The installation of chargers and spaces for electric cars and the dangers related to this subject were the main themes addressed by Ret. Col. of the Military Police Fire Department, Wagner Mora, in his lecture for the 10th edition of Retail Expansion.

Electric car charging spaces are a necessary advancement to meet growing demand. According to McKinsey & Company, the fleet of electric vehicles in Brazil is expected to reach 11 million by 2040, representing more than 20% of the current fleet.

Furthermore, he addressed the importance of fire safety in retail points of sale that adopt this new technology.

With the significant increase in the number of electric vehicles in Brazil, he believes that specific regulation for the installation of chargers in commercial garages should not take long. He also warned about the particularities and dangers of electric vehicles, especially in the event of a fire, highlighting the need for rigorous safety systems.

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Electric car charging spaces: Dangers and precautions

The growing demand for electric vehicles brings with it an urgent need to improve fire safety, especially due to the unique characteristics of lithium batteries. In the event of a fire, these batteries produce toxic smoke and continue to burn until all the chemical is consumed, even if submerged in water.

According to Wagner Mora, there is still no specific standard to deal with these risks, but the growing popularity of this type of vehicle will make such regulation inevitable, and it will come very soon.

Questions and Answers

Wagner also answers some questions about electric cars and the standard:

To mitigate risks, the specialist also suggests installing chargers in open-air environments.

In addition to these recommendations, he emphasizes the importance of following basic safety requirements, according to the type of building and local legislation. Among the suggested measures are:

• Sprinklers: Essential for controlling fire and preventing its rapid spread.

• Smoke detectors: Crucial for early detection of fires, allowing a quick response.

• Smoke control: Important for evacuating toxic smoke and ensuring the safety of building occupants.

Implementing these measures not only increases safety around the issue but also protects lives and property in the vicinity.

Other important points

Several essential aspects of fire safety were addressed, highlighting the need for detailed planning and the adoption of robust preventive measures. Some of the highlights of the lecture include:

Objectives of the Legislation:

The main objectives of fire legislation are:

• Saving lives: Ensuring that all people can evacuate the premises safely.

• Hinder the spread of fire: Minimizing structural damage and preventing the fire from spreading quickly.

• Providing means of control and extinction: Including systems such as sprinklers and emergency lighting to facilitate firefighting.

“Firefighters learn from each occurrence to update standards and analyze safety projects. This continuous cycle of learning and improvement is fundamental to ensuring that safety standards are always up to date and effective,” cited Wagner Mora.

Differences in state laws  

Each Brazilian state has its own fire safety legislation, often influenced by that of the state of São Paulo. However, each legislation has its specific needs. Wagner highlighted the importance of understanding and applying these legislative variations to ensure compliance and safety in all regions.

Conclusion

The installation of chargers and spaces for electric cars is an indispensable innovation for the future. However, it brings with it safety challenges that cannot be ignored. 

It is essential to be prepared and well-informed about fire safety best practices and regulations. The commitment to protection not only saves lives but also ensures sustainable growth and continuous innovation in the retail sector.

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