UN 3164 — Articles, pressurized, hydraulic (containing non-flammable gas)
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3164 is Articles, pressurized, hydraulic (containing non-flammable gas), a pressurized hydraulic article entry assigned to ERG Guide 126. Stored pressure and rupture hazards are key concerns.
Hazard overview: Pressurized hydraulic article containing non-flammable gas; stored pressure is the primary hazard. Heated or damaged articles can rupture and eject fragments or hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid may burn or produce irritating smoke if involved in fire.
Response guidance: For UN 3164, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, gas, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact contents with SDS, labels and ERG 126.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3164 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, exposure control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/shipping paper review. Use ERG 126, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Articles, pressurized, hydraulic (containing non-flammable gas) is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Articles, pressurized, hydraulic (containing non-flammable gas) should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers or packages with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3164 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3164
- Pressurized hydraulic article containing non-flammable gas; stored pressure is the primary hazard.
- Heated or damaged articles can rupture and eject fragments or hydraulic fluid.
- Hydraulic fluid may burn or produce irritating smoke if involved in fire.
- Gas release may displace oxygen in confined spaces depending on quantity and ventilation.
- Liquid hydraulic fluid can create slip, skin contact and environmental hazards.
- Do not cut, crush or heat unknown pressurized assemblies.
- Exact device pressure and contents should be verified from markings or documentation.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Manufactured articles containing hydraulic fluid and compressed non-flammable gas (typically nitrogen). Metal cylinders, accumulators, or similar devices appearing as industrial equipment components.
| Appearance | Manufactured articles containing hydraulic fluid and compressed non-flammable gas (typically nitrogen). Metal cylinders, accumulators, or similar devices appearing as industrial equipment components. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction expected |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3164
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3164 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 breathing vapor, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, cylinders, articles or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated runoff, debris and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 126, SDS, shipping papers, markings and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3164 — Articles, pressurized, hydraulic (contaiUse 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.