THMG533a – Lithium Ion Suppression Showdown

What this episode covers

GuestsJohn Glazier• Packaging Engineer (RIT graduate)• 25+ years in chemical and dangerous goods packaging• Representative at DGO, specializing in lithium-ion battery containment and transport• Expert in third-party testing, thermal runaway mitigation, and DOT-compliant packagingContact:• Email: [email protected] Orlando• Retired Fire Marshal with FDNY (27 years)• Former Supervising Fire Marshal specializing in origin-and-cause investigations• Founder of Orlando Safety Solutions• Instrumental in developing NYC’s lithium-ion battery task force• Focused on responder exposure, toxic gases, and real-world fire behaviorContact:• LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook (search John Orlando – Orlando Safety Solutions)Some more info on this product:https://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Obexion-FR-Product-Sheet.pptxhttps://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Obexion-AG-Info-Sheet.pdfhttps://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DGeoxSoteria-Testing-Report-30-gallon-poly-drum-Final.pdfhttps://www.labelmaster.com/obexionfrSegment Breakdown & Timestamps0:17 – 2:04 | Introductions & Backgrounds• Meet the guests and their professional paths• John Orlando’s transition from fire suppression to fire investigation• Why lithium-ion batteries became a major focus post-20162:05 – 6:22 | The Battery Fire Problem• Why lithium-ion battery fires are underreported• The rise of e-bikes, scooters, and consumer devices• Limitations of sand, water, vermiculite, and salt baths6:23 – 11:20 | Why Traditional Methods Fall Short• Weight and transport challenges of water- and sand-filled drums• Re-ignition risks due to stranded energy• Firefighter exposure to toxic gases and VOCs11:21 – 13:44 | A New Approach to Mitigation• Introduction to reactive substrates like Accugrain• How materials activate at ~60°C• Filtering toxic gases, acids, and VOCs during thermal runaway13:44 – 17:00 | Testing, Data, and Validation• Third-party lab testing at 100% state of charge• Simulating worst-case “jet engine” thermal runaway scenarios• EPA testing showing reduced HF and VOC levels17:01 – 19:55 | The Scale of the Problem• Why every structure fire is now a lithium-ion incident• Fire statistics continuing to rise year over year• The disconnect between awareness and reality19:56 – 20:49 | Managing Large Battery Volumes• Handling hundreds of batteries safely• DOT-compliant poly bins designed for high-energy loads• Long-term storage and roadway transport considerations20:50 – 23:22 | Deployment for First Responders• What should be carried on chief vehicles vs. hazmat units• Why fire departments—not civilians—should handle overpacking• Making battery mitigation as standard as axes and Halligans23:22 – 24:06 | Closing Thoughts & Contact Info• Where responders can learn more• Encouragement to test, verify, and adopt safer solutions• Final thanks and wrap-upKey Takeaways• Lithium-ion battery fires are not rare events—they’re embedded in modern fire response.• Traditional suppression methods may cool flames but do not neutralize toxicity or re-ignition risks.• Reactive materials that cool, encapsulate, and filter gases can dramatically improve responder safety.• Every department should rethink its standard equipment loadout to include battery mitigation tools.

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