HazMat 20 - Lithium Ion Batteries In Mobility Devices

Question 1

What is the most common is lithium ion cell?

Answer 1

18650 cell

which is cylindrical (left) and slightly larger than an AA battery (right). (Figure 3)

Question 2

A group of battery cells connected together in a series or parallel configuration?

Answer 2

Battery Pack (Module)

Question 3

What state is described below

When the stable state of batteries/cells rapidly fails due to increased heat from charging or external conditions such as fire, the cell transitions from a stable state to an unstable state and then to catastrophic failure of the cell.

Answer 3

Thermal Runaway

Once thermal runaway begins it will propagate (spread, domino effect) to the adjacent battery cells. It may only take seconds for this dangerous event to take place.

Question 4

Battery Packs may be _______________or ____________from the mobility device. They are located externally on the frame, floorboard (Figure 5A and 5B) or rear rack of the mobility device but can be found internally on some devices.

An______________ is common when the mobility device is foldable (Figure 6).

Answer 4

permanently installed or removable

internal mount

The mobility device in the closed (folded) position may give direct access to the lithium-ion battery pac

Question 5

T/F

It may be difficult to discern if a lithium-ion battery pack or cell is compromised; the resulting heat signatures may not be picked up. A thermal imaging camera shall
be relied upon to determine if a Lithium-Ion battery pack or cell is compromised.

Answer 5

FALSE

It may be difficult to discern if a lithium-ion battery pack or cell is compromised; the resulting heat signatures may not be picked up by a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC).

A thermal imaging camera shall not be relied upon to determine if a Lithium-Ion battery pack or cell is compromised.

Question 6

T/F

Usually there is a “pop” or rupture sound heard proceeding Thermal Runaway with pressurized white smoke (flammable / toxic gases) venting moments prior to ignition.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

T/F

Dry Chemical is effective for any type of lithium-ion related extinguishment.

Answer 7

FALSE

Dry Chemical is ineffective for any type of lithium-ion related extinguishment.

Question 8

The batteries or mobility device should be moved to the following location in order of preference until it can be appropriately over packed/mitigated by Haz Mat Company 1 or a Haz Mat Tech Unit:

Answer 8

Bull Shit Guy We Delivered Hose

1. Bathroom tub in fire apartment, with all cells fully submerged in water.
2. Sink large enough that all cells can be fully submerged in water.
3. Garbage pail or bucket large enough that all cells are capable of being fully submerged in water.
4. When the above options are not practical, the Incident Commander may remove the batteries or mobility device via a fire apartment window.
5. When the battery or mobility device is in a location that makes removal via fire apartment window not practical, such as in an upper story apartment in a high-rise building, the Incident Commander may move the batteries or mobility device to a different location on the fire floor and ensure the batteries are protected by a charged hoseline. The charged hoseline will remain in place until overpacking/mitigation procedures have been completed by a Haz Tech Unit.

5.8 A lithium-ion battery or mobility device shall NOT be moved in an elevator or via stairs unless overpacked (mitigated) by Haz Mat Technicians and approved by the IC.

Question 9

____________and a ____________shall be special called to any fire or incident involving a lithium-ion battery or mobility device suspected of being powered by a lithium-ion battery.

Answer 9

Haz Mat Company 1

Haz Mat Tech Unit (HMTU)

Question 10

A ___________shall remain ready until Haz Mat units have completed over packing and mitigation procedures.

Answer 10

charged handline

Question 11

When the __________and________determine the overpacked drum (s) should not be left unattended (e.g. High-profile area, school), FDNY can request an emergency pickup by____________. When an emergency pickup is requested, the IC must have an ________ remain at the scene awaiting arrival of DSNY-EPU. The HAZMAT Battalion / IC should request an ETA from DSNY.

Answer 11

IC and HAZMAT Battalion

DSNY-EPU DSNY-EPU (Environmental Police Unit)

Engine Company