confer with the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with batteries in a fire, what is the recommended approach regarding their status?

Always treat them as energized Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key element of the ACRE approach during an incident evaluation?

Control hazards effectively Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to control hazards at the scene of a battery or electric vehicle fire?

Secure the area and deny entry Signup and view all the answers

In risk assessment for battery emergencies, what factors should be considered?

Hazards, ability to control them, likelihood of harm, and expected benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action for electric vehicles that are involved in a fire?

Follow the manufacturer's guide and consider non-intervention Signup and view all the answers

When addressing interior and exterior Energy Storage Systems (ESS), what is a primary safety measure?

Establish control zones and limit operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be avoided during rescue operations at a battery fire site?

Entering without proper protective gear Signup and view all the answers

What should be covered with a fire blanket or specialty fire bag during battery removal?

The battery or batteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action to take if overpacking inside a structure is unsafe?

Establish a path of travel to remove batteries Signup and view all the answers

What should never be done with a battery of concern during an evacuation?

Allow individuals in an elevator with it Signup and view all the answers

When should damaged battery cells be placed into a battery containment device?

Immediately after removal Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an uncontrolled fire involving an EV, what should be done to protect infrastructure?

Deploy resources to shield buildings and roads Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered for fire involvement after an appropriate risk assessment?

Non-intervention strategies Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the vehicle to prevent movement during battery removal?

Place wheel chocks Signup and view all the answers

Which tool should be considered for suppression and cooling in the case of an EV fire?

EV Nozzle Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in managing an incident involving an Energy Storage System (ESS)?

Deny entry and establish control zones Signup and view all the answers

Which protective equipment is required for operations in an ESS hot zone?

Full structural PPE and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What should responders do if there is a visible fire in the vicinity of an ESS?

Control with water if appropriate Signup and view all the answers

Which gas should responders pay special attention to during air monitoring in an ESS incident?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration when establishing control zones around ESS?

Size of the equipment and surrounding structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Incident Commander during an ESS incident response?

To work with responders on a mitigation plan Signup and view all the answers

What type of medical care should be ensured for patients exposed to smoke from a battery fire?

Evaluation by appropriate emergency medical personnel Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken regarding the responsible party (RP) during an ESS incident?

Notify them immediately and confirm technical specialists are on route Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Command and Safety

Consult with the Incident Commander to determine if evacuations or rescues are needed.
Approach any battery incident with the ACRE (Assess, Control Hazards, Rescue, Evacuate) method.
When dealing with battery emergencies, conduct a thorough risk assessment by considering the potential hazards, control methods, likelihood of harm, and benefits of intervention.
Reduce heat stress on batteries and battery cells with water, which is the most effective method.
Always treat batteries as energized and avoid contact with high-voltage components.

Rescue and Evacuation

Ensure proper methods and equipment are used to separate civilians and unprotected personnel from hazards.
Remove victims from the immediate area to a safe location.
Provide decontamination measures to victims if needed.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Consider the hazards to personnel and victims, the team’s ability to control them, the probability of harm, and the expected benefits of intervention.
Consult with technical specialists and refer to specific battery and technical guides for appropriate materials.
Develop and communicate incident objectives and obtain approval from the Incident Commander to implement them.
Consider partnering with outside agencies for assistance and create a plan for disposing of damaged batteries.

Battery Types

Disposable Alkaline batteries: Use standard extinguishment techniques (water, dry chemical, CO2).
Disposable Lithium Metal batteries: Water can suppress small fires. Consider using a Class D agent (Copper preferred, Graphite is effective).
Note: Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is ineffective for lithium fires.
Lead Acid batteries: Check for LEL and CO levels. Consider dry chemicals for fire suppression and neutralization for any spills. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for guidance.
Lithium-ion batteries:
- If possible, consider allowing battery fires to burn out safely.
- Extinguish visible fires with water or an appropriate extinguishing agent.
- Use a charged hoseline or appropriate extinguishing mechanism when near a battery that has been exposed to thermal, physical, or electrical abuse.
- Ensure proper ventilation of the area.
- Cool adjacent battery cells with water.
- Utilize a thermal imager to monitor battery cell temperatures.
- Disconnect batteries from chargers when feasible.
- Removal from inside to outside should only be done after a thorough risk assessment.
- Consider using specialty fire bags or fire blankets to protect batteries during removal to prevent damage and the spread of fire.
- Ensure a safe path of travel outside of a structure, consider using a suppression capability throughout the path, and never allow personnel to transport batteries in an elevator.
- Damaged batteries should be placed in a battery containment device or overpack when possible.
- Check for battery cells that have been ejected from a battery pack; these should be considered damaged.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Assess battery pack involvement in any EV-related incident.
Consult the manufacturer guide when available.
After a thorough risk assessment, consider non-intervention for EV fire involvement.
If intervention is necessary, ensure proper exposure protection and utilize the EV nozzle for suppression and cooling.

Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Determine the size, location, and number of involved ESSs.
Establish control zones, deny entry, and account for potential explosions and additional fire hazards.
Monitor for flammable and toxic gas buildups within the affected area.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Restrict operations within the hot zone to necessary life safety needs.
Contact the responsible party or emergency numbers listed for the ESS facility and arrange for specialist support.
Consider providing exposure protection and collaborating with the Incident Commander, RP, and Technical Specialists for a mitigation plan.

Exposure Medical Care

Ensure proper evaluation and transportation to appropriate facilities for patients exposed to smoke from a battery fire.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the critical protocols for incident command and safety procedures. This quiz covers the ACRE method, risk assessment, and evacuation strategies related to battery incidents. Learn how to ensure the safety of both personnel and victims during emergencies.