Lithium Ion Battery Hazards


PHRT Instruction Lithium-Ion Standard Operating Guideline

This guideline was developed by PHRT Instruction (www.HazmatAndRescue.com), outlining basic response considerations to Lithium-Ion battery-based fires. This DRAFT SOG in no way is an operational guideline for any agency to use, and may only be used for training purposes only. PHRT Instruction is not responsible for any adoption or use of the methods of this policy in any emergency based response.

PHRT Instruction Lithium-Ion Standard Operating Guideline (PDF Download)


Lithium-Ion Batteries…Are You Prepared? - Provident Webinar with Chris Pfaff

Lead Instructor Chris Pfaff recorded this video in June of 2023 with Provident Insurance. Within this video, he goes over the basics of Lithium-Ion batteries and details initial options for response. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDvP1u7wWD4


Energy Hazard Training
4 Responders

Creator of Seattle Fire Department's energy response program, offers training across the United States and beyond. Check out his webpage to request energy and lithium-ion response training. 

https://eht4responders.com/


Firehouse Training

For members in Canada, Firehouse Training now provides high quality Lithium Ion training to a wide range of members that may have to interact with batteries. They are also partnering with Corner Point Home Services to provide battery removal on a contract basis. 

https://firehousetraining.ca/lib-training/


StacheD Training Channel on YouTube

Patrick Durham of StacheD Training continues to provide great videos on an ongoing basis. Be sure to follow his link as they get posted on a frequent basis.

https://www.youtube.com/@StacheDTraining


Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety

As batteries continue to cause extreme events that become deadly well before most fire departments arrive, Community Risk Reduction and prevention are the only way to succeed in saving lives. FSRI and UL have provided this great tool to assist your prevention members to reach the community with support. 

https://batteryfiresafety.org/


Lithium Batteries Hazmat Handout - Toxicity - WA Symposium 2024

This is a file that links to many research articles explaining the toxic nature of the smoke of Lithium Ion battery fires. There is currently a large effort to understand the toxicity of these events, and we urge you to examine some of the hazards. In any case, wear your PPE, stay out of the smoke, and LOG YOUR EXPOSURES!

Lithium Batteries Hazmat Handout - Toxicity - WA Symposium 2024 (PDF Download)


Spokane Lithium Ion Battery Town Hall Video Series

A helpful video series of a town hall on Lithium Ion Battery fires.

https://vimeo.com/user/109343921/folder/13690566


Washington DC FSRA Symposium Resource Library

On March 30, 2023, UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department (DCFEMS) co-hosted the Lithium-Ion Battery Symposium: Challenges for the Fire Service. During the program, experts in fire safety research and fire safety operations shared leading edge knowledge about lithium-ion battery technology, the associated hazards, and how to mitigate the risks associated with battery fire incidents.

FSRI developed the resource library below featuring all presentation videos and other important lithium-ion battery safety resources shared during the symposium.

https://fsri.org/research-update/lithium-ion-battery-symposium-resource-library


FDNY Foundation “Lithium Ion Batteries Challenges for the Fire Service” Google Drive Link

A large set of resources, including documents, videos, podcasts, and training.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zG1se9zzFwlPk-0QS0R8llfftjxY4UdT


Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) Study

Study of e-mobility device fire safety, in partnership with the Fire Department of the City of New York.

The goal of this project is to improve the understanding of the resulting fire dynamics from lithium-ion powered e-mobility devices and to improve safety for first responders and occupants.

https://fsri.org/research/examining-fire-safety-hazards-lithium-ion-battery-powered-e-mobility-devices-homes


National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Emergency Response Guides

NFPA actively maintains a collection of Emergency Response Guides from 35+ alternative fuel vehicle manufacturers. The guides are free to download.

https://www.nfpa.org/Education-and-Research/Emergency-Response/Emergency-Response-Guides


Electric Vehicle Rescue App

Here at last, we have an American version of an app that provides Emergency Response Guides to responders directly from their cell phone. There are still a few guides missing as of this time, but they continuing to improve the app and add ERGs as new information becomes available.

https://autorescueapp.com/


New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) Mobile App for First Responders in Europe

This simple app was obviously developed for European use, but still holds good merit in other continents/countries. Currently for the United States there are no free apps for either Andriod or I-Phones available. This app, just like the NFPA emergency response guides link provides valuable information to the first responder on any auto accident, fire, or incident. EV or otherwise.

Download the app


Energy Security Agency (ESA)

This group has built a rather strong training program online and in person, however this specific link is another edition of the NFPA emergency response guides (Note: These technically aren't NFPA emergency response guides, but the NFPA source page is the original placeholder, therefore many responders state them as such). This page has a more app like intuitive feel without having to download an app. 

https://energysecurityagency.com/erg


Tesla First Responders Information for Electric Vehicles

This specific page for Tesla cars and powerwalls has tons of valuable training videos and emergency response guides. They also hose some of the same links on this page and even more for auto extrication and fire suppression. 

https://www.tesla.com/firstresponders


General Motors (GM) Battery Electric Vehicle First Responder Training

This page, just like the Tesla link is specific for GM vehicles. They have online training, emergency response guides and links to procure in person training from GM delivered directly to responders.

https://gmevfirstrespondertraining.com