Posted on 10/31/2007 4:00:42 PM PDT by freemike
“I’d like to give them a big thanks,” Delany said. “Nobody knew the dangers of these types of vehicles before we had this class.”
(Excerpt) Read more at sungazette.com ...
For example, the jaws of life usually are employed by cutting the car at the roof support. In hybrids, a high voltage cable runs through this area. Cutting through it with a tool like the jaws can create a ground fault. Batteries are DC, which produces a more damaging current physically than AC (although AC can cause a heart palpitation that can easily kill you). More likely you will damage the equipment, but it does pose a danger to the EMTs.
Shorting out batteries is always a risk of explosion. More bateries = more risk.
My question is, could there be a serious risk of electrocution for the occupants in accidents as well. Even in cases where perhaps it would not be a serious accident otherwise?
“For example, the jaws of life usually are employed by cutting the car at the roof support.”
Current practice is to keep the roof in place to maintain structural integrity of the vehicle.
I’m on A Fire Department (Volunteer). I don’t agree with this new practice.
We now carry a manual that details the structural components of all late model cars to assist us in extrication. If we need to refer to the book we are under orders not to let the public see us reading through it.
Hahahah! Nice! I shouldn’t be surprised though. Unibody construction cars could collapse if you cut the support, so I guess they’re playing it safe. That’s an interesting tidbit though, and an amusing anecdote to boot.
Hybrid vehicles have very high voltage, up to 500v. Careless handling can cause electrocution. Use insulated gloves, tools, and do not wear any metal objects. The same precautions a power-lineman would take. Do not touch any orange high voltage cables. Do not leave key in vehicle, and if it has a smart key, keep it at least 15 feet from vehicle. Do not push vehicle, it could start up and take off. This applies to Toyota’s hybrids but most are somewhat similar. Some differences are Toyota’s hybrids gas engines start up and shut down constantly but Honda’s hybrid gas engine runs full time.
Yeah,, and I wonder how many people realize this that own one.
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