safer in a accident
Posted - 08 February 2008 : 15:54:18
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I came accros this information while working with the Fire and Rescue service, but as it applies equally to those who recover accident damaged vehicles and to a lessor degree to those who work on these vehicles after an apparent breakdown, I am sure they will not mind me sharing it with you all.

To all concerned,

Please find below, information supplied courtesy of the police which has arisen from a recent fatal vehicle accident involving a Toyota Prius (petrol / electric hybrid vehicle), various issues have arisen regarding the safety of emergency service personnel when dealing with this type of vehicle.

Unlike the conventional combustion engine vehicles we are all familiar with, petrol / electric hybrid vehicles have both combustion engines and electric batteries and motors for power. The engine compartment of hybrid vehicles contains both the combustion engine and the Synergy (electric) drive unit. This hybrid technology has recently been sold to Ford and will be available shortly in various vehicles in their fleet.

Electrical Systems

Toyota and Lexus hybrids are fitted with 4 electrical systems ranging from the normal 12 volt (DC) vehicle system to a nominal 288 volt (DC) system and a maximum 650 volt (AC) system.

Many safety features are incorporated into the electrical system to ensure there is no possibility of electric shock when touching the metal chassis / body panels of these vehicles.

The high voltage cable system is contained within orange coloured armoured cables routed from the battery pack, under the vehicle, along the side of the transmission tunnel to the engine bay.

The high voltage system is designed to automatically shut down in a collision that activates the SRS (Airbag and Seatbelt pre-tensioner system).

The high voltage system may remain powered for UP TO 10 MINUTES after the vehicle is shut off or disabled.

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM SEVERE BURNS OR ELECTRIC SHOCK AVOID TOUCHING OR OPENING ANY ORANGE HIGH VOLTAGE POWER CABLE OR COMPONENT ATTACHED TO THIS SYSTEM.

Battery Packs

Toyota and Lexus hybrids are fitted with a high voltage, nickel metal hybrid pack which is situated under the boot floor to the rear of the rear passenger seats.

The batteries are non-spill and sealed in plastic cases within a securely mounted metal case, which is isolated from the high voltage system. The manufacturer states that these batteries will not normally leak following a collision. However, personnel should note that the battery contents are a caustic alkaline with a PH OF 13.5.

THE CONTENTS OF THESE BATTERIES ARE THEREFORE CAPABLE OF CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO HUMAN TISSUE

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Toyota and Lexus advise that on arrival, emergency services should follow their standard operating procedures for vehicle incidents. Emergencies involving hybrid vehicles may be handled like other vehicles except as noted above in relation to the battery packs and electrical systems.

If the ignition is turned off the instrument panel will not be illuminated, however if the word READY is illuminated on the instrument panel the ignition is on and the vehicle is powered and ready to drive.

NEVER ASSUME THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS SILENT.

The petrol engine of the Toyota Prius involved in the recent fatal accident started some 30 minutes after the collision as the main high voltage batteries required to be re-charged.

The key should be kept AT LEAST 5 metres away from the vehicle as many hybrids have "smart" or "proximity" keys that do not have to be inserted into the ignition before the vehicle can be started.

great post - I heard this a few years ago while working within the Auto industry - a key development engineer at my old companys headquarters in Japan said Toyota/Lexus raised these issues some years ago - interesting stuff