The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the launch of an online version of its electric vehicle safety training course for first responders. The online curriculum is based on the classroom sessions currently being delivered across the country. The NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training Project, funded by a $4.4 million grant from the DOE, has been completed in 32 states so far, and aims to train first responders in all 50 states by 2013.

The self-paced, interactive program covers the same topics as the classroom course, including basic electrical concepts, vehicle identification methods, immobilization and disabling procedures, extrication operations, battery fires, incidents involving charging stations, and high voltage battery damage.

“We are delighted to release the online version of our popular and growing EV training course,” said the NFPA’s Andrew Klock. “This invaluable training gives firefighters and first responders easy access to resources and materials necessary to respond to emergencies involving electric vehicles and is an important part of our overall electric vehicle education program.”  

www.evsafetytraining.org

  Image: National Fire Protection Association