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20
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Emergency Response (Continued)
Spills
The RX 400h contains the same common automotive fluids used in other
Lexus vehicles, with the exception of NiMH electrolyte used in the HV
battery pack. The NiMH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that
is damaging to human tissues. The electrolyte, however, is absorbed in the
cell plates and will not normally spill or leak out even if a battery module is
cracked. A catastrophic crash that would breach both the metal battery pack
case and the metal battery module would be a rare occurrence.
Similar to using baking soda to neutralize a lead-acid battery electrolyte spill,
a dilute boric acid solution or vinegar is used to neutralize a NiMH battery
electrolyte spill.
In an emergency, Lexus Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available by
contacting:
United States: CHEMTREC at (800) 424-9300
Canada: CANUTEC at *666 or (613) 996-6666 (collect)
•
Handle NiMH Electrolyte Spills Using The Following Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE):
Splash shield or safety goggles. Fold down helmet shields are not
acceptable for acid or electrolyte spills.
Rubber, latex or Nitrile gloves.
Apron suitable for alkaline.
Rubber
boots.
•
Neutralize NiMH Electrolyte
Use a boric acid solution or vinegar.
Boric acid solution - 800 grams boric acid to 20 liters water or 5.5
ounces boric acid to 1 gallon of water.
First Aid
Emergency responders may not be familiar with a NiMH electrolyte exposure
when rendering aid to a patient. Exposure to the electrolyte is unlikely except
in a catastrophic crash or through improper handling. Utilize the following
guidelines in the event of exposure.
WARNING:
The NIMH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is
damaging to human tissues. Wear proper personal protective
equipment to avoid coming into contact with the electrolyte.
•
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Splash shield or safety goggles. Fold down helmet shields are not
acceptable for acid or electrolyte spills.
Rubber, latex or Nitrile gloves.
Apron suitable for alkaline.
Rubber
boots.
•
Absorption
Perform gross decontamination by removing affected clothing and
properly disposing of the garments.
Rinse the affected areas with water for 20 minutes.
Transport to the nearest emergency medical care facility.
•
Inhalation in Non-Fire Situations
No toxic gases are emitted under normal conditions.
•
Inhalation in Fire Situations
Toxic gases are given off as the by-product of combustion. All
responders in the Hot Zone should wear the proper PPE for fire
fighting including SCBA.
Move a patient from the hazardous environment to a safe area and
administer oxygen.
Transport to the nearest emergency medical care facility.
•
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting.
Allow a patient to drink large quantities of water to dilute electrolyte
(Never give water to an unconscious person).
If vomiting occurs spontaneously, keep the patient’s head lowered
and forward to reduce the risk of asphyxiation.
Transport to the nearest emergency medical care facility.
