Analysis of Actions of the State Emergencies Service of Ukraine While Extinguishing Fires on Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Electric and hybrid vehicles, which involve road accidents and fires, present unique risks associated with high voltage systems. These hazards are divided into three separate categories: chemical, electrical and thermal. The possible effects may vary, but are not limited to the size, configuration, and chemical composition of the battery. Operational and rescue units of Ukraine in case of road accidents are guided by the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and methodological recommendations. These documents cover actions during fires and emergencies in electric vehicles are quite concise and need to be significantly expanded and provide the necessary recommendations to prevent injuries to personnel during rescue operations and firefighting in this type of vehicle. The article comparative analysis of normative documents, methods and actions of rescue units of Ukraine with recommendations and methods of other states, in case of fires on hybrid and electric vehicles, identification of shortcomings in order to further provide recommendations for improving existing management documents, taking into account experience and practice abroad. According to the results of the analysis, the guidelines of the Rescue Service of Ukraine do not contain a clear list of exercises that can coordinate the actions of rescuers and increase their personal safety with the following sequence of actions: car identification, immobilization, disconnection of power sources, rescue. Actions on extinguishing cars are very briefly reviewed, it is not clear for what reasons the use of air-mechanical foam is prohibited. Methods of extinguishing ordinary cars with internal combustion engines on gasoline and diesel, and recommendations for the use of fire extinguishers during firefighting on these vehicles in the regulations are not available at all. electric and hybrid vehicles need significant revision and improvement, taking into account the experience of other countries in the field of rescue and firefighting.