41 Questions
What is the purpose of the Special Response Guidelines?
To establish operational guidelines for effective response to fires involving Lithium-ion batteries
What does BESS stand for?
Battery Energy Storage System
What is a fully electric vehicle?
A vehicle that uses only battery power to operate
What is thermal runaway in Lithium-ion batteries?
When a cell achieves elevated temperatures due to various factors, leading to further temperature increase
What must be worn at all times with lithium-ion batteries or mobility devices that have been involved in fire, subjected to elevated temperatures, or have evidence of physical damage?
Full PPE with a donned face piece
When is it permissible to move a lithium-ion battery or mobility device in an elevator or via stairs?
When over packed (mitigated) by Hazmat and approved by the IC
What should be done when the battery or mobility device is in a location where removal via fire apartment window is not practical?
Move the batteries to a different location on the fire floor and ensure they are protected by a charged hose line
When should a charged hand line remain ready in the event of a fire or incident involving a lithium-ion battery or mobility device?
Until Hazmat units have completed over packing and mitigation procedures
In what instances should Hazmat be added to any fire or incident involving a lithium-ion battery or mobility device?
When the battery is suspected of being powered by a lithium-ion battery
Who may request assistance of on-scene personnel with the removal of batteries with IC authorization?
Hazmat personnel
What should be done if any lithium-ion cells have come out of the battery and lying on the ground?
Request HazMat and avoid touching the cells
What should be worn when dealing with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighting gear
What should you do if fire, smoke, or suspicious odor is observed emanating from the product at any time?
Evacuate non-emergency personnel and contact HazMat early
What is the recommended approach to extinguishing a high-voltage battery fire?
Cool with a continuous water stream
What should be considered if extinguishment is required for a fire in the lithium ion battery of a vehicle?
Secure a water supply and request water tender if on the freeway
What should be worn when accessing the undercarriage of an electric vehicle involved in a fire?
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighting gear
What should be used to properly cool/extinguish fires involving the lithium ion batteries?
"Floor jack" or other rescue equipment
"Possible Lithium Ion Battery Involved" should be used for what purpose?
To ensure dispatcher annotates call for appropriate tracking
What should be done if any lithium-ion cells have come out of the battery and lying on the ground?
Request HazMat and avoid touching the cells
What should be considered if extinguishment is required for a fire in the lithium ion battery of a vehicle?
Secure a water supply and request water tender if on the freeway
What should be used to properly cool/extinguish fires involving the lithium ion batteries?
"Floor jack" or other rescue equipment
What should be considered when referring to the Emergency Response Guide for specific make and model of the vehicle?
Guides may provide information on securing power to lithium-ion batteries
What should be done if it is safe to do so after confirming a hybrid vehicle fire with batteries involved?
Allow the batteries to burn, evacuate the area, and protect exposures
What is the appropriate approach if water and cooling measures are needed to extinguish a fire in the lithium ion battery of a vehicle?
Secure a water supply and use a hose stream directly on the cell
What should be done if thermal runaway is observed in a lithium-ion battery?
Stand by for at least one hour and continue monitoring using a thermal imager
What is the appropriate action if trapped victims are found in a hybrid vehicle fire?
Immediately check for trapped victims
What should be used to attack/cool the lithium ion battery in a fully electric vehicle fire?
WATER only
What is the appropriate approach if smoke, steam, and popping noises are observed from the battery of a fully electric vehicle?
Stand by for at least one hour and continue monitoring using a thermal imager
What is the recommended phrase to use when notifying Emergency Command and Data Center (ECDC) in case of a hybrid vehicle fire with batteries involved?
Possible Lithium Ion Battery Involved
What should be done if it is determined that a fully electric vehicle is safe for transport?
Release the vehicle to the tow company, ensuring it’s towed on a flatbed
What should be used to check the temperature of the lithium-ion battery in a hybrid vehicle fire?
A thermal imager
What should personnel avoid when dealing with smoke in case of a hybrid vehicle fire with batteries involved?
Avoid the smoke whenever possible
What should personnel avoid doing to extinguish a high-voltage battery in case of damage?
Never cut, crush, puncture, or open it
What should be done if a fire has not developed in a lithium-ion battery enclosure?
Position attack lines to protect neighboring exposures and neighboring battery enclosures
How long may it take for the battery pack to cool down after a thermal event?
12-48 hours or longer
What should be used to achieve desired cooling of neighboring battery enclosures?
Wide-fog stream at lowest volume possible
When should water application continue in a lithium-ion battery fire incident?
Until conditions are dormant and no more flame, gas, or smoke is being released
What should be done before overhaul operations in the area of a lithium-ion battery or mobility device?
Conduct a diligent search for stray battery cells
How should lithium-ion batteries be moved from the area in which personnel will be operating?
Using non-conductive tools or other method that doesn't require firefighters to carry in their hands
Where should the batteries or mobility device be moved when conditions allow?
Outside the structure away from firefighting operations
What should the Incident Commander do if the above options for moving batteries are not practical?
Remove the batteries via a fire apartment window
Test your knowledge on the protocol for notifying Emergency Communications and Dispatch Center (ECDC) about a potential lithium-ion battery fire. Learn about the steps to be taken, including using the phrase 'Possible Lithium Ion Battery Involved' and evacuating the area.
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