UN 3165 — Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuel tank
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3165 is Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuel tank, a flammable aviation fuel tank entry assigned to ERG Guide 131. Fuel vapor, tank condition and confined-space flash risk matter.
Hazard overview: Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuel tank contains flammable aviation-related fuel residues or liquid. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air, especially in enclosed or low areas. Fuel may float on water and spread fire or contamination.
Response guidance: For UN 3165, 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 131.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3165 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, exposure control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/shipping paper review. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuel tank 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: Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuel tank should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers or packages with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3165 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3165
- Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuel tank contains flammable aviation-related fuel residues or liquid.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air, especially in enclosed or low areas.
- Fuel may float on water and spread fire or contamination.
- Tank damage, residual pressure or confined vapors can create flash-fire risk.
- Fire may produce toxic smoke from fuel, additives, tank materials and coatings.
- Runoff may carry petroleum contamination.
- Exact fuel type and tank condition must be verified before entry or cutting.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to straw-colored flammable liquid mixture with characteristic petroleum or hydrocarbon odor. Typically contains hydrocarbons and additives designed for aircraft auxiliary power systems.
| Also known as | Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuelAPU fuel tankAuxiliary power unit fuelAviation hydraulic fuel mixture |
| Appearance | Clear to straw-colored flammable liquid mixture with characteristic petroleum or hydrocarbon odor. Typically contains hydrocarbons and additives designed for aircraft auxiliary power systems. |
| Flash Point | Typically 38-60C (100-140F) depending on formulation |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically 150-300C (302-572F) depending on hydrocarbon blend |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; fuel will float on water surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3165
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 3165 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- 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 131, SDS, shipping papers, markings and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3165 — Aircraft hydraulic power unit fuel tankUse 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.