THMG533a – Lithium Ion Suppression Showdown

Guests

John 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 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.