3-5 Vehicle Fire
•Always utilize full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing
apparatus during fire fighting operations. Smoke from a LEAF vehicle fire is similar to
smoke from a conventional vehicle fire.
•In the case of extinguishing a fire with water, large amounts of water from a fire hydrant
(if possible) must be used. DO NOT extinguish fire with a small amount of water. In the event of a small fire, a Type ABC fire extinguisher may be used for an electrical fire
caused
by wiring harnesses, electrical components, etc. or oil fire.
In case of vehicle fire, contact fire department immediately and extinguish the fire if possible. If you must
walk away from the vehicle, notify an appropriate responder or a rescue person of the fact that the vehicle is
an electric car and contains a high voltage system and warn all others.
3-6 High Voltage Battery Damage and Fluid Leaks The high voltage battery contains electrolyte solution. To avoid exposure to electrolyte
solution
and serious personal injury, always wear appropriate solvent resistant Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) and read the following precautions:
• Electrolyte solution is a skin irritant.
• Electrolyte solution is an eye irritant – If contact with eyes, rinse with plenty of water and see a doctor immediately.
• If electrolyte leak occurs, wear appropriate solvent resistant PPE and use a dry cloth to clean up the spilled electrolyte. Be sure to adequately ventilate the area.
• Electrolyte solution is highly flammable
• Electrolyte liquid or fumes that have come into contact with water vapors in the air will create an oxidized substance. This substance may irritate skin and eyes. In these
cases, rinse with plenty of water and see a doctor immediately.
• Electrolyte fumes (when inhaled) can cause respiratory irritation and acute intoxication. Move to fresh air and wash mouth with water. See a doctor immediately.
In cases of battery case breach or electrolyte leakage, contact the fire department immediately. If you must
walk away from the vehicle, notify an appropriate responder of the fact that the vehicle is an electric car and
contains a high voltage system and warn all others.
High voltage Battery Electrolyte Solution Characteristics: • Clear in color
• Sweet odor
• Similar viscosity to water
• Since the high voltage battery is made up of many small sealed battery modules, electrolyte solutionleakage should be minimal.
NOTE:
Other fluids in the vehicle are the same as those in a conventional internal combustion
vehicle.
RAG–15
