Exposed or damaged cables and battery components pose risks of severe injury or death if mishandled.
Thermal Runaway Indicators:
Smoke, heat, or active fires may indicate escalating battery issues requiring immediate containment.
Submersion Risks:
Vehicles submerged in water can present electrical short circuit dangers or environmental contamination from leaking battery materials.
Tow operators should confirm the details provided by the dispatcher upon arriving at the scene. Collaborate with any emergency personnel, such as fire or police responders, to: • Verify the type and condition of the vehicle. • Identify any additional hazards not initially reported. • Maintain open communication throughout the recovery process to address evolving risks.
By following these communication protocols and adhering to standards like SAE J2990, dispatchers and operators can ensure they are prepared for the unique challenges of EV recoveries.
Action Items to consider:
• Create a checklist for dispatchers to record critical vehicle and scene information
• Define clear communication protocols for the dispatcher to relay information to the tow operator.
• Train dispatchers on SAE J2990 standards for EV recovery communications.
• Provide dispatchers with a quick-reference guide for identifying common EV hazards
• Practice scenarios where dispatchers and operators handle complex EV recoveries.
• Develop a system for tow operators to provide feedback on dispatcher communication after recovery operations.