New Training Sites for Firefighters & First Responders

NFPA NEWS RELEASE:

NFPA and Chevrolet launch virtual electric vehicle training for firefighters and first responders

April 27, 2011 — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Chevrolet andOnStar today announced the launch of its virtual electric vehicle safety training for first responders. The online training — which is hosted by NFPA and can be accessed athttp://evsafetytraining.org/training – features an inside look at the newest technology and safety systems on the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle with extended-range capabilities that hit the roads last fall.

The collaboration with Chevrolet and OnStar stems from NFPA’s electric vehicle safety training initiative, a result of a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, which supports the growing number of electric vehicles in the United States.

NFPA and Chevrolet/OnStar began collaboration last fall with a national tour that included a series of live training sessions featuring the Chevrolet Volt. The launch of the virtual training is a result of months of research and development between Chevrolet and OnStar training specialists, engineers, firefighters and subject matter experts associated with NFPA. Firefighters and first responders who use the online training will have access to an interactive training session including videos, virtual trainers and a variety of downloadable resources about the technology and inner workings of the Chevrolet Volt.

“We are excited to launch this invaluable training resource with Chevrolet and OnStar,” said Andrew Klock, NFPA’s senior project manager for the program. “With electric vehicles hitting the road across the country, this interactive training gives firefighters and first responders easy access to resources and materials necessary when it comes to the new Chevrolet Volt. This virtual training is an important part of our overall electric vehicle education program, which provides training to firefighters and first responders in a variety of formats to ensure that it’s accessible to all.”

“The launch of this training and our partnership with the NFPA is an important part in reaching firefighters and first responders with information about the Chevrolet Volt,” said Gay Kent, GM director of vehicle safety for Chevrolet. “Our objective with the training is for firefighters and first responders to be as comfortable working around electric vehicles, like the Chevrolet Volt, as they are today with conventional vehicles.”

NFPA is currently conducting its own live pilot training courses in a handful of locations across the country and trainings for all firefighters and first responders will be available nationwide this summer.

For more information and resources about NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training, visit the website.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

About NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training Project NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training project is a nationwide program to help firefighters and other first responders prepare for the growing number of electric vehicles on the road in the United States. The NFPA project, funded by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, provides first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with potential emergency situations involving electric vehicles.

About Chevrolet Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Electric Vehicle / Hybrid Vehicle Safety Training For Emergency Responders

There’s are new types of cars out on the road that firefighters and emergency first responders need to be more aware of when it comes to mitigating the associated hazards involved at the motor vehicle accident (MVA) or incident. It use to be that on a MVA once the fire was out, vehicle stabilized for scene safety, and treatment of victims with injuries someone would disconnect the vehicle battery. Now, disconnecting a car’s battery at an accident scene could cause a very big “OUCH” if it’s done the wrong way.

Last summer, the the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) received a grant to develop a safety training program to help emergency first responders prepare for the growing number of electric vehicles on the road in the United States. The Obama Administration has established a goal of one million electric vehicles in the U.S. by 2015. The NFPA initiative, funded by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, will include a series of electric vehicle emergency response safety programs available to emergency first responders. The training programs will provide emergency first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with emergency situations involving these alternative-fuel vehicles.

"Alternative-fuel vehicles bring new challenges for emergency first responders,” said Andrew Klock, NFPA’s senior project manager for this initiative. "We are building on NFPA’s long history as a leader in fire safety to provide critical information about the unique characteristics of these vehicles. Our goal is to make sure that first responders have all the information they need to deal with emergency situations involving these vehicles."

The training program will include NFPA-developed classroom training courses, handbooks, simulations, webinars, videos and other computer-based training tools.

“We want to make this training accessible for any emergency first responder,” says Klock.

Firefighters and emergency first responders need to know how to disable the high- and low-voltage systems on these new electric cars which have extra risks posed by their high-voltage batteries and cables. Safety tips on how rescuers should approach a “fully-hybrid” vehicle needs to be gone over, as well as learning where batteries are, where cables are, and where air bags are located at. The proper & SAFE way to disable and cut cables needs to be learns too. In most cases these new electric cars will have symbols and stickers in the vehicle, with a little red symbol of a fire hat letting firefighters and emergency first responders know where to disable it.

