Equipped with D-type fire extinguishers and automatic fire extinguishing devices…Establishing a systematic safety net through joint training and manuals for public transportation,
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Firefighters suppressing battery fire in subway line 3 special car
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Firefighters are suppressing a fire originating from the battery of a special car on the subway line 3 track between Dogok Station and Daechi Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 1st. 2024.7.1 [Provided by Gangnam Fire Station. Redistribution and DB prohibition] photo@yna.co.kr,
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, ‘ (Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Kihun = In response to recent lithium battery fires, Seoul City has put forward fire management measures for buses, subways, taxis, and other public transportation vehicles equipped with batteries.’,
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, ‘ For public transportation directly related to public safety like electric buses and subways, dedicated D-type fire extinguishers for lithium battery fires will be increased. Fire prevention facilities will be installed at charging stations and parking lots to prevent major fires.’,
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, ” The city announced the ‘Safety Management and Accident Prevention Measures in the Transportation Sector Related to Lithium Battery Fires’ based on these contents on the 8th.”,
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, ‘ Lithium batteries are highly reactive to fire, making it difficult to suppress due to chain reactions and potential explosions. In particular, extinguishing them with dry sand or D-type metal fire extinguishers is necessary to prevent overheating and explosions upon direct contact with water.’,
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, ‘ According to the city, there are currently 34 lithium battery-equipped motor cars and 484 electric cars in Seoul subway stations. There are also 1,402 electric city buses, 302 electric village buses, and 6,793 electric taxis.’,
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, ‘ Other related facilities include 19 electric bus garages, 53 corporate taxi garages, 3 LPG charging stations, and 54 public parking lots.’,
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, ‘ The city will implement tailored fire management strategies for each mode of transportation.’,
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, ‘ Initially, until the safety of lithium battery-equipped motor cars in subway stations is ensured, they will operate using diesel engine systems. Additionally, all operating motor cars will be equipped with D-type fire extinguishers.’,
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, ‘ Earlier on the 1st, a track motor car caught fire between Dogok Station and Daechi Station in the downtrack section of subway line 3.’,
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, ‘ Fortunately, as the incident occurred before the start of service, there were no traffic disruptions or casualties, but had the fire spread underground, it could have potentially led to a major disaster.’,
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, ‘ By March next year, the city will significantly enhance fire facilities by deploying automatic fire extinguishing devices that detect internal temperature changes in lithium battery cabins and discharge specialized fire-fighting agents when overheating occurs, along with automated fire suppression devices in battery rooms.’,
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, ” Long-term plans include creating a ‘Lithium Battery Fire Response Manual’ by the end of next year for sharing, and requesting government improvements such as setting battery technology standards for railway vehicles.”,
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Cylindrical lithium battery igniting
(Daegu=Yonhap News) Reporter Yun Kwan-sik = A cylindrical lithium battery igniting before a demonstration of a ‘fire extinguishing device for lithium battery fires’ held at the Guardkay Daegu Factory in Seo-gu, Daegu on the 27th. 2024.6.27 psik@yna.co.kr,
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, ‘ D-type fire extinguishers will also be provided for around 1,700 electric city buses and village buses in the future, and electrical safety managers will be appointed by transport companies to establish a safe operating environment.’,
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, ‘ By enhancing regular inspections by specialized companies, field management standards will be strengthened, and thorough driver education will be conducted to enable rapid initial response in case of fires.’,
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, ‘ Bus charging station management will also be strengthened.’,
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, ‘ Fire extinguisher provision will be made mandatory, and regular joint training will be conducted to ensure systematic initial fire response, coordination with relevant agencies upon fire occurrence, and dispersal of surrounding vehicles.’,
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, ‘ For electric taxis, intensive education on fire prevention and on-site response for drivers will be conducted.’,
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, ‘ Support will be provided for the purchase of dedicated fire extinguishers to enhance safety measures.’,
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, ‘ Inspection of rental device storage facilities and charging stations for personal mobility devices (PM) such as kick scooters will be conducted on-site. A comprehensive survey of rental companies will be conducted this month, and actions will be taken accordingly based on the results.’,
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, ‘ In addition, plans include requesting government improvements to include battery charging facilities and safety standard provisions in laws related to PM.’,
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, ‘ Parking facility safety management will also be enhanced.’,
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, ‘ In all public parking lots, prioritized installation of 5 legal safety facilities (water barrier, fire-resistant cloth, thermal imaging camera, multi-floor water supply equipment, upward water jet device) and fire extinguishers for large-scale fire suppression for electric vehicle fires, among other fire safety facilities, will be carried out.’,
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, ‘ Yoon Jong-jang, Director of Transportation at Seoul City, stated, “By strengthening pre-inspections of public transportation facilities, I will thoroughly prepare proactive fire prevention measures and response plans for early suppression so that citizens can use public transport with peace of mind and convenience.”‘,
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, ‘ kihun@yna.co.kr’,
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