Handling damaged electric vehicles (EVs) presents unique risks, especially in facilities such as tow and storage yards. While reignition during an incident may be manageable for first responders, the risk becomes a more significant concern once the vehicle is moved or stored. A damaged battery pack can reignite during towing or while in storage, posing threats to health, safety, and the environment.

This lesson provides a structured approach to conducting a facility-wide risk assessment tailored to the short- and long-term storage of damaged EVs. The goal is to prepare facilities for these risks by identifying hazards, implementing mitigation measures, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. By “EV-proofing” your facility, you can safeguard personnel, infrastructure, and the environment against incidents such as thermal runaway, battery leakage, or electrocution.