Response information is for reference. We recommend attending an emergency response workshop to better understand the properties of hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicles.

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
Wrap Up

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

3. 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