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| Response Tactics for Utility-Owned Battery Energy Storage Incidents |
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| Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the leading technology for
utility-owned battery energy storage systems (BESSs). Although similar to conventional electric substations, BESS facilities may have stranded energy and explosion risks that present unique challenges to firefighters. Use the tips below to learn how to respond to compromised Li-ion batteries and BESSs. |
| For more first responder safety information and to order your FREE safety kit, visit the SCE e‑SMARTresponders website. |
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| Upon Arrival |
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Confirm with your dispatcher that Southern California Edison (SCE) has been notified and is responding. |
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Request that a qualified facility subject-matter expert (SME) meet the incident commander onsite. The SME should understand system configuration and battery chemistry under adverse conditions. |
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Do NOT proceed beyond the fence line of any BESS facility or structure without SME guidance. |
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Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus. |
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Use the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Guide 111, MixedLoad/Unidentified Cargo, and Guide 147, Lithium-Ion Batteries, for evacuation and shelter-in-place guidance and to establish operational and isolation zones. |
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Always assume batteries and related system components are energized and contain stranded energy even when disconnected from the grid. |
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| De-escalation Tactics for Stages 1 and 2 |
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Work with SCE to electrically isolate all components and shut down the system. |
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Monitor off-gassing. Flammable off-gasses released during thermal runaway may create an explosive atmosphere if allowed to accumulate within the enclosure. |
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Remotely verify automated ventilation. If possible, use positive pressure ventilation from a shielded position. |
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Consider where the gas is venting and may accumulate, and evacuate accordingly. |
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Consider the potential for ignition and explosion and establish defensive operations as the incident progresses from off-gassing (Stage 2) to smoke generation (Stage 3). |
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Continuously monitor gas levels at the incident location. Remember that conventional gas detection such as multi-gas meters cannot provide sufficient warning of the transition to smoke generation. |
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| Operational Safety and Containment for Stages 3 and 4 |
When off-gassing gives way to smoke generation, you are at the tipping point. You must transition to a containment strategy and defensive operations. Prepare for a long-term incident with the potential for high-volume toxic and explosive gas production, shock hazards and delayed re-ignition. Pursue slow and methodical containment actions with a focus on protecting exposures rather than direct suppression. |
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When Fighting a Battery Fire |
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Maintain a stand-off distance of at least 100 feet from any BESS enclosure(s) exhibiting fire conditions. |
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Prepare for deflagration: rapid burning that may create a significant pressure wave, similar to an explosion. |
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Stage personnel and equipment at the corners of the BESS enclosure to stay out of the potential blast radius of doors or other possible projectiles. Never stand in front of enclosure doors or approach them head-on. |
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Do NOT attempt to open the enclosure doors at any time. This can introduce oxygen and cause an explosion. |
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Allow the BESS to burn in a controlled fashion. Utilize water to cool and protect exposures, mitigate the spread of fire and control off-gassing and smoke from the enclosure. Applying water to batteries is a measure of last resort to be pursued only under direction from the incident commander. Be aware that electrical shock hazards may be present if any part of the BESS unit(s) or wiring is submerged in water. |
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Avoid water discharges into storm drains or water bodies (wetlands, streams, etc.) to prevent the spread of any potential contamination. |
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Consider the products of combustion highly toxic and volatile. Conduct thorough decontamination after any exposure to the products of combustion or electrolytes generated by Li-ion batteries. |
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| Learn More |
| Find additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and educational tools at sce.e‑smartresponders.com. |
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