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AP P ROAC H I N G

ALT E R NAT I V EFU E L E D VE H I C L E

CR A S H E S

EM E R G E N C Y PE R S O N N E L

The purpose of this brochure is to assist law enforcement officers, fire services, emergency medical service

providers and other public safety personnel who arrive

on the scene of an alternative-fueled vehicle crash.

Emergency personnel must identify the specific type of

fuel and secure the scene so rescue work can begin.

They also need to know when to call for trained 

personnel equipped with proper protective gear for

assistance. The goal is to protect the first arriving

emergency responders, occupants of the vehicles, 

and bystanders at the scene.
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Described below are the key features and emergency approach procedures for

five of the most common types of alternative-fueled vehicles (AFV).

The first objective is to identify the specific type of alternative-fueled vehicle. Look

for special fuel ports, distinctive profiles, and any written markings on the vehicle.

Except for selected local areas, these vehicles are not required to be identified

and there are no standardized placards, logos or symbols for the identification of

each type of AFV as there are for railroad tank cars and trucks. We have included

several examples of identifying symbols for each alternative-fueled vehicle, howeve r, these symbols may vary in size and color.

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) AND COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG)

Examples of identification symbols for LPG-fueled vehicles are:

Examples of identification symbols for CNG-fueled vehicles are:

LOCATING THE LPG OR CNG FUEL CONTAINERS

In most LPG or CNG vehicles, containers will be found in the trunk area, under

the side panel of a van or school bus, on the frame, or in the bed of a pick up

truck. Expect a majority of the vehicles to be owned by a fleet service such as

buses, taxi cabs, or utility companies.

HANDLING EMERGENCY INCIDENTS

If the vehicle is not on fire and no obvious leak is detected, stabilize and secure

the vehicle by setting the brake, utilizing wheel chocks or other forms of cribbing as needed. Then turn off the vehicle's ignition and turn the gas cylinder

valve handle to the “off” position.

If the vehicle is on fire or a leak is detected, do not approach the vehicle.

Secure the scene with non-sparking markers or cones. DO NOT USE FLARES!
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Approaching the CNG or LPG vehicle that is leaking fuel or on fire should only be

attempted when wearing proper clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.

If you do not have the proper protective gear, equipment and training to deal with

fire or HazMat emergencies, do not approach the vehicle. Create a safe zone and

contact the proper response units in your area. Remember, in most cases, an

alternative-fueled vehicle in a crash should not require a HazMat response.

The greatest hazard of the LPG containers exposed to fire or extreme heat is

BLEVE (boiling liquid/expanding vapor explosion). However, a CNG container

exposed to fire can also fail, releasing dangerous amounts of fuel and/or flame.

When LPG fuel containers become compromised, the fuel converts from a liquid

to a vapor that could rapidly produce a sizeable vapor cloud which may ignite

and flash back to the fuel source.

METHANOL AND ETHANOL

Examples of identification symbols for methanol-fueled vehicles are:

Examples of identification symbols for ethanol-fueled vehicles are:

LOCATING THE METHANOL AND ETHANOL TANKS

Both of these fuels are used in the vehicle's existing fuel tanks. Bus fleets are

common users of these two types of fuels.

HANDLING EMERGENCY INCIDENTS

If there is no fire or leak, carefully approach the vehicle, turn off the driver's ignition switch and set the parking brake or use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle.

If fire is present, stay away from the vehicle, secure the area and deny entry.

Caution: a fire fueled by methanol or ethanol burns bright blue and can be difficult to see on a clear day.
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If there is an obvious leak, you may approach the vehicle, but use the same caution as when working around a traditional-fueled vehicle. When a leak or fire

exists, call fire or HazMat services.

If you do not have the proper protective gear, equipment and training to deal with

fire or HazMat emergencies, do not approach the vehicle. Create a safe zone and

contact the appropriate response units in your area. DO NOT USE FLARES.

ELECTRIC

Examples of identification symbols for electric-fueled vehicles are:

Look for an electric charging port on the side or front of the vehicle, the electric

logo, a stepped-up roof line or a distinctive profile.

LOCATING THE ELECTRIC BATTERIES

These vehicles are powered by batteries, as high as 300 volts, usually located

under the hood, in the trunk or under the vehicle. A separate, traditional 12 volt

battery is still needed to operate the vehicle's electric features such as the radio

or headlights.

HANDLING EMERGENCY INCIDENTS

If there is no fire or battery liquid leak, carefully approach the vehicle, turn off

the driver's off/on switch, and set the parking brake or use wheel chocks to

secure the vehicle.

If smoke is visible, NO ONE SHOULD APPROACH THE VEHICLE without selfcontained breathing apparatus. Toxic fumes and vapors from damaged batteries

can be carried in the smoke or steam.

If the vehicle is on fire, or an obvious leak is detected, do not approach the

vehicle. Secure the scene with non-sparking markers or cones and call the

appropriate response units. DO NOT USE FLARES!
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When an electric vehicle has been in a severe crash and the normal safety features have been compromised, avoid approaching the vehicle when there is arcing under the hood.

Never cut into the battery pack or the traction cable, even if the high voltage has

been shut down, because the battery pack can remain charged.

Since there still may be toxic fumes present around the vehicle after the fire is

contained, only those with proper protective gear, equipment and training should

participate in the cleanup.

FINAL THOUGHTS...

• Identify the alternate fueled vehicle by its special markings and equipment. Since most vehicles are modified, the Vehicle Identification Code

(VIN) will not help identify the vehicle.

• When approaching or working around any alternative-fueled vehicle,

first stabilize and secure it by setting the brakes and utilizing wheel

chocks or other forms of cribbing, especially if the vehicle is upside

down or on its side. Turn off the ignition.

• Alternative fuel emergencies require non-sparking items such as cones

to secure the scene. DO NOT USE FLARES!

• Methanol and ethanol may burn bright blue and the flames may be

almost invisible on a clear day.

• When approaching electric vehicles, be aware of toxic vapors, gases, and

fumes, even after a fire is extinguished. Avoid contact with fluids on the

vehicle or the ground run-off, as some may cause burns. However, if there

is no fire, smoke or battery liquid leaks, you may approach the vehicle,

turn off the off/on switch, set the drive train parking brake (use wheel

chocks if necessary) and look for the switch to shut down the high voltage.

• When vehicles at an incident are transporting alternative fuels as cargo

or if a fueling station is involved, call the local HazMat services and

keep everyone away.

• CNG containers have been tested for their resistance to crashes and

other external forces such as gun shots. Dangerous leaks can come

from ruptured connection fittings and lines.
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• Emergency personnel should participate in prevention programs in the

c o m m u n i t y. For example, if a company has a fleet of alternative-fueled

vehicles, encourage them to understand these issues. Companies

should contact their local fire services, HazMat team, or Local

Emergency Planning Committee for copies of available pre-incident

plans in the community.

Post-crash safety precautions are critical, and it is imperative that emergency

personnel familiarize themselves with the differences between alternative and

conventional fuels.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

National Propane Gas Association

1600 Eisenhower Lane, Suite 100

Lisle, Illinois 60532

(708)515-0600 

National Gas Vehicle Coalition

1515 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1030

Arlington, VA 22209

(703)527-3022

Electric Transportation Coalition

701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 508-5995

Renewable Fuels Association (Ethanol)

1 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 820

Washington, DC 20001

(202)289-3835

American Methanol Institute

800 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 620

Washington, DC 20006

(202)467-5050

DOT HS 808 400 June 1996

For additional copies: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov (Go to: Enforc e m e n t )