NISSAN 2012 LEAF - First Responder's Guide - Manual (Page 15)

gradually discharge. After 5 minutes, the voltage level will have dropped below 60V, and complete
discharge requires approximately 10 minutes after high-voltage system shut down. It is within this period of
time that responders must be most cautious.
When arriving to an incident involving a Nissan LEAF, the vehicle should be approached with caution and
inspected for the level of damage. In addition to overall vehicle condition (location and severity of body
damage, air bag deployment, etc.), the high-voltage system should be assessed specifically. The locations
of the high-voltage component parts are illustrated in this FRG. Refer to
2-1 High Voltage-Related and 12V-
Related Component Locations and Descriptions . Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must
always be worn when approaching a vehicle of unknown condition, as described in this FRG.
Situation 1) High voltage system intact, occupants can be accessed without extrication tools
The HV system can be shut down by following the procedure in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, occupant assistance can begin immediately, and no wait period is necessary.
Situation 2) High voltage system intact, occupants cannot be accessed without extrication tools
The HV system can be shut down by following the procedure in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, absolute care must be taken not to cut through or damage any HV system
wiring, battery or components within ten (10) minutes of HV system shut down, but occupant assistance
operations using extrication equipment can begin immediately. The locations of the HV components are
illustrated in this guide.
Situation 3) High-voltage (HV) system damaged
If there is any evidence that the HV system has been compromised (such as arcing/sparking, orange wiring
harnesses cut or damaged, HV component casings damaged, etc.), the responder may still be at risk of
high voltage exposure. The vehicle must be approached with extreme caution prior to initiating any system
shut down procedures or rendering assistance to occupants. Appropriate PPE must always be worn as
described in this guide, and the ten (10) minute wait time must be observed after HV system shut down in
order to ensure the system is de-energized.
In rare situations where vehicle damage is very severe, HV system shut down procedures as described in
this guide may not work. In these instances extreme caution and appropriate risk management must be
followed to prevent shock or electrocution to the responder or occupant.
3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-Down Procedure
Any of the following procedures can shut down the high voltage system. The first response operation should
only begin after shutting down the high voltage system. If the vehicle is heavily damaged, for example the
Li-ion battery is deformed, broken or cracked, appropriate PPE must always be used and the Li-ion battery
and high voltage components must not be touched.
• Failure to properly shut down the high voltage system before the Emergency
Response Procedures are performed will result in serious injury or death from
electrical shock. To prevent serious injury or death, DO NOT touch high voltage
harnesses or components without always wearing appropriate PPE.
• When contact with high voltage components or high voltage harnesses is
unavoidable, or when there is risk of such contact, you must always wear appropriate
PPE.
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