Washington — Legislation just lately launched within the Senate is aimed toward making certain firefighters and different employees are correctly educated to answer emergencies involving electrical autos.
“Electric vehicles pose a unique challenge to first responders used to dealing with traditional vehicles,” a press launch from Sen. Ron Wyden’s (D-OR) workplace states. “Batteries are often damaged in accidents, exposing the passengers and emergency personnel to hazardous chemicals, electric shocks and battery fires. These fires are not only unusually hot, but they also can spontaneously reignite hours after they are extinguished.”
The launch provides that 75% of lively firefighters aren’t educated on EV emergency response.
The SAFER EVs Act (S. 4626), launched by Wyden on June 20, would direct federal companies to “coordinate efforts on EV security and testing requirements whereas offering first responders with correct training.
“First, the Energy Department would collaborate with the Transportation Department and various stakeholders to produce a technical report on EV safety information for emergency responders,” the discharge continues. “In addition, the Energy Department would need to consult with the National Fire Protection Association to update EV training standards and safety information and make them accessible.”
The invoice additionally would:
- Authorize $10 million a yr for state grants that assist widespread EV-specific training supply.
- Require the coordinating companies to revisit the technical report and replace it each three years to maintain up with technological and analysis developments.
- Require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to think about emergency response guides offered by the automobile producer when assessing a automobile’s New Car Assessment Program rating.
- Require the publication and distribution of EV emergency response guides to all first and second responders, comparable to tow truck operators and salvage yard house owners.
The invoice was referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
