☣️ UN 3473 • CLASS 3
Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids
Placard: Flammable. 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 3473
Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG: Guide 128 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 128: Initial isolation 50m all directions; if tank/cartridge involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Fuel cell cartridges in equipmentFlammable liquid fuel cellsIntegrated fuel cell cartridgesEquipment-contained fuel cartridges |
| Appearance | Sealed cartridges integrated within equipment containing flammable liquids (often methanol or other alcohol-based fuels). Physical state and appearance vary by cartridge design, typically liquid fuel in plastic or metal housing. |
| Flash Point | Varies by fuel type; methanol-based typically -11°C (12°F) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by fuel composition; methanol 64.7°C (148°F) |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typical alcohols 1.1-2.0) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; fuel may be water-miscible |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level C minimum with chemical-resistant gloves; SCBA if fire or significant leak; eye protection required |
| Isolation | ERG 128: Initial isolation 50m all directions; if tank/cartridge involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation |
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 3473 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipm HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3473
Product: Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 128
PPE: Level C minimum with chemical-resistant gloves; SCBA if fire or significant leak; eye protection required
ISOLATION: ERG 128: Initial isolation 50m all directions; if tank/cartridge involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 3473 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 128
Appearance: Sealed cartridges integrated within equipment containing flammable liquids (often methanol or other alcohol-based fuels). Physical state and appearance vary by cartridge design, typically liquid fuel in plastic or metal housing.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; fuel may be water-miscible
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF), CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling
PPE: Level C minimum with chemical-resistant gloves; SCBA if fire or significant leak; eye protection required
Isolation: ERG 128: Initial isolation 50m all directions; if tank/cartridge involved in fire, isolate 800m and consider evacuation
— 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/3473 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3473 Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids Cls3 ERG128 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3473SMS / 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/3473
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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 C minimum with chemical-resistant gloves; SCBA if fire or significant leak; eye protection required
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.