2014 Nissan Pathfinder First Responder's Guide - Page 20

3-3 How to Handle a Damaged Vehicle at an Accident Scene NOTE: If any air bags have deployed in the following 3 situations, the high-voltage (HV) system has been designed to automatically shut off at the time of deployment. The Nissan Pathfinder HYBRID high-voltage system incorporates capacitors which are energized whenever the high-voltage system is on. If the high-voltage system is shut down (either through one of the built-in automatic mechanisms or manually through one of the procedures explained in this FRG), the capacitors will begin to gradually discharge. 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 an Nissan Pathfinder HYBRID, 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 2-2 High Voltage-Related and 12V-Related Component Locations and Descriptions (FRG-12). 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 never to cut through or damage any HV system wiring, battery or components within approximately 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 approximate 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. PPE must always be worn when touching or working on high voltage components. FRG-20