Photo Courtesy of GM Hughes Electronics Look for decals and logos advertising alternative fuels or electric vehicles.
Alternative fuels include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), methanol and ethanol. Recognizing the new hazards, the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) has published a brochure titled Identifying And Approaching Alternative-Fueled Vehicles that contains information geared specifically for first responders, including firefighters, EMTs and police officers. This article will describe how alternative fuel and electric vehicles operate and what hazards they pose; the accompanying article on page 82 will discuss safety precautions to take when responding to incidents involving these vehicles.
CNG is the most commonly used alternative fuel for light trucks, buses, taxi cabs and even police cars. LNG is more likely to be used in heavy-duty trucks and transit buses. Most of these alternative-fueled vehicles (AFVs) are found in public and private fleets, though a few environmentally concerned citizens have converted their cars and trucks to use CNG. The CNG and LPG vehicles on the road today are a mix of vehicles built by the major automobile manufacturers and vehicles converted by after-market companies.
While small amounts of ethanol are mixed with gasoline to produce oxygenated fuels, vehicles that burn mostly ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or methanol (methyl alcohol) are still rare. For a variety of reasons, including better cold starting and because pure methanol burns with an invisible flame, it is often mixed with 15 percent gasoline to produce a fuel called M85. Transit buses are the most common users of methanol but some cars and light trucks also are operating on M85.
Because a driver will get significantly fewer miles from a tank of CNG or LPG and because refueling stations are often few and far between, many of these are dual-fuel vehicles. Operating on gas or gasoline, dual-fuel vehicles have both CNG or LPG and gasoline tanks. Also, because M85 is not yet available everywhere, flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) are used these can operate on gasoline when methanol is not available. Therefore, the hazards of two different fuels can be present even in a single-vehicle accident.
All of the major American auto-makers plus several foreign companies already offer or plan to offer electric vehicles (EVs) in limited markets. General Motors, for example, offers the EV1 two-passenger coupe and battery-powered S-10 pickup. Ford has a similar electric-powered Ranger pickup and Chrysler offers the EPIC electric minivan. Other prototypes and a sprinkling of EVs are being made by amateur builders.
Identifying The Problem
AFVs look like ordinary cars and trucks but because they are usually converted from gasoline- and diesel- fueled vehicles, they can be identified by distinctive decals, logos, and filling or charging ports. While there are no requirements, except in a few locales, decals and logos often are displayed somewhere on the vehicles to advertise that they are using alternative fuels. CNG and LPG vehicle often use quick connect/disconnect-type fittings. Look for LPG or CNG tanks in or under the trunk, integrated with the frame, behind side panels or in the pickup truck bed. Tanks are commonly located in pickup bed toolboxes. Because ethanol and methanol are stored in the vehicle's existing tanks and are filled via conventional filling ports, these AFVs are not readily identifiable. However, look for logos or decals.
Photo Courtesy of Ford Most alternative-fueled vehicles look like ordinary cars, trucks and buses. Look for decals or special filling ports.
There are two types of charging connections for EVs (usually 220 Vac). Conductive charging such as used by Ford and Chrysler is like the traditional method of connecting electrical equipment to power sources via plugs like those used on clothes dryers. With inductive charging used by General Motors, power is transferred via a magnetic field between the charger and charger port. A plastic paddle is inserted into the vehicle's charge port. The very large battery packs are usually found under the EV but may also be found in the trunk or under the hood. On an EV, a regular 12-volt battery is used for the radio, headlights and other accessories.
Copies of Identifying And Approaching Alternative-Fueled Vehicles are available from:
Office of Traffic Injury Control Programs • NHTSA, NTS-41
400 Seventh St., Washington, D.C. 20590
Fax: 202-366-7721 • http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Other sources of information are:
National Propane Gas Assn.
1600 Eisenhower Lane, Suite 100, Lisle, IL 60532
708-515-0600
National Gas Vehicle Assn.
1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1030, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 527-3022
Electric Transportation Coalition
701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 508-5995
American Methanol Institute
800 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 620, Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 467-5050
Renewable Fuels Assn. (Ethanol)
1 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 820, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 289-3835
Approaching AFV and EV Crashes
Firefighters, EMS personnel, hazmat teams, police officers and other emergency responders who arrive on scene of an alternative-fueled vehicle crash should be able to identify the specific fuel involved and secure the scene so rescue work and investigative procedures can begin. They also need to know when to call for trained personnel equipped with proper protective gear for assistance. The objective of this article is to protect the responders at the scene, occupants of the vehicles and bystanders.
These are the key features and emergency approach procedures for five of the most common types of alternative-fueled vehicles (AFVs).
