Vehicle Response

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Identify

Isolate

Rescue

Wrap Up

…and, pay attention to the unique items for hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles

Follow SOPs for vehicle response

IdentifyTypically decals and graphics identifying car as an FCEV Blue diamond sticker on rear- SAE example (no standards, yet)Never assume the vehicle is off

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Identify

Identify

H2 release indicators

Compressed H2

Very loud hissing (almost all leaks will be audible)PRD/TRD release controlled high-pressure hydrogen rapid release through safety vent• Occurs if tanks are exposed to

high-temperature heat (e.g. – fire)Never cut into hydrogen lines

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Identify

High-voltage systems

Never cut into high-voltage systems• Designed to quickly dissipate

charge in lines• Charge can be retained when

system is off

Lines are marked orange

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Identify

Isolate

FCEVs are heavier than conventional vehiclesWhen safe, move the conventional vehicle away from the FCEV• Heat from gas fire can trigger TRD/PRD

Spray foam on gasoline or diesel leaks near FCEV• Let hydrogen fed fires burn out if safe to do so

Multiple vehicles and different fuels Isolate

Rescue: extricationAvoid the PRD/TRD vent Stabilize & disableFollow any “Emergency/ Manual Shut Down” procedure Dash roll: Avoid using cutters or spreaders on rocker panel--• Hydrogen and/or high voltage lines

may be present

Rescue

Extrication

Dash roll: for a purchase point on the rocker panel…• Cradle or saddle• Notch the rocker panel

Relief cut OK• Bottom of A post• Between hinges

Avoid cutting throughunderside of vehicle

Rescue

Rescue: fires

Let a hydrogen flame or plume burn• Fire will extinguish when

fuel is gone

Cover exposures Use standard suppression techniques for all non-hydrogen fed fires

Rescue

Emergency response

Fire response: (as with natural gas)• Vehicle: Let a hydrogen plume burn

• Station: shut off the flow of gas; let all hydrogen burn itself off*• *recommend dry powder extinguisher if the hydrogen flame must be extinguished

• Cool/protect other exposures