EMS 1.12.4

EV Hazards: Thermal Hazards

Thermal Hazards EV batteries are made up of hundreds or even thousands of small cells.
If one of these cells is damaged, it can overheat and cause the others to
catch fire in a chain reaction. This is called thermal runaway. Battery Fires and Thermal Runaway NEXT Thermal Hazards What Makes These Fires Different? • EV fires can take up to 10,000 liters (2,500 gallons) of water to extinguish
because the battery has to be cooled completely. Battery Fires and Thermal Runaway NEXT • Even after the fire is put out, the battery can reignite if it’s not cooled for
at least an hour. This is why it’s important to follow manufacturers’ recommendations
to keep EVs that have been in accidents separate from other vehicles. Thermal Hazards • Always use full protective gear when handling EV fires. Best practices to protect from thermal hazards: • If you don’t have enough water or the fire poses other risks, it may be safer
to let the battery burn out. • Be aware of the toxic run-off from fire suppression efforts and conduct an
environmental assessment to manage the contamination. NEXT Electrical Hazards How to protect yourself from arc flash: Arc Flash • Always wear natural-fiber clothing, like cotton, when working near EVs. • Remove all metal items, like rings, watches, and belts, to avoid conducting electricity. • Use face protection and insulated gloves to shield yourself from sparks and heat. • People with metal implants, such as plates or screws in their bodies,
are safe because the skin acts as a barrier.
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