For responders at the scene, the first objective is to identify the specific type of AFV. Look for fuel ports, distinctive profiles and markings on the vehicle. With few exceptions, these vehicles are not required to be identified and there are no standardized placards, logos or symbols for the identification of each type AFV as there are for railroad tank cars and trucks. Although this article includes several examples of identifying symbols for each type of alternative-fueled vehicle, these symbols may vary in size and color throughout the country.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Examples of identification symbols for LPG-fueled vehicles are:
Examples of identification symbols for CNG-fueled vehicles are:
Handling Emergency Incidents
If the vehicle is not on fire and no obvious leak is detected, stabilize and secure the vehicle by setting the brake, utilizing wheel chocks or other forms of cribbing as needed. Then, turn off the vehicle's ignition and turn the gas cylinder valve handle to the "off" position.
If the vehicle is on fire or a leak is detected, do not approach the vehicle. Secure the scene using non-sparking markers or cones. DO NOT USE FLARES!
Approaching the CNG or LPG vehicle that is leaking fuel or on fire should be attempted only when wearing proper protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. If you do not have the proper protective gear, equipment and training to deal with fire or hazardous materials emergencies, do not approach the vehicle. Create a safe zone and contact the proper response units in your area. Remember, most alternative-fueled-vehicle crashes do not require a hazmat response.
The greatest hazard of the LPG containers exposed to fire or excessive heat is BLEVE boiling liquid/ expanding vapor explosion. However, a CNG container exposed to fire can also fail, releasing dangerous amounts of fuel and/or flame but not BLEVE. When LPG fuel containers become compromised, the fuel converts from a liquid to a vapor that could produce a cloud.
Methanol Or Ethanol
Examples of identification symbols for methanol-fueled vehicles are:
Examples of identification symbols for ethanol-fueled vehicles are:
Methanol and ethanol use the vehicle's existing fuel tanks. Bus fleets are common users of these two types of fuels.
If there is no fire or leak, carefully approach the vehicle, turn off the driver's ignition switch and set the parking brake or use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle.
If fire is present, avoid the vehicle, secure the area and deny entry. Caution: a fire fueled by methanol or ethanol burns bright blue and can be difficult to see on a clear day.
If there is an obvious leak, you may approach the vehicle but use the same caution as when working around a traditional-fueled vehicle. When a leak or fire exists, call fire or hazmat services.
If you do not have the proper protective gear, equipment and training to deal with fire or hazmat emergencies, do not approach the vehicle. Create a safe zone and contact the appropriate response units in your area. DO NOT USE FLARES!
Electric-Powered Vehicles
Examples of identification symbols for electric-fueled vehicles are:
Look for an electric charging port on the side or front of the vehicle, the electric logo, a stepped-up roof line or a distinctive profile.
If there is no fire or battery liquid leak, carefully approach the vehicle, turn off the driver's off/on switch and set the parking brake or use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle. If smoke is visible, no one should approach the vehicle without self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Toxic fumes and vapors from damaged batteries can be carried in the smoke or steam.
If the vehicle is on fire or an obvious leak is detected, do not approach the vehicle. Secure the scene with non-sparking markers or cones and call the proper response unit. DO NOT USE FLARES!
When an electric vehicle has been in a severe crash and the normal safety features have been compromised, avoid approaching the vehicle when there is arcing under the hood.
Never cut into the battery pack or the traction cable, even if the high voltage has been shut down, because the battery pack can remain charged.
Since there still may be toxic fumes present around the vehicle after the fire is contained, only those with proper protective gear, equipment and training should participate in the cleanup.
Final Thoughts
- Identify the alternative-fueled vehicle by its special markings and equipment. Since most vehicles are modified, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will not help identify the vehicle.
- When approaching or working around any alternative-fueled vehicle, first stabilize and secure it by setting the brakes and utilizing wheel chocks or other forms of cribbing, especially if the vehicle is upside down or on its side. Turn off the ignition.
- Alternative fuel emergencies require non-sparking items such as cones to secure the scene. DO NOT USE FLARES!
- Methanol and ethanol may burn bright blue and the flames may be almost invisible on a bright day.
- When approaching electric vehicles, be aware of toxic vapors, gases, and fumes, even after a fire is extinguished. Avoid contact with fluids on the vehicle or with the ground runoff, as some may cause burns. However, if there is no fire, smoke or leaks, you may approach the vehicle, turn off the off/on switch, set the drive train parking brake (use wheel chocks if necessary) and look for the switch to shut down the high voltage.
- When vehicles at an incident are transporting alternative fuels as cargo or if a fueling station is involved, call hazmat responders and keep everyone away.
- CNG containers have been tested for their resistance to crashes and other external forces such as gun shots. However, dangerous leaks can come from ruptured connection fittings and lines.
- Emergency personnel should participate in prevention programs in the community. For example, if a local company has a fleet of AFVs, encourage it to understand these issues. Companies should contact local fire services, hazmat team or emergency planning officials for copies of available pre-incident plans in the community.
Post-crash safety precautions are critical, and it is imperative that law enforcement and other emergency personnel familiarize themselves with the differences between alternative and conventional fuels.
William D. Siuru Jr., Ph.D. and P.E., is a freelance writer specializing in automotive and aviation technology.James J. Onder, Ph.D., is with the Police Traffic Services Division of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
