☣️ UN 3478 • CLASS 2
Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing liquefied flammable gas
Placard: Flammable Gas. 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 3478
Class: 2
Placard type: Flammable Gas
ERG: Guide 115 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 115: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Fuel cell cartridges in equipmentLiquefied flammable gas fuel cellsEquipment-contained fuel cell cartridgesLFG fuel cell cartridges |
| Appearance | Liquefied flammable gas contained within fuel cell cartridge assemblies integrated into equipment. The gas is stored under pressure in liquid form and vaporizes upon release. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (liquefied gas under pressure) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by specific gas (typically below room temperature for liquefied flammable gases) |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (vapors will collect in low areas) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but gas dispersion in water may occur |
| Extinguishing | Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam may be used to suppress vapors |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; flame-resistant clothing recommended |
| Isolation | ERG 115: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
- Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Will form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
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.
- Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
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UN 3478 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipm HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3478
Product: Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing liquefied flammable gas
Class 2 / Flammable Gas / ERG 115
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; flame-resistant clothing recommended
ISOLATION: ERG 115: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 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.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 3478 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing liquefied flammable gas
Class: 2 | Placard: Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 115
Appearance: Liquefied flammable gas contained within fuel cell cartridge assemblies integrated into equipment. The gas is stored under pressure in liquid form and vaporizes upon release.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but gas dispersion in water may occur
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam may be used to suppress vapors
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; flame-resistant clothing recommended
Isolation: ERG 115: isolate spill/leak area immediately for at least 100m in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800m in all directions
— Key Hazards —
• EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
• Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Will form explosive mixtures with air.
— 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.
• Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3478 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3478 Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing liquefied flammable gas Cls2 ERG115 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3478SMS / 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/3478
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FAQ
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
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; SCBA required in confined spaces or heavy vapor concentrations; flame-resistant clothing recommended
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 115 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.