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| Response Tactics for Battery Energy Storage Incidents |
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| Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the leading technology for residential and commercial battery storage. As Li-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) grow more prevalent and are relied on for more uses, incidents involving these batteries have become more frequent. Use the tips below to learn how to prevent ignition of compromised Li-ion batteries and respond to battery fires. |
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| The Stages of Battery Failure |
| Li-ion batteries may fail when they are damaged or subjected to intense heat. Learning to recognize the four main stages of battery failure will help you identify opportunities to safely initiate offensive tactics and prevent incident escalation. |
| Stages 1 and 2: De‑escalation Tactics |
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Electrically isolate the system and work with Tampa Electric personnel to verify that the involved system is disconnected from the utility’s electric grid. |
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Cool compromised battery cells with water. |
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Monitor off‑gassing. The off‑gassing phase is considered the best time to act. If possible, use positive pressure ventilation from a shielded position to reduce gas accumulation. |
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Consider where the gas is venting and may accumulate. Evacuate accordingly. |
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Consider the potential for ignition and explosion and establish defensive operations as the incident progresses from off‑gassing (Stage 2) to smoke generation (Stage 3). |
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Remember that conventional gas detection such as multi‑gas meters cannot provide sufficient warning of the transition to smoke generation. |
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| Stages 3 and 4: Operational Safety and Containment |
When off‑gassing gives way to smoke generation, you are at the tipping point. You must transition to a containment strategy and defensive operations. Prepare for a long-term incident with high-volume toxic and explosive gas production, persistent shock hazards, the potential for re‑ignition hours or even days after initial extinguishing, and the need for a sustained high‑volume water supply. Pursue slow and methodical containment actions. |
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Fighting a Battery Fire |
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Confirm with your dispatcher that Tampa Electric has been notified and is responding. |
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Always wear full PPE, including SCBA. |
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Always assume batteries and related system components are energized and contain stranded energy even when disconnected from the grid. Work with Tampa Electric to isolate all components and shut down the system. |
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Establish a high‑volume water supply. |
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Never use a straight stream or foam. Contain small fires with Class C extinguishing agents. Where Class C agents are impractical or when the fire is large, apply water in a 30-degree fog pattern at 100 psi. Avoid water discharges into storm drains or water bodies (wetlands, streams, etc.) to avoid spreading any potential contamination. Always remain at least 30 feet away from the battery when extinguishing the fire. |
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Consider the products of combustion to be highly toxic and volatile. Conduct thorough decontamination after any exposure to the products of combustion or electrolytes generated by Li-ion batteries. |
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Prepare for deflagration, rapid burning that may create a significant pressure wave, similar to an explosion. Take a defensive position at the corners of the structure. |
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Treat electrolyte release as a hazmat event, and follow your department’s SOPs for metering, monitoring, containment and decontamination. Ensure appropriate cleanup per health and safety requirements before the structure is reoccupied. |
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Seek advice from the BESS manufacturer via a technical assistance phone number or manual. |
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Use the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Guide 111, Mixed Load/Unidentified Cargo, and Guide 147, Lithium‑Ion Batteries, for evacuation and shelter‑in‑place guidance. |
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| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and safety awareness tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on Tampa Electric's e‑SMARTresponders website. |
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