BusTalk

[Bill D]

In one of the more unusual work assignments that I have had over the years, I spent the last few days giving hybrid bus orientation sessions to the Waterbury Fire Department. Both New Flyer and the FTA recommend making local emergency responders aware when hybrid buses are placed into service. The high voltage components in these vehicles can be deadly if not handled properly in an emergency. In preparation, I spent time reading the service manuals and other documentation provided with the buses and put together a presentation. I requested that a second hybrid bus be made available, in order to have one set up with scaffolding to view the roof top components, and the other to view at ground level. A regular diesel bus was also available for comparison.

My presentation began with an introduction to the changes about to be made to our fleet, then a walk around to show the identifying features of the hybrid bus. Next was an explanation of the high voltage components used, starting at the drive unit and high voltage cabling in the engine compartment. Firefighters were also shown the location of the battery disconnect switch, and their questions led to a discussion of alternate ways to disconnect power if the switch was inaccessible during an emergency.

We next toured the inside of the bus, where I pointed out items such as the parking brake valve, master run switch, door controls and emergency exits. I also described the vehicle's fire supression system, and components and lines hidden behind the interior light panels. I also pointed out the control module for the hybrid system in on of the electrical compartments.

Finally, we went to the scaffolding and ascended to the roof of the bus. There, the firefighters were able to see close up the energy storage system (battery pack), AC/DC inverter and high voltage cables.

Over the course of four days, around 200 firefighters, from all shifts at every fire station in the city, attended the sessions, and not only became familiar with the hybrid buses, but provided good feedback about potential emergency scenarios. We plan on having an ongoing sharing of information as we become more experienced on the hybrid buses. Hopefully there will be no major emergencies, but if so, the responders will have the knowledge to deal with them safely and effectively.

Bill


Waterbury firefighters arriving for one of the orientation sessions.

[bystander]

Good planning, and very important,too. I remember going through training with the fire company when the shock absorbing bumpers first came out. If the fire gets to the absorbing cylinders, they COULD explode. Never saw one do that, but it could happen.

[traildriver]

It sounds like a very important training exercise. It makes me wonder who should have primary responsibility for this--the bus operator or the bus manufacturer.
In the case of automobiles, clearly it had to be the manufacturer. Toyota did so when the Prius hybrids first came out.