This presentation outlines hazards and risks to mine rescue volunteers responding to underground battery fires in Ontario. In the quest to reduce traditional fossil fuel emissions in the mining industry, modern battery and electric power technology has progressed at an unprecedented pace.

The unpredictable nature of the new and old batteries when they fail, combined with their locations within heavy machinery, poses several new risks to our volunteers operating in confined spaces. Ontario Mine Rescue has identified the need for awareness and training to keep our responding teams safe and knowledgeable.