Kia OPTIMA PHEV - In Case of Fire; Firefighting Operations and Extinguisher Use

6. In
Case of Fire
Strict
precautions must be taken while conducting firefighting operations due to
following
reasons
:
•
Lithium-ion Polymer batteries contain gel electrolyte that can vent, ignite, and
produce
sparks when subjected to temperatures above 300°F.
•
Vehicle may burn rapidly with a flare-burning effect.
•
Even after the high-voltage battery fire appears to have been extinguished, renewed
or
delayed fire can occur.
-
Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the high voltage battery is completely cooled
before leaving the incident.
-
Always advise second responders that there is a risk of the battery re-igniting.
-
In a fire, submersion or a collision that has compromised the high voltage battery, always
store it in an open area with no exposures within 50 feet.
•
A burning battery could release hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and carbon
dioxide
gasses. Use NIOSH/MSHA approved full-face self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA)
with full protective gear. Even if the high voltage battery pack is not directly involved in
a
vehicle fire, approach the vehicle very carefully.
6.1 Firefighting Operations
6.2 Extinguishers
•
Small fires that do not involve the high voltage battery should be extinguished using
an
ABC fire extinguisher. (ex. Fire caused by wiring harnesses, electrical components, etc.)
•
Do not attempt to extinguish fires that involve the high voltage battery with small
amounts
of water as this can result in electrocution. Fires that involve the high voltage
battery
should be extinguished using large amounts of water(Max 100,000 liter) to cool the
high
voltage battery. Fire fighters should not hesitate to pour larger amounts of water on
the
vehicle in such scenarios. Make sure the battery is fully cooled to avoid fire re-ignition.
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OPTIMA PHEV