BESS Hazards & Near Misses
This phenomenon occurs when a battery cell's internal temperature rises uncontrollably, potentially leading to fire or explosion.
What is thermal runaway?
This renewable energy source is commonly paired with BESS to store excess energy generated during peak production times.
What is solar energy?
This system monitors battery health and performance, ensuring safe operation by detecting anomalies.
What is a Battery Management System or BMS?
This document outlines procedures and responsibilities during emergencies.
What is an Emergency Response Plan or ERP?
This behavior involves workers actively reporting unsafe conditions or behaviors.
What is a safety reporting culture?
A fire at this California BESS facility in 2025 prompted evacuations due to toxic smoke and raised concerns about safety protocols.
What is the Moss Landing Power Plant?
This type of inverter is used to convert DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity for use in BESS.
What is a string inverter?
This design feature involves creating barriers between battery cells to prevent the spread of fire in case of a failure.
What is fire containment or compartmentalization?
This type of training prepares personnel to respond effectively to fires, chemical spills, and other emergencies in BESS facilities.
What is emergency response training?
This practice involves rotating personnel to prevent fatigue and maintain alertness during operations.
What is job rotation?
This gas, released during thermal runaway, can accumulate in confined spaces and pose explosion risks.
What is hydrogen?
This renewable energy source, when integrated with BESS, can provide power during periods of low sunlight or wind.
What is wind energy?
This type of ventilation is crucial in BESS facilities to disperse hazardous gases and maintain air quality.
What is forced or mechanical ventilation?
This equipment is essential for detecting hazardous gases in BESS environments.
What is a gas detector?
This approach involves engaging all team members in safety discussions and decision-making processes.
What is participatory safety management?
A close call where a BESS component malfunctioned but was detected and mitigated before causing harm.
What is a near miss?
This device regulates the charging and discharging of batteries in systems that combine solar, wind, and storage.
What is a charge controller?
This practice involves assessing potential failure modes during the design phase to enhance system reliability.
What is Failure Mode and Effects Analysis or FMEA?
This practice involves regular drills to ensure readiness for potential emergencies in BESS operations.
What is emergency preparedness drills?
This strategy involves analyzing past incidents to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
What is root cause analysis?
This type of fire suppression system is often ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires due to the nature of the chemical reactions involved.
What is water-based suppression?
This hybrid system combines solar panels, wind turbines, and BESS to create a reliable and sustainable energy solution.
What is a hybrid renewable energy system?
This standard outlines safety requirements for the installation of BESS, including fire protection measures.
What is NFPA 855?
This type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires, including those in BESS facilities.
What is a Class C or CO2 fire extinguisher?
This concept refers to the collective responsibility of all personnel to maintain safety standards in BESS facilities.
What is shared vigilance?