UN 3536 — Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries)
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3536 is Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries), a lithium metal battery cargo unit entry assigned to ERG Guide 138. Thermal runaway and re-ignition are key concerns.
Hazard overview: Cargo transport unit containing installed lithium metal batteries; damaged cells can enter thermal runaway. Fire may produce flammable gases, toxic smoke and corrosive fluoride-containing vapors. Batteries inside a container or unit may hide damaged cells and delay visible fire signs.
Response guidance: For UN 3536, isolate the cargo unit, use SCBA for smoke and cool exposures. Expect re-ignition, hidden cells and difficult access; follow ERG 138/local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3536 should emphasize thermal runaway, container access limits, re-ignition monitoring, smoke toxicity, water-cooling decisions and runoff control. Use ERG 138 and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries) is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, gas identity and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit (lithium metal batteries) should be stored to prevent short circuits, crushing, heat exposure and water damage, with damaged units isolated and fire response access maintained.
UN 3536 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3536
- Cargo transport unit containing installed lithium metal batteries; damaged cells can enter thermal runaway.
- Fire may produce flammable gases, toxic smoke and corrosive fluoride-containing vapors.
- Batteries inside a container or unit may hide damaged cells and delay visible fire signs.
- Cells may vent, rupture, eject burning material or re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Large battery quantities can create difficult cooling and access problems.
- Runoff may carry electrolyte, metal and burned packaging contamination.
- Electrical hazards and short circuits may remain until the unit is isolated and stabilized.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Assembled battery units containing metallic lithium installed in shipping containers or cargo transport equipment. Batteries are typically sealed in metal or composite housings.
| 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. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3536
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for smoke/fire and full protective clothing. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are needed for leaking electrolyte or damaged cells.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3536 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Keep damaged or burning battery equipment away from combustibles when safe and monitor for re-ignition.
- Avoid breathing vapor, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, equipment, articles or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 138, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3536 — Lithium batteries installed in cargo traUse 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.