THMG533a – Lithium Ion Suppression Showdown

Guests John Glaser • Packaging Engineer (RIT graduate) • 25+ years in chemical and dangerous goods packaging • Representative at DGeo, specializing in lithium-ion battery containment and transport • Expert in third-party testing, thermal runaway mitigation, and DOT-compliant packaging Contact: • Email: [email protected] John 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 behavior Contact: • 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.pptx https://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Obexion-AG-Info-Sheet.pdf https://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DGeoxSoteria-Testing-Report-30-gallon-poly-drum-Final.pdf https://www.labelmaster.com/obexionfr Segment Breakdown & Timestamps 0:17 – 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-2016 2:05 – 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 baths 6:23 – 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 VOCs 11:21 – 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 runaway 13:44 – 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 levels 17:01 – 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 reality 19:56 – 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 considerations 20:50 – 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 Halligans 23:22 – 24:06 | Closing Thoughts & Contact Info • Where responders can learn more • Encouragement to test, verify, and adopt safer solutions • Final thanks and wrap-up Key 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.