“Every auto accident has a different scenario and factors involved. It is crucial for all emergency responders to be equipped with firsthand knowledge of each vehicle on the road,” indicates Ken Willette, manager of NFPA’s Public Fire Protection Division. “Being prepared for every possible circumstance keeps everyone safer.”

HOW TO IDENTIFY A HYBRID VEHICLE

Ø Quickest and easiest way for emergency responders: All hybrid vehicles have badge plates located on the sides and/or rear of the vehicle

A GENERAL HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY PROCEDURE:

Extrication

1) Turn off ignition switch and remove key (if so equipped). This turns off the engine and the motor, which prevents electric current from flowing into the cables from the motor or high-voltage battery, and, turns off power to the airbags and the seatbelt pre-tensioner.

2) After turning off the ignition switch, it is recommended that emergency responders remove the key (if so equipped) so the car cannot be inadvertently restarted. To let everyone at the crash scene know the key is removed, give the key to the I/C, who will make a general announcement regarding the key. At this point, the high-voltage system has been isolated. This improves responder safety in and around the vehicle.

3) The next step is to shut down the 12V electrical system on the hybrid just as we typically do on any conventional vehicle involve din an MVA.

4) Locate the 12V battery. It may or may not be under the hood. In the Toyota Prius it is located inside the driver’s rear wheel well within the trunk. Either disconnect or double cut first the negative and then the positive cable. This disables the high-voltage battery controller, which prevents electric current from flowing into the orange cables and the high-voltage battery.

5) With the ignition key turned off and removed and the 12V battery disabled, the hybrid vehicle is safe to work on for vehicle rescue. High-voltage electricity still exists, but it is isolated to the battery pack, generally in the trunk of cars or under the rear passenger seat in pick-ups.

6) An alternative to disabling the 12V battery is to remove the HEV fuse, generally located in the engine compartment junction box. When in doubt pull all fuses in this box.

7) Stabilize the vehicle. Crib at four points directly under the front and rear pillars. Do not place cribbing under high-voltage power cables, exhaust system or fuel system.

8) At this point conventional rescue techniques may be used, including cutting of door hinges, modified dash roll, steering wheel displacement, etc. However caution must be used at all times to avoid cutting any high or intermediate-voltage lines.

9) Should a hybrid be involved in a rollover, end up on its roof, this may prevent access to the engine compartment and disabling of the 12V battery may not be possible. This poses a serious threat. If access to the 12V battery is not hindered, extrication can be handled as in any conventional vehicle rollover.

10) The removal of the roof of hybrids such as the Toyota Prius may be easily accomplished by opening the hatch to gain access for cutting of the pillars. The hatch will need to be opened manually with pry tools because 12V power is needed to open the hatch.

11) Hybrid identification tags are located in the rear and/or sides of the vehicle. Severe impacts in these areas could destroy or hide the identification tags. You must be sure to look for other hybrid identifications, make sure you are aware of the models on the road, and when in doubt assume the vehicle is a hybrid until proven otherwise.

FIRE

1) A fire involving a hybrid vehicle can be handled by following normal vehicle firefighting procedures. In a typical vehicle fire incident, the engine compartment, interior of vehicle or trunk area are burning. By following generally accepted fire suppression guidelines, crews attack the fire with an adequate water flow rate, working from a safe position of approach.

2) SCBA is worn throughout the incident.

3) The initial fire attack should be a fast and aggressive attack.

4) Fire crews may not be able to identify a hybrid until the fire has been knocked down and overhaul operations have commenced.

5) The wheels should be chocked as soon as safely possible.

6) During overhaul, the same steps defined in the extrication module should be used to disable the high-voltage system. (shut down power, disable 12V system)

7) Fire suppression crews will not be shocked or electrocuted during attack on a hybrid vehicle fire, even if flames are impinging on the battery pack itself.

8) There are potential, unique problems involving fire situations with hybrid vehicles. Any fire where there is direct flame impingement on the high-voltage battery pack would be an example. A fire that has originated within the battery pack itself or an electrical fire that begins somewhere within the high-voltage electrical system would also require special precautions.

9) Radiant heat could cause the modules inside the high-voltage battery to melt just as any plastic material would exposed to high temperatures. If heated sufficiently, it is possible the plastic casings could melt down, exposing the inner components of the high-voltage battery.

10) Copious amounts of water should be used quickly to eliminate radiant heat to the battery box and begin cooling the plastic battery cell modules in the high-voltage battery pack itself.

