Additional Procedures
Overhaul
During overhaul, immobilize and disable the vehicle if not already done. Refer to the high voltage electrical system disable procedure located in Extrication. The high voltage e battery cover should never be breached or removed under any circumstances, including fire. Doing so may result in severe electrical burns, shock and/or electrocution.
Recovery/recycling of the Ni-MH high voltage battery
Clean up of the high voltage battery can be accomplished by the vehicle recovery crew without further concern of runoff or spillage. For information regarding recycling of the high voltage battery, contact the nearest Nissan dealer or Nissan customer assistance at: United States: 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261) or in Canada: 1-800-387-0122.
Spills
The Altima Hybrid contains the same common automotive fluids used in other non -hybrid Nissan vehicles, with the exception of the Ni-MH electrolyte used in the high voltage battery. The Ni-MH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues. The electrolyte, however, is absorbed in the cell plates and should not normally spill or leak out even if a battery module is cracked. Both the metal battery case and the plastic battery modules could be breached if a catastrophic crash occurred.
To neutralize a lead-acid battery electrolyte spill, a diluted boric acid solution or vinegar can be used to neutralize a Ni-MH battery electrolyte spill similar to the use of baking soda.
NOTE: Electrolyte leakage from the high voltage battery is unlikely due to the battery construction and the amount of available electrolyte contained within the Ni-MH modules. Any spillage would not warrant a declaration as a hazardous material incident. First responders should follow the recommendations as outlined in this emergency response guide.
In an emergency, Nissan Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available by contacting:
United States: CHEMTREC at 1-800-424-9300
Canada: CANUTEC at *666 or 1-613-996-6666 (collect)
Handle Ni-MH electrolyte spills using the following personal protective equipment:
- Splash shield or safety goggles (fold down helmet shields are not acceptable for acid or alkaline electrolyte spills)
- Insulated rubber gloves
- Acid-resistant apron
- Insulated rubber boots
- Insulated rubber mats (for connect/disconnect of high voltage battery)
Neutralize Ni-MH electrolyte:
- Use a diluted boric acid solution or vinegar.
- Boric acid solution = 800 grams boric acid to 20 liters water or 5.5 ounces boric acid to 1 gallon of water.
First Aid
Emergency responders may not be familiar with a Ni MH electrolyte exposure when rendering aid to a patient. Exposure to the electrolyte is unlikely except in a catastrophic crash or through improper handling. Utilize the following guidelines in the event of exposure.
Absorption:
- Perform gross decontamination by removing affected clothing and properly disposing of the garments.
- Rinse the affected area with water for 20 minutes.
- Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.
Inhalation in non-fire situations:
- Toxic gases are given off as by-products of combustion. All responders in the Hot Zone should wear the proper PPE for fire fighting, including SCBA.
- Move patients from the hazardous environment to a safe area and administer oxygen.
- Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.
Ingestion:
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Allow patient to drink large quantities of water to dilute the electrolyte (never give water to an unconscious person).
- If vomiting occurs spontaneously, keep the patients head lowered and forward to reduce the risk of asphyxiation.
- Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.
- Contact Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222
Submersion
When fully or partially submersed, an Altima Hybrid can be safely handled by following these recommendations:
- Remove the vehicle from the water.
- Drain the water from the vehicle, if possible.
- Follow the immobilizing and disabling procedures.