Honda Malaysia shares knowledge with Abang Bomba on responding to hybrid car accidents

The influx of hybrid or electric vehicles on our roads have required our first responders, such as Abang Bomba, to upskill themselves in tackling the wreckage or putting out the fire. Honda Malaysia, who carry a number of hybrid models, has continuously engaged with the Fire Department to educate them on the right methods in doing so.

Recently, they had another session with the Fire Department and carried out their Honda Hybrid Vehicle Rescue Manual Training.

The purpose of the training is Honda Malaysia’s way of ensuring that first responders possess the right knowledge and understand the stringent guidelines in the event they’re called to the scene of an accident involving Honda hybrid models.

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Most of the training centred around safely dealing with the bright orange high-voltage cables running around the car. This includes the safe spots to cut the body of the car without severing the cables. Additionally, the firemen were also taught how to disable the electrical system by pulling the master fuse and where it’s located.

Once started, the fire can be extremely difficult to put out. There have been cases of lithium-ion batteries in cars catching fire days after the crash.

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Furthermore, the burning of these batteries can release toxic gases into the immediate surroundings. Researcher has shown that over 100 toxic gases are releases. One of them is hydrogen fluoride and inhaling even a small amount can result in water in the lungs.

Therefore, the firemen need to be extra precautious and wear breathing apparatus in the event of a hybrid or EV battery fire.

The reason battery fires are near impossible to put out is due to the fact that it’s a chemical fire, meaning oxygen isn’t required.