Fires involving cars, trucks and other highway vehicles are a common concern for emergency responders. Fire Service personnel are accustomed to responding to conventional fuel/LPG vehicle fires, and generally receive training on the hazards associated with vehicle subsystems (e.g., air bag initiators, seat belt pre-tensioners, etc). For vehicle fires, and in particular fires involving electric drive vehicles, the main key for emergency responders and firefighters is: “what is different with electric drive vehicles and what tactical adjustments are required?” 

 

The lithium-ion (or similar) batteries used by these vehicles can fail and will burn in a much different way than internal combustion engine vehicles. When lithium-ion batteries fail, they go through a process called thermal runaway, where a single cell failure can cause the production of heat and oxygen as well as flammable and toxic gasses. This then spreads to adjacent cells causing potential rapid fire growth or explosion.

 

 

This course aims to educate first responders, auto industry professionals, and interested members of the public on the dangers associated with electric car fires and the appropriate response techniques.

It provides a comprehensive, engaging, and authoritative look at EV technology, the unique hazards presented by EV fires, and the best practices for first responders at the scene

 

 

Content

The course covers the following;

  • Introduction to electric vehicles and their technology
  • The rise of electric vehicles: Understanding the basics
  • How an electric vehicle operates
  • Benefits of electric vehicles
  • New challenges posed by electric vehicles
  • Looking forward
  • Lithium batteries
  • What are lithium batteries?
  • How do they work?
  • Electrochemical potential
  • Why use lithium?
  • What is difference between a lithium-ion battery and a lithium metal battery?
  • How do Lithium-Ion batteries catch fire?
  • Thermal runaway
  • Damage to the battery
  • Electric overload
  • Why is it dangerous to fully drain down a lithium-ion battery
  • Battery short circuit
  • Dealing with a lithium battery fire
  • Extinguishing a Lithium-ion battery fire
  • Signs that a lithium battery is going to catch fire
  • Should you charge lithium batteries at night?
  • The dangers of electric cars
  • Electric vehicle fires
  • Electrocution risk
  • Quiet operation
  • limited range
  • Battery disposal and recycling
  • The environmental impact of electric vehicle fires
  • Electric buses
  • Factors to consider
  • First responders – Appropriate techniques and safety measures
  • Understanding the risks
  • Best practice for dealing with electric vehicle fires
  • Recognising an electric vehicle
  • PPE
  • Use of water

 

Duration

4 hours CPD

 

Cost

£40 plus VAT  (£48 inc VAT)

Click on the stripe checkout link to gain access to the course