AbstractThe first and second responder communities are increasingly encountering alternative fueled and electric vehicles. As such, the need is being addressed for collaboration between the automotive OEMs and the responder communities to indentify and manage the unique hazards these vehicles may present in emergency situations, and in the aftermath. SAE J2990 is the first effort to meet such a need. It is a recommended practice for first and second response to hybrid and electric vehicles. As planned, SAE J2990/1 is in early development. It is a subsequent recommended practice to address gaseous hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles first and second response. Like its parent document, J2990/1 is getting input from all representative stakeholders who will benefit from, and utilize the document. SAE J2990/1 will specifically address the fuel storage and fuel cell systems, while the high voltage elements will be referenced back to SAE J2990. This suite of standards is expected to be useful in harmonizing how the first and second responders recognize and manage the technologies employed in contemporary alt fuel and electric vehicles, and those at the brink of commercialization.

SAE J2990/1-Hydrogen Vehicle 1st and 2nd ResponseJennifer Hamilton, Safety & Education Specialist

California Fuel Cell Partnershipjjhamilton@cafp.org

ScopeElectric and alternative fueled vehicles present different hazards for first and second responders than conventional gasoline internal combustion engines. Hydrogen vehicles including Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) involved in incidents may present unique hazards associated with the fuel storage and high voltage systems. The electrical hazards associated with the high voltage systems of hybrid-electric vehicles and FCVs are already addressed in the parent document, SAE J2990. This Recommended Practice therefore addresses electric issues by reference to J2990 and supplements J2990, to address the potential consequences associated with hydrogen vehicle incidents and suggest common procedures to help protect emergency responders, tow and/or recovery, storage, repair, and salvage personnel after an incident has occurred. Industry design standards and tools were studied and where appropriate, suggested for responsible organizations to implement.

RationaleMany countries are adopting goals to increase the use of alternative fuels for vehicles, including hydrogen. The use of this alternative fuel in the automotive sector creates additional procedures that are not already addressed in SAE J2990 associated with the hydrogen storage systems and potential leakage of flammable gas. First and second responders must take special measures when working around hydrogen vehicles, regardless of their condition. Considerable work is needed to develop common and consistent procedures for emergency responders across the automotive industry towing, storage, repair and salvage personnel.

Acknowledgements• Spencer Quong, Spencer Quong & Associates- J2990/1 co-sponsor• Todd Mackintosh, GM- J2990 sponsor• Glenn Scheffler- SAE FC Safety Working Group Chair• SAE Hybrid Vehicle Task Force