11) Should a fire in the Ni-MH HV battery pack occur, the I/C will have to decide whether to pursue an offensive or defensive.

12) If a melted nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery is encountered, the I/C may want the nearest dealer of the vehicle notified to send a designated battery recovery specialist to the scene to deal with the damaged battery.

13) In the Ni-MH Product Safety Data Sheet, responders are advised that virtually all fires involving Ni-MH batteries can be controlled with water. The information sheet also recommends “In case of fire where nickel metal batteries are present, apply a smothering agent such as METL-X, sand, dry ground dolomite, soda ash, or flood the area with water. A smothering agent will extinguish burning nickel metal hydride batteries.”

14) Class D extinguishers are the recommended extinguisher to use with Ni-MH batteries. But…….

15) Not all Class D extinguishers are equal. Some contain particles of metal such as copper. Copper, for example, is one metal that may actually cause an adverse reaction with the high-voltage battery and generate hydrogen gas. In a small space, such as a trunk, this could cause an explosion.

16) Large amounts of water will not be able to directly attack a fire burning inside the battery pack unit itself. The metal cover of the pack prevents a direct attack on the internal cells of the battery. The water application, however, will cool the adjacent battery cells. Burning Ni-MH batteries will burn themselves out. Applying sufficient amounts of water will cool the metal housing of the battery pack and control the fire until the battery modules that are actually on fire burn themselves out. DO NOT EVER REMOVE THE COVER OF THE HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK!

17) When water is used to extinguish Ni-MH battery fires, some hydrogen gas may evolve. In this situation ventilation will be needed to prevent a build up of the gas. Leaving the trunk, hatchback or battery compartment cover open is advised to ensure ventilation of the gas. If there is a concern that hydrogen gas is present, and ventilation is not possible, fire smothering agents are recommended.

18) A battery fire WILL produce toxic fumes, including oxides of nickel cobalt, aluminum, manganese, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and praseodymium. Because of this, SCBA must be worn throughout the fire attack and during overhaul.

19) In addition, keep the “hot zone” clear of unnecessary personnel. Keep all “hot zone” personnel fully protected with structural clothing that addresses Level 3 hazmat personal protective clothing criteria and SCBA.

STEPS TO SECRURING HYBRID VEHICLE

1. Chock wheels

2. Remove/Find Key

3. Give key to I/C

4. I/C makes general announcement regarding key

5. Locate power button/Shut off power

6. Engage emergency brake

7. Cut negative 12V cable

8. Cut positive 12V cable

9. Do not touch or cut any orange or blue loom!

10. Wait 5 minutes before making any cuts for extrication!

For more information and resources about NFPA’s Electrical Vehicle Safety Training Program for U.S. emergency responders visit www.evsafetytraining.org.

About NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training Project
NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training project is a nationwide program to help firefighters and other first responders prepare for the growing number of electric vehicles on the road in the United States. The NFPA project, funded by a $4.4 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, provides first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with potential emergency situations involving electric vehicles. Visit the Electric Vehicle Safety Training project website.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Extra Minutes of Warning . . .

I'm often asked what type of smoke detectors should one have in the home, and what are the best types to warn me of a fire? My answer for many years has been, for the most part, it's a good idea just to have working smoke detectors, have them on each level of the home, change the battery when the clocks turn ahead or back that hour during Fall & Spring, and test them monthly. Actually I like it when the clocks are turned back in the Fall because there’s an extra hour of sleep. To me though, for many years, a smoke detector was a smoke detector. All smoke detectors are not the same. Did you know that?

Anyone that has read my blog here at TFPFP and followed me @FiremanRich on Twitter and read my tweets will see I'm a strong advocate of smoke detectors. With that, by providing the best information on smoke detectors/alarms only makes sense when it comes to the protection of life when ever possible.

There are basically two types of smoke detectors, that being the ionization smoke detectors and the photoelectric smoke detectors.

Ionization Smoke Detectors are devices that sound an alarm when smoke reduces the electric current within the unit. An ionization detector also picks up both visible and invisible particles from smoke and fire. This type of smoke detector is good for detecting quick burning fires.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors are devices where there is a tiny beam of light within the unit. The alarm sounds when that beam becomes blocked by smoke particles. This type of smoke detector is good for detecting slow smoldering fires a lot faster.

There are also smoke detectors that that you can purchase that combine the methods used in both the ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors.

