JLG X17J Plus Operator Manual - Manual (Page 146)

7.23.3.4 LITHIUM BATTERY FIRE
All metals may burn in certain conditions, which depend on certain factors such as: physical
state, presence of oxidising atmospheres and severity of the source of ignition. Alkali metals
such as lithium may burn in normal atmospheres. In addition, lithium reacts explosively
with water to form hydrogen and the presence of small quantities of water may set fire to the
material and the hydrogen gas that is released. Once metal fires start they are very hard to
extinguish with ordinary equipment. This is partly due to the strong heat produced by the
burning metal, whose temperature may reach 1000°C. In addition, lithium may react with
certain materials commonly used in fire extinguishers, like water and CO2.
Special extinguishers are required, designed for controlling and extinguishing lithium fires.
In particular, graphite‑based extinguishers (Lith‑x) are used. Usually these extinguishers
work by forming a crust or a layer of material on the surface of the burning metal. Lith‑x,
which is a common graphite‑based agent, may be used with an extinguisher or spread over
the fire. In the event of lithium fire, the room may fill with a dense white smoke, mostly for‑
med by lithium oxide and other metal oxides. This condition may cause serious damage to
the respiratory tract, skin and eyes. All precautions needed to limit exposure to these fumes
must be adopted. It should be noted that this procedure is applicable only to fires on indivi‑
dual cells. Larger fires have to be managed only by professionally trained personnel. Finally,
it should be noted that in the presence of combustible materials other than lithium it is advi‑
sable to use different types of extinguishers in conjunction to better ensure the extinguishing
action of each on the appropriate material, however do not use water or CO2 extinguishers
directly on lithium fires.
• Minimum equipment required
‑ Class D fire extinguisher
‑ Class ABC extinguisher for any secondary fires
‑ Breathing apparatus
‑ Fireproof clothing
‑ Fireproof gloves
‑ Mask or protective glasses
‑ Non‑conductive pliers
‑ Dustpan, mineral oil
• Procedure
‑ In the event of fire on one cell, a team of experienced fire‑fighting personnel has to be
contacted. The personnel must be properly trained to fight lithium battery fires.
‑ Evacuate personnel from all areas and sound the fire alarm.
‑ The fire‑fighting personnel go to the area where the fire is located and gather all the
information regarding the situation and the person who gave the alarm.
‑ Quarantine the area. Air the rooms until the burning material has been removed from
the area and the characteristic pungent odour has disappeared.
‑ Two members of the team enter the area with appropriate safety equipment.
Note: lithium melts at 180°C. It becomes highly reactive and when it catches fire it may
eject molten lithium particles. For this reason the surrounding cells may overheat and
cause a violent explosion. The fire‑fighting personnel must pay attention to any dange‑
BOOM LIFT MODELS X17JPLUS
JLG
142 X17JPR0020413