☣️ UN 3166 • CLASS 9

Vehicle, fuel cell, flammable liquid powered

Placard: Miscellaneous. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 3166
Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG: Guide 128 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 128: Initially isolate 50m in all directions; if tank/fuel system involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions
Chemical & Response Details
Also known asFuel cell vehicleHydrogen fuel cell vehicleFuel cell powered vehicleAlternative fuel vehicleZero emission vehicle
AppearanceComplete vehicle powered by a fuel cell system containing flammable liquid fuel (typically methanol or other liquid hydrogen carriers). The vehicle includes integrated fuel tanks, fuel cell stack, and associated electrical systems. Typically operates at ambient temperature with stored liquid fuel.
Flash PointVaries by fuel type: Methanol -11°C (12°F), Ethanol 13°C (55°F)
Boiling PointVaries by fuel type: Methanol 65°C (149°F), Ethanol 78°C (172°F)
Vapor DensityHeavier than air (methanol 1.1, ethanol 1.6 relative to air)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction with water; however, fuel leakage may create flammable vapor/air mixtures
ExtinguishingAlcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; standard AFFF ineffective on alcohol-based fuels
PPE⚠️ Level B minimum during fuel system breach; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves for fuel contact
IsolationERG 128: Initially isolate 50m in all directions; if tank/fuel system involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
  • HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
  • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  • Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
  • Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
  • Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  • Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
First actions (field-minded)
  • CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
  • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
  • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
  • Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 3166 — Vehicle, fuel cell, flammable liquid pow
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3166 Product: Vehicle, fuel cell, flammable liquid powered Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 128 PPE: Level B minimum during fuel system breach; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves for fuel contact ISOLATION: ERG 128: Initially isolate 50m in all directions; if tank/fuel system involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 3166 — Vehicle, fuel cell, flammable liquid powered Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 128 Appearance: Complete vehicle powered by a fuel cell system containing flammable liquid fuel (typically methanol or other liquid hydrogen carriers). The vehicle includes integrated fuel tanks, fuel cell stack, and associated electrical systems. Typically operates at ambient temperature with stored liquid fuel. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; however, fuel leakage may create flammable vapor/air mixtures Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), dry chemical, CO2; standard AFFF ineffective on alcohol-based fuels PPE: Level B minimum during fuel system breach; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves for fuel contact Isolation: ERG 128: Initially isolate 50m in all directions; if tank/fuel system involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation for 800m in all directions — Key Hazards — • HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. • Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. • Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. — First Actions — • CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper • Keep unauthorized personnel away. • Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. • Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3166 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.

SMS (short)
UN3166 Vehicle, fuel cell, flammable liquid powered Cls9 ERG128 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3166SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3166
Related UN numbers (same class)
Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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FAQ

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.

CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

Level B minimum during fuel system breach; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; chemical-resistant gloves for fuel contact

No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 128 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.