Incidents Involving Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Use the menu on the left to learn how battery energy storage systems work and the risks they pose to first responders. You will learn the stages of battery failure, response tactics for each stage, and how to protect yourself, your team and the public during incidents involving residential, commercial and utility-scale systems.
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Module Topics
- BESS Battery Types
- Current Uses of Li-ion Batteries
- Know the Hazards
- Li-ion Battery Structure
- Understanding Thermal Runaway and Propagation
- Four Stages of Battery Failure
- Stage 1: Abuse
- Stage 2: Off-Gassing
- The Tipping Point
- Stages 3 and 4: Smoke and Fire Generation
- Anticipating Thermal Runaway and Battery Failure
- Determining the Stage of Battery Failure
- Tactical Considerations for Mitigation
- Tactical Considerations for Containment
- Battery Management Systems
- Response Guidance and Intervention Tactics
- Utility-Scale and Large Commercial Installations
- Evacuation and Isolation
- Team Safety Considerations
- Review