UN 3028 — Batteries, dry, containing potassium hydroxide solid
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Batteries, dry, containing potassium hydroxide solid (UN 3028) are sealed battery articles with a corrosive alkaline component. The main emergency concern is damaged or burning batteries.
Hazard overview: UN 3028 becomes more hazardous when cells are crushed, leaking, short-circuited or involved in fire. Potassium hydroxide electrolyte can burn skin and eyes, and smoke may be irritating or corrosive.
Response guidance: Isolate damaged battery packages, avoid contact with leaking electrolyte and control electrical short circuits. Use dry chemical, CO2 or water spray for surrounding fire as appropriate, and prevent corrosive runoff from entering drains.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to recognize leaking alkaline electrolyte, isolate damaged battery shipments and avoid short-circuit handling errors.
Regulatory context: UN 3028 is a regulated battery entry containing corrosive potassium hydroxide; shipping papers and packaging marks should be checked at transport incidents.
Storage & handling: Store batteries dry, protected from crushing and short circuits, away from heat and incompatible chemicals. Keep damaged or leaking cells segregated.
UN 3028 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3028
- Intact dry batteries usually present limited hazard, but damaged cells can release corrosive potassium hydroxide.
- Leaking electrolyte can cause severe skin and eye burns.
- Short circuits may generate heat, sparks or fire in surrounding packaging.
- Fire may produce irritating or corrosive gases from battery components and electrolyte.
- Runoff from damaged batteries may be corrosive and should be kept out of drains.
- Large quantities or crushed batteries can create mixed electrical, corrosive and smoke hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Sealed cylindrical or rectangular battery cells containing solid or gel potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Batteries are typically metallic with various sizes (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V).
| Also known as | Alkaline dry cell batteriesPotassium hydroxide batteriesKOH dry batteriesAlkaline batteries with solid electrolyte |
| Appearance | Sealed cylindrical or rectangular battery cells containing solid or gel potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Batteries are typically metallic with various sizes (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V). |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (sealed device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Water Reactivity | If breached, potassium hydroxide is hygroscopic and dissolves readily forming highly corrosive solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3028
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves for damaged batteries. Use SCBA and full structural PPE when batteries are burning or smoke is present.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3028 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or fire gases and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when trained, equipped and authorized.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring before committing crews.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3028 — Batteries, dry, containing potassium hydUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.