Response information is for reference. We recommend attending an emergency response workshop to better understand the properties of hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicles.
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Vehicle Response
1. Follow SOPs for vehicle response
…and, pay attention to
the unique items for
hydrogen-powered fuel
cell electric vehicles
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Identify
Isolate
Rescue
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2. Identify
Typically decals and graphics
identifying car as an FCEV
Blue diamond sticker on rear- SAE
example (no standards, yet)
Never assume the vehicle is off
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Identify
4. H2 release indicators
Compressed H2
Very loud hissing (almost all
leaks will be audible)
PRD/TRD release controlled
high-pressure hydrogen rapid
release through safety vent
• Occurs if tanks are exposed to
high-temperature heat (e.g. – fire)
Never cut into hydrogen lines
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Identify
5. High-voltage systems
Never cut into highvoltage systems
• Designed to quickly dissipate
•
charge in lines
Charge can be retained when
system is off
Lines are marked orange
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Identify
6. Isolate
Multiple vehicles and different fuels
Isolate
FCEVs are heavier than conventional vehicles
When safe, move the conventional vehicle away
from the FCEV
• Heat from gas fire can trigger TRD/PRD
Spray foam on gasoline or diesel leaks near FCEV
• Let hydrogen fed fires burn out if safe to do so
7. Rescue: extrication
Avoid the PRD/TRD vent
Stabilize & disable
Follow any “Emergency/
Manual Shut Down” procedure
Dash roll: Avoid using cutters or
spreaders on rocker panel--
• Hydrogen and/or high voltage lines
may be present
Rescue
8. Extrication
Dash roll: for a purchase
point on the rocker panel…
• Cradle or saddle
• Notch the rocker panel
Relief cut OK
• Bottom of A post
• Between hinges
Avoid cutting through
underside of vehicle
Rescue
9. Rescue: fires
Let a hydrogen flame
or plume burn
• Fire will extinguish when
fuel is gone
Cover exposures
Use standard
suppression
techniques for all nonhydrogen fed fires
Rescue
10. Emergency response
Fire response: (as with natural gas)
• Vehicle: Let a hydrogen plume burn
• Station: shut off the flow of gas; let all hydrogen burn itself off*
• *recommend dry powder extinguisher if the hydrogen flame must be extinguished
• Cool/protect other exposures