Approaching A Damaged High Voltage Vehicle
1. FOLLOW EXISTING TRAINING AND INCIDENT COMMANDER DIRECTION
This guide only provides supplemental information as it pertains to the Escape Hybrid . The same rules apply when approaching any potential high voltage situation. Always follow your high voltage safety training. Some pre-cautions to take in any high voltage situation include:
- Remove all jewelry, watches, necklaces, earrings, etc. Metal objects are conductors of electricity.
- Wear the necessary protective clothing (high voltage rubber gloves, face shield, insulated boots, protective raincoat or apron)
- Bring the following equipment:
- Class ABC type fire extinguisher
- A non-conductive object - about 5 feet long (1.5 meters) - used to safely push someone away from the vehicle if they accidentally become in contact with high voltage.
2. APPROACHING A DAMAGED VEHICLE
- Disable the high voltage electrical system using as many of the following steps as possible.
- Secure the vehicle - Put the shift lever into Park. Remove the ignition key. Block the wheels if necessary. Removing the ignition key or turning it to the off position will disconnect the high voltage system.
- Disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt battery this will also disconnect the high voltage.
- If possible - remove the High Voltage Service Disconnect Switch by turning it counter clockwise and lifting out. (See section on Hybrid components for location). The High Voltage Service Disconnect Switch should be re-inserted into the service or shipping position.
WARNING Removing the High Voltage Service Disconnect Switch disconnects high voltage from the vehicle. The individual cells inside the battery pack will still be charged. Do not cut into the high voltage battery case or penetrate the batteries in any way.
SPECIAL NOTES
If the vehicle is on fire - use Class ABC powder type extinguisher to contain and smother the flames OR if water is to be used - use large amounts (i.e. from a fire hydrant).
If the vehicle has any exposed cables - make sure you are wearing insulated gloves and other protective clothing. Do not touch any broken or damaged orange cables. Treat severed lines as if they contain high voltage.
If the vehicle is submerged in water - do not touch any high voltage components or cables while extricating the occupant. Do not remove the vehicle until you are sure the high voltage battery is completely discharged. A submerged high voltage battery may produce a fizzing or bubbling reaction. The high voltage battery will be discharged when the fizzing or bubbling has completely stopped. FCS-14265-05
3. WHAT DO I DO IF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CASE HAS BEEN RUPTURED?
- Just like any other battery - hose the area down with large amounts of water.
4. MOVING DAMAGED VEHICLES - WRECKER DRIVERS
- Turn the vehicle ignition key to the accessory position to release the locking steering wheel.
- If possible - remove the High Voltage Service Disconnect Switch by turning it counter clockwise and lifting out. Reinstall in the service/shipping position.
- Follow guidelines in the Wrecker Tow Manual.
Front Tow: Wheel Lift with Dolly for 4WD and no Dolly for FWD
Rear Tow: Wheel lift with Dolly for all
Flat bed: Front and Rear
5. SPECIAL NOTE TO SALVAGE YARDS
- If this vehicle and high voltage battery are to be scrapped - the high voltage battery must be disposed of properly. Contact Inmeto toll free at 1 866-220-0595 to schedule battery removal for scrap/ recycling.