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Alternative fuel vehicle safety training for tow operators

NFPA offers online safety training to tow operators as they increasingly engage in recovery operations involving alternatively fueled vehicles, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, bio-diesel and gaseous fuels such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), LPG (Liquid Propane Gas), and their recharging/refueling stations. The online training consists of a seven part educational video series that provides tow operators with the information they need to safely operate around the following types of AFVs: 
Electric & Hybrid Vehicles: Prepare to Respond - Tow Operator Edition
Section 1 –  Introduction
The first video provides an introduction to operating at incidents involving hybrid and electric vehicles. Vehicle types, high voltage batteries, systems, and vehicle safety systems are all addressed. Tow operators also learn initial on-scene steps to take and how to make the scene safe using the identify, immobilize, disable procedure.
 
Section 2 – Vehicle Recovery & Towing Considerations

The second video focuses on the different types of incidents that may be encountered. It covers vehicle recovery and towing considerations specific to electrified vehicles, and including safety procedures.

Section 3 – Special Considerations (Submersion & Vehicle Fires)

The third video takes a look at the proper methods for loading and transporting electrified vehicles. Special considerations such as submerged vehicles, damaged high voltage batteries and components, and removal of a vehicle following a fire are addressed. Safe procedures for post incident storage of an electrified vehicle is also covered.

 

Gaseous Fuel & Fuel Cell Vehicles: Prepare to Respond - Tow Operator Edition
Section 1 – Introduction 

The first video is an introduction to operating at incidents involving gaseous fuel vehicles. Vehicle types, natural gas and propane properties, systems, and vehicle safety systems are all addressed.

Section 2 – Initial On-Scene Steps

The second video reviews the initial steps that should be taken after arrival on scene and how to make the scene safe using the identify, immobilize, disable procedure.

Section 3 – Vehicle Recovery & Towing Considerations

The third video focuses on the different types of incidents that may be encountered. It covers vehicle recovery and towing considerations specific to gaseous fuel vehicles, including safety procedures.

Section 4 – Fuel Cell Vehicle Operations

The final video serves as an introduction to operating at incidents involving fuel cell vehicles. Vehicle types, hydrogen properties, systems, and vehicle safety systems are all addressed. This video also covers vehicle recovery and towing considerations specific to fuel cell vehicles, including safety procedures.

 

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