FIRE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

This awareness-level program provides emergency responders with a practical introduction to lithium-ion battery technology, associated hazards, and emergency response considerations.  The course examines battery chemistry, common failure mechanisms, thermal runaway, and response strategies for incidents involving micro-mobility devices, consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and residential and commercial battery energy storage systems (BESS).  Students will gain the knowledge to recognize hazards, conduct effective risk assessments, and understand current firefighting and safety best practices for lithium-ion battery emergencies.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY EMERGENCIES: OPERATIONS

4 hours

This 4-hour operations-level program provides emergency responders with essential knowledge of lithium-ion battery hazards and safe response strategies.  Developed by FDNY Special Operations HazMat instructors with real-world experience, the course is delivered as instructor-led classroom instruction covering battery construction, thermal runaway, electrical hazards, PPE, suppression, and containment concepts.  Students will learn to recognize hazards, perform size-up, and apply safe mitigation strategies for incidents involving consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY EMERGENCIES: TECHNICIAN

8 hours

This comprehensive 8-hour technician-level program provides firefighters, hazmat technicians, and emergency responders with an in-depth understanding of lithium-ion battery technology, hazards, and advanced response strategies.  Developed by FDNY Special Operations HazMat instructors with extensive real-world experience, the course explores battery construction, chemistry, thermal runaway, fire operations, hazmat response, risk assessment, and tactical decision-making.  Through classroom instruction and live demonstrations, students will develop the knowledge and confidence to safely assess, mitigate, and manage complex lithium-ion battery incidents involving consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and battery energy storage systems (BESS).