☣️ UN 3479 • CLASS 2
Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing hydrogen in metal hydride
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 3479
Class: 2
Placard type: Flammable Gas
ERG: Guide 115 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 115: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or spill is large, isolate 800m all directions; evacuate area and deny entry
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Fuel cell cartridges with metal hydrideHydrogen metal hydride fuel cellsMetal hydride hydrogen storage cartridges |
| Appearance | Solid metal hydride cartridges containing absorbed hydrogen gas. Cartridges are typically gray or metallic in color and housed in equipment. Hydrogen is stored in the metal lattice structure and released when heated. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (hydrogen gas is extremely flammable with autoignition temperature 500C/932F) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (hydrogen boiling point -253C/-423F, stored as metal hydride) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable when stored; released hydrogen is 0.07 (much lighter than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Metal hydrides may react with water to release hydrogen gas, increasing fire hazard |
| Extinguishing | CO2, dry chemical, or dry sand for metal fires; regular foam ineffective; do not use water on burning metal hydride |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; full face shield and thermal protection for fire; monitor for hydrogen accumulation in confined spaces |
| Isolation | ERG 115: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or spill is large, isolate 800m all directions; evacuate area and deny entry |
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 3479 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipm HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3479
Product: Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing hydrogen in metal hydride
Class 2 / Flammable Gas / ERG 115
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full face shield and thermal protection for fire; monitor for hydrogen accumulation in confined spaces
ISOLATION: ERG 115: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or spill is large, isolate 800m all directions; evacuate area and deny entry
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 3479 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing hydrogen in metal hydride
Class: 2 | Placard: Flammable Gas | ERG Guide: 115
Appearance: Solid metal hydride cartridges containing absorbed hydrogen gas. Cartridges are typically gray or metallic in color and housed in equipment. Hydrogen is stored in the metal lattice structure and released when heated.
Water Reactivity: Metal hydrides may react with water to release hydrogen gas, increasing fire hazard
Extinguishing: CO2, dry chemical, or dry sand for metal fires; regular foam ineffective; do not use water on burning metal hydride
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; full face shield and thermal protection for fire; monitor for hydrogen accumulation in confined spaces
Isolation: ERG 115: Initial isolation 100m all directions; if fire or spill is large, isolate 800m all directions; evacuate area and deny entry
— 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/3479 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3479 Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing hydrogen in metal hydride Cls2 ERG115 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3479SMS / 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/3479
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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 with SCBA; full face shield and thermal protection for fire; monitor for hydrogen accumulation in confined spaces
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.