Emergency Response Procedures
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S023569
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2020-07-17
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– In the event there are victims in the submerged vehicle, follow normal department operating
procedures to remove them.
– Do not touch any High Voltage components or wiring.
– If possible, remove the vehicle from the water and follow standard disabling procedures.
A submerged High Voltage Battery may produce a fizzing or bubbling reaction. The High
Voltage Battery will be discharged when the fizzing or bubbling has completely stopped. In fresh
water this process produces hydrogen and oxygen, so it can be necessary to vent the
passenger compartment to reduce the gas buildup. In salt water chlorine can also be produced.
High Voltage battery fire damage
A High Voltage Battery that is too hot or burning releases toxic vapours.
These vapours include oxides of carbon, sulphuric acid, copper, nickel, lithium and cobalt.
First Responders must take the appropriate measures to protect civilians downwind from the
incident and protect themselves with full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
Use Positive-Pressure Ventilation fans (PPV) or fog streams to direct vapour and smoke.
The High Voltage battery is made up of 3 lithium-ion batteries. Each battery is considered to be
a dry cell battery. If the High Voltage Battery is damaged, a small amount of fluid can leak.
Lithium-ion battery fluid is clear in colour.
The High Voltage battery, ERAD, charge controllers, the DC-DC converter, ERAD inverter and
the combined crankshaft starter generator are all liquid cooled with a mixture of Glysantin G64
coolant and water. If any of these components are damaged, this coolant mixture can leak out
of the vehicle.
A damaged High Voltage battery can create rapid heating of the battery cells. If you notice
smoke coming from the High Voltage battery, assume that it is heating and take appropriate
action as described in
Fire fighting
.
