Naples, Fla., Fire Department responded to a number of EV lithium-ion battery fires publish Hurricane Ian
As EVs (electrical automobile) use grows, so do the dangers of battery fires and the Coast Guard has issued a brand new Marine Safety Alert warning of the intense danger of loading EVs with broken lithium-ion batteries onto business vessels.
The Coast Guard notes that in response and reconstruction after Hurricane Ian, first responders encountered quite a few automobile fires involving EVs powered by lithium-ion batteries.
“Subsequent investigations have revealed that the vehicle fires resulted from exposure of the lithium-ion batteries to salt water,” says the alert. “Many vehicles had been susceptible to flooding. Salt water exposure can significantly degrade lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, causing a chemical reaction that creates an extreme fire risk. Review of vehicle registration records revealed there are over 7,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in Lee County, Florida, with potential for damage.”
The Coast Guard strongly recommends that vessels, ports, shippers, and regulators:
- Conduct a complete assessment of the automobile transport necessities present in each the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. All lithium batteries are hazardous supplies regulated by the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). As such, they’re required to adjust to the Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers.
- Conduct assessment of further necessities for transport broken lithium ion batteries positioned within the PHMSA Safety Advisory Notice for the Disposal and Recycling of Lithium Batteries in Commercial Transportation. Due to the big measurement of EV batteries, the packaging necessities to adjust to broken cargo rules are insufficient.As such, IMDG particular provision 376 particularly requires approval from the competent authority (PHMSA or U.S. Coast Guard) previous to cargo of broken lithium batteries.
- Remain vigilant and guarantee broken lithium-ion automobile batteries usually are not loaded onto vessels for cargo, positioned inside port services, or enclosed in containers.
