Ford 2012 FOCUS - Approaching a Damaged Vehicle

FCS-21200-12 2012 Focus Electric Emergency Response Guide Page 16 of 23
APPROACHING A DAMAGED HIGH-VOLTAGE VEHICLE - CONTINUED
• If the vehicle is submerged in water, varying degrees of arcing/shorting within
the battery will take place. Do not touch any high-voltage components or orange
cables while extricating the occupant(s). Do not remove the vehicle until you are
sure the high-voltage battery is completely discharged. A submerged
high-voltage battery may produce a fizzing or bubbling reaction to the water. If
fizzing or bubbling is observed, the high-voltage battery will be discharged
when the fizzing or bubbling has completely stopped, however, still treat
it as if it was not discharged.
2. APPROACHING A DAMAGED VEHICLE
steps as possible:
— Secure the vehicle: Place the shift lever into the PARK position.
Place the ignition in the OFF position to disconnect the high-voltage
system. Block the wheels, if necessary.
— Disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt battery.
— If possible, remove the high-voltage service disconnect(s). For additional
information, refer to pages 10-12 in this manual. If the service
disconnects cannot be removed, avoid the high-voltage system
components, and wear all appropriate PPE as outlined on page 13 of this
guide.
• Disable the high-voltage electrical system using as many of the following
• If the vehicle is on fire, use a Class ABC powder-type extinguisher to contain
and smother the flames. If water is being used, LARGE amounts of water will
be required to extinguish the flames. A fire-hydrant or dedicated fire hose can
supply the needed amount. Water can cause some degree of arcing/shorting
across the cell and/or battery terminals; it can also react with the electrolyte
from the cells to generate additional combustible gas and other by-products
such as hydrofluoric acid; however, the cooling and smothering effects of
flushing the affected article with large amounts of water and/or other fire
suppression material is still beneficial for minimizing the severity of the event.
• If the vehicle has any exposed cables, make sure to wear high-voltage
rubber gloves and other appropriate PPE. Do not touch any broken or
damaged high-voltage orange cables. Treat severed cables as if they
contain high-voltage.