☣️ UN 3536 • CLASS 9
Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries)
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 3536
Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG: Guide 138 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill area 25m in all directions. For large spills consider initial evacuation 100m. If fire or cargo on fire, isolate 800m and evacuate downwind 1600m.
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Lithium metal batteries in cargo transport unitLithium battery cargo installationsCTU-installed lithium batteriesCargo transport unit lithium cells |
| Appearance | Assembled battery units containing metallic lithium installed in shipping containers or cargo transport equipment. Batteries are typically sealed in metal or composite housings. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Water Reactivity | Metallic lithium reacts violently with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. Damaged batteries may ignite spontaneously when exposed to moisture. |
| Extinguishing | Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand. Do not use water or foam on burning lithium batteries. Use water spray only to cool surrounding containers. |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum for intact units; Level A with SCBA if batteries are damaged, leaking, or on fire. Thermal protective gear for fire suppression. |
| Isolation | ERG 138: Isolate spill area 25m in all directions. For large spills consider initial evacuation 100m. If fire or cargo on fire, isolate 800m and evacuate downwind 1600m. |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
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 in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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UN 3536 — Lithium batteries installed in cargo tra HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3536
Product: Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries)
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 138
PPE: Level B minimum for intact units; Level A with SCBA if batteries are damaged, leaking, or on fire. Thermal protective gear for fire suppression.
ISOLATION: ERG 138: Isolate spill area 25m in all directions. For large spills consider initial evacuation 100m. If fire or cargo on fire, isolate 800m and evacuate downwind 1600m.
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 3536 — Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries)
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 138
Appearance: Assembled battery units containing metallic lithium installed in shipping containers or cargo transport equipment. Batteries are typically sealed in metal or composite housings.
Water Reactivity: Metallic lithium reacts violently with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. Damaged batteries may ignite spontaneously when exposed to moisture.
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand. Do not use water or foam on burning lithium batteries. Use water spray only to cool surrounding containers.
PPE: Level B minimum for intact units; Level A with SCBA if batteries are damaged, leaking, or on fire. Thermal protective gear for fire suppression.
Isolation: ERG 138: Isolate spill area 25m in all directions. For large spills consider initial evacuation 100m. If fire or cargo on fire, isolate 800m and evacuate downwind 1600m.
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— 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/3536 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3536 Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries) Cls9 ERG138 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3536SMS / 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/3536
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FAQ
Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
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 for intact units; Level A with SCBA if batteries are damaged, leaking, or on fire. Thermal protective gear for fire suppression.
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 138 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.