UN 3481 — Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment (including lithium ion polymer batteries)
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 147. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3481 covers lithium ion batteries contained in equipment, including lithium ion polymer batteries installed in devices or battery-powered equipment.
Hazard overview: The main hazards are battery venting, thermal runaway, flammable electrolyte, toxic gas release, and ignition of nearby cells or equipment.
Response guidance: Isolate damaged equipment, remove ignition sources, cool from a safe distance, ventilate closed spaces, and monitor for reignition or continued heating.
Firefighter training notes: Responders should identify equipment containing lithium ion batteries and watch for thermal runaway, delayed ignition, toxic smoke, and reignition after apparent extinguishment.
Regulatory context: UN 3481 is a Class 9 lithium ion battery-in-equipment entry. Follow packaging, marking, shipping paper, SDS, and manufacturer emergency guidance.
Storage & handling: Store equipment with batteries away from heat, water damage, crushing, and ignition sources. Isolate damaged devices and monitor them for heating or swelling.
UN 3481 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3481
- Lithium ion and sodium ion batteries contain flammable liquid electrolyte that may vent, ignite.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- May ignite other batteries in close proximity.
- Contact with battery electrolyte may be irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Burning batteries may produce toxic hydrogen fluoride gas (see GUIDE 125).
- Fumes may cause dizziness or asphyxiation.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Lithium ion batteries are solid devices containing metallic lithium or lithium compounds with flammable liquid electrolyte sealed in metal or polymer casings. They are typically rectangular, cylindrical, or pouch-shaped cells housed in equipment. The flash point of lithium ion batteries is not applicable, as the electrolyte is contained within sealed cells. The boiling point of the electrolyte is approximately 80-150C if released. The vapor density of lithium ion batteries is not applicable, as they are sealed solid devices.
| Also known as | Li-ion batteriesLithium polymer batteriesLiPo batteriesRechargeable lithium batteriesLithium-ion battery packs |
| Appearance | Solid devices containing metallic lithium or lithium compounds with flammable liquid electrolyte sealed in metal or polymer casings. Typically rectangular, cylindrical, or pouch-shaped cells housed in equipment. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (electrolyte contained within sealed cells, typically -40C if released) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (electrolyte mixture approximately 80-150C if released) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (sealed solid device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction when intact; damaged or overheated batteries may release flammable electrolyte vapors that react with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3481
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use Level C for intact equipment. Upgrade to Level B with SCBA and thermal protection for fire, venting, smoke, or damaged battery packs.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3481 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- 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 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
- Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3481 — Lithium ion batteries contained in equipUse 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.