Project Title
Development of Emergency Response Protocol (ERP) for Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs)
Partner Agency
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
Project Description
To ensure safety of the public as the major concern with the introduction of new technology, the Department of Energy (DOE) collaborated with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). BFP, the lead agency in the prevention and suppression of destructive fires on buildings including land transportation vehicles and equipment, was tasked to develop an emergency response protocol for vehicles powered by alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity. In line with this, the project aims to accomplish the following:
1. develop an emergency response protocol and provide basic and advanced knowledge and skills in fire-fighting techniques involving public utility vehicles (PUVs) fueled by alternative fuels (AFs)
2. train and capacitate key stakeholders e.g., for AF Program’s Technical Working Groups (TWGs) involved in the implementation of the AFs Programs.
Outputs and Accomplishments
The BFP formed a TWG to develop the Emergency Response Protocol (ERP). BFP- TWG was divided into three subcommittees based on the type of alternative fuel used (AutoLPG fueled, CNG fueled, and electricity powered). In the commencement of the project, the BFP collaborated with the DOE via a pre-writeshop session to discuss and consolidate the outputs of subcommittees. In the session, both parties agreed to include three (3) major emergency situations; fire, crash, and leak/discharge of vehicle’s fuel. They formulated a flowchart that will serve as the template for the development of detailed ERP.
Subsequently, BFP-TWG facilitated a workshop meeting with the DOE-AFETD staff to present their detailed protocol specific to each emergency situation previously mentioned. DOE-AFETD provided their inputs in which the BFP-TWG addressed and incorporated in their outputs. The ERP is intended to be made part of BFP Operation Manual to be used by their responders nationwide. The BFP-TWG is now preparing to simulate the ERP to test its effectiveness.
Ultimately, the BFP-TWG were able to:
- Develop a manual on emergency response protocol and basic and enhanced knowledge and skills in fire-fighting techniques involving Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) fueled by Alternative Fuels (AFs)
- Develop a training module on emergency response protocol and firefighting techniques for AF Program’s TWG members/trainors
- Provide training on emergency safety measures for TWG members
- Conduct simulation training on emergency response and firefighting techniques involving AF vehicles.
Remarks/Status
As of March 2021, BFP is preparing for the printing of the emergency response protocol guidebook.
