LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES TAKE CENTER STAGE AT PUBLIC FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR SEMINAR

MFRI welcomed a full house of attendees to headquarters for the Public Fire and Life Safety Educator Seminar in late March.

This year’s informational event largely focused on the safety challenges presented by lithium-ion batteries. Attendees also had the opportunity to convene outside in the parking lot and explore an assembly of electric vehicles first hand.

Speaker Ron Kanterman, Executive Director for the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention, focused his presentation on the specific challenges that lithium batteries present in NYC. He explained that putting out fires in towering buildings, underground tunnels and on trains and subways coupled with the city’s aging infrastructure complicates fire response.

In addition to inspecting residential and commercial buildings, the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention inspects powerplants, bulk fuel terminals and pipelines, hazardous cargo, explosives, pyrotechnics, television and movie sets, laboratories, street fairs, carnivals, block parties, hospitals, schools, prisons and nursing homes.

According to Kanterman, there are 20,000 fire alarm system calls in the city annually. Enter lithium batteries (and knock off lithium batteries). A new UL approved lithium battery is $300. A knock off is $50 and not safety-standard approved. And these batteries reside in electric scooters, bikes, cars, laptops, tablets, phones and household appliances and devices throughout the city.

The speaker shared the three commandments of lithium batteries:

• Use the battery specifically made for the device

• Make sure your charging station is properly and professionally installed

• Batteries must meet operating and safety conditions

Every charging room or station should have:

• Adequate ventilation in a climate-controlled room

• Two feet between charging apparatus

• Apparatus directly connected to a receptible (not a powerstrip or extension cord)

• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

Safety tips for handling electric vehicles:

In vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are often used in great numbers. An electric car requires 7,000 batteries. A tractor requires 40,000 batteries.

When responding to a call with a car powered by lithium-ion batteries:

• Wear all of your PPE, including SCBA. These fires are quick and hot.

• Be aware that batteries will ignite if hit with a hammer

• Approach a burning electric vehicle from angle, not the front or the side

• Only lift a vehicle from its primary lifting points

• The electric battery is located underneath the car

• One battery cell can ignite the rest

• Debris impact can extend up to 100 feet

• Only tow vehicles on flatbeds and always store them separately in case of reignition, which can occur for up to 48 hours