Procedure in case of fire

UgoWork models W207, F324 and F424

Applicability

The procedure below applies to all UgoWork lithium-ion products, regardless of voltage or product generation.

Using this procedure

For your safety and the safety of everyone who comes into contact with the UgoWork product, please read and fully understand the contents of this procedure and the meaning of the following symbols:

Symbol	Description
	Instruction which, if not observed, may result in death.
	Instruction which, if not observed, could result in serious injury.
	Instruction which, if not observed, may result in minor injury or property damage.
	Important reminder.

Context

In the event of a lithium-ion battery fire involving a UgoWork battery, safety should be your top priority. Lithium-ion battery fires can be dangerous, and taking the right actions can help mitigate the risk. The figure below represents the location of the lithium cells (small cylinders) in the UgoWork products.

Lithium-ion cells in a UgoWork lithium-ion battery

Below is the recommended sequence of actions to follow:

	1. Ensure personal safety: Except for identified First Responders, evacuate all personnel from the immediate area and direct them outside the building as per the evacuation procedure in place.
	2. Emergency response: Dial the local emergency number to report the fire and request professional assistance. Specify that a lithium-ion fire is in progress.
	3. Isolate the area: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) if available, including fire-resistant clothing, gloves, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)  and eye protection. If possible, isolate the forklift or battery to prevent the fire from spreading. If it's safe to do so, move the forklift to an isolated area away from flammable materials or other lithium-ion batteries. If the fire cannot be extinguished, let the battery burn out in a controlled way. Prevent the fire from spreading by soaking the surrounding area with water.
	4. Cut power: If the battery is connected to a charging station, cut power by using the disconnect switch or electrical disconnector.
	5. Activate fire suppression systems: If there are fire suppression systems in the facility, such as fire extinguishers or sprinklers, activate them if it is safe to do so. 6. Lower the battery temperature with water: Use a copious amount of water to aim directly at the available openings to lower temperature and prevent thermal runaway. 24 V model 26 and 48 V models
	7. Evacuate the building: Use a copious amount of water to aim directly at the available openings to lower temperature and prevent thermal runaway.
	8. Contact UgoWork: Reach out to UgoWork service at 1-866-615-2191 to report the incident and seek guidance on how to handle the situation.
	9. Wait for professional assistance: Do not attempt to handle the fire if it is beyond your control. Wait for professional firefighters and hazardous materials teams to arrive and deal with the fire.

Battery re-ignition

It is recommended to immerse the battery completely in water and add copious amounts of salt. Salty water will improve heat transfer and discharge of the battery modules. Even after a lithium-ion battery fire has been contained and the flames extinguished, the battery cells may remain at elevated temperatures. Monitoring the temperature for at least 24 hours is necessary to ensure that the battery does not re-ignite or continue to generate heat internally.

Conclusion

The safety of personnel is paramount and it is essential to follow safety procedures, and when in doubt, prioritize your safety and the safety of others by evacuating and letting professionals handle the situation. Additionally, training on how to handle lithium-ion battery fires should be a part of the safety program for employees working with such equipment.

Note on lithium fire blankets

While it might seem logical to use a fire blanket specifically designed for lithium to extinguish a fire from a lithium-ion battery, it is not recommended for UgoWork products. The primary function of a fire blanket is to smother and contain debris, but the UgoWork enclosures are designed to contain and mitigate these effects.

Furthermore, relying solely on a fire blanket, even one designed for lithium fires, doesn’t address the critical issue of temperature control. and thermal runaway. While the fire blanket might smother the flames, it won't effectively reduce the temperature of the battery. To mitigate the risk of thermal runaway, it is recommended to use a cooling method, such as water, to dissipate heat and prevent further escalation. Water can help control the temperature of the battery and reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway, providing a more comprehensive approach to fire suppression.

Note on class B fire extinguishers

Class B fire extinguishers don’t adequately address the crucial need for temperature control in lithium-ion battery fires. The primary goal in mitigating such fires is not only to extinguish the flames but also to prevent thermal runaway by reducing the battery's temperature. Water, with its superior heat absorption capabilities, is the preferred option for this purpose. By using water, one can efficiently cool the battery and minimize the risk of thermal runaway, providing a more comprehensive and effective approach to managing lithium-ion battery fires in forklifts. 

Contact information

For First Responders who have questions, contact service at 1-866-615-2191 or service@ugowork.com.

Material safety data sheets

UgoWork Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available upon request. Contact us for more information.

Disclaimer

UgoWork endeavors to keep the material on this page accurate and up to date relative to the time of publication. Continuous improvement is in UgoWork’s DNA and we reserve the right to modify some or all of this material at any time, without notice.

The information and recommendations presented in this procedure are generic in nature and are based on sources believed to be accurate. They may not be suitable or optimal in certain user-specific operating circumstances. Accordingly, UgoWork assumes no liability for the accuracy, suitability or completeness of this information and assumes no liability resulting from its use. Users should ensure that their fire procedure is adequate according to their operating environment and circumstances and compliant with applicable Federal, State, Provincial and local laws and regulations.