The right kind of smoke detector could save your life and the lives of your family.

In most home fires, a slow smoldering will release a little bit of smoke over hours. National fire statics will show that most fatal home fires happen between 8pm to 8 am and it’s not the fire that kills it’s the smoke produced by the fire that kills. It is important to have the best smoke detector protection to ensure you have the extra warning time for the time to get yourself and family out if need be to safety.

The following YouTube: “Different smoke detectors work with different fires” gives a very good look at the differences between Ionization and Photoelectric smoke detectors and the types of fires they can detect . . .







It’s a good idea to have the best protection you can have in the home.

If you already have the ionization type smoke detectors then increase your home protection by buying the photoelectric types and install them next to those ionization one. If you have the photoelectric types already in the home then buy and install the ionization ones in addition to the photoelectric type.

Now for me, my smoke detectors which are the ionization type are about 10 years old and will be replaced. Any home smoke detector should be replaced with new ones every ten years. With the age of my home smoke alarms I’ll be purchasing the ionization/photoelectric combination type smoke detectors to continue the protection of my family from fire in the home. Also, with the recently passed New York State law that was passed last month that every home will have CO2 Alarms in the home, I’ve purchased several CO2 detectors for my home too. Not because it’s the law but because it’s a good idea but most important it now gives my family the best home fire safety protection. It’s being “Fire Safety Wise.”

Smoke detectors, as well as CO2 detectors are our early warning system in the home to warn us of the deadly smoke & gases that are present during a fire. It is important that the battery in these detectors get changed out every six months with a new battery and that smoke alarms are checked/tested monthly.

Daylight Savings Time is upon us and with it the coming of the Spring. Lets spring into action, change out the batteries in our smoke & CO2 detectors. If you need new detectors then purchase new ones.

Time is of the essence when there’s a fire in the home. With total coverage of the home with working and tested combination ionization/photoelectric smoke detectors, as well as CO2 alarms you will have those extra minutes of warning to exit and get out of the home if there is a fire. Hopefully by practicing fire safety and following fire prevention practices you may never have a fire. Learn not to burn, be fire safe.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that about one-third of all residential smoke detectors in the United States do not work properly. To make sure you don't have one of those malfunctioning units, follow these useful tips:

· Test your detector - Experts recommend that you should run a test of every detector in your house anywhere from once a week to once a month. All units should have an easily-accessible test button.

· Check your batteries! - You should check your batteries every six months, and change them every year. A good rule of thumb is to check the batteries when you turn your clocks ahead in the spring, and then change the batteries when you turn your clocks back in the fall. If a battery is starting to lose its power, the unit will usually chirp to warn you.

· Don't ignore false alarms! - Smoke detectors don't just sound for no reason. If your unit seems to have more than its share of unfounded false alarms, replace it.

· Keep your detectors clean - At least once a year, vacuum or blow out any dust that might accumulate inside the unit and in the slats on the outside cover.

· NEVER borrow a battery - NEVER borrow a battery from an alarm to use somewhere else. You might forget to replace it, or the battery might get worn down faster from the other appliance.

· NEVER paint a smoke detector - Painting a unit can block the vents in the cover, preventing smoke from getting to the sensors.

· Replace your smoke detectors - Replace your smoke detectors every ten years.


(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; this is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

As part of the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" annual home fire safety campaign, your local fire departments, urge you to adopt a simple, potentially life saving habit: Change the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clocks ahead to daylight saving time this November 1st.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

• Each day, an average of three children die in home fires - 1,100 children each year. About 3,600 children are injured in house fires each year. 90 percent of child fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

• Although smoke alarms are in 92 percent of American homes, nearly one-third don't work because of old or missing batteries.

• The hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. are the peak alarm times for home fire deaths – when people tend to be asleep and the house is likely to be dark.

• About 65 percent of home-fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms or the smoke alarms that are present are not working

• Only 23 percent of U.S. families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely. Developing a family emergency escape plan can be crucial to everyone's safety.

• Smoke alarms don't last forever. They should be replaced at least every 10 years.

• A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.

• The "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign encourages you to arm yourself against home fires by taking some basic home fire safety precautions, including installing fresh batteries in smoke alarms.

Here's NFPA's Sharon Gamache discusses, in the following YouTube video, the latest information on types of smoke alarms you need, their placement and special features. Working smoke alarms give you early warning to help you escape a fire.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)