UN 3537 — Articles containing flammable gas, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3537 is Articles containing flammable gas, n.o.s., a broad flammable gas article entry assigned to ERG Guide 115. Damaged articles can release explosive gas.
Hazard overview: Articles containing flammable gas, n.o.s.; damaged articles can release ignitable gas from small cylinders, cartridges or components. Released gas can form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the article. Vapor density depends on gas identity; low or overhead accumulation is possible.
Response guidance: For UN 3537, isolate damaged articles, avoid cutting/crushing/heating and identify exact gas/pressure. Use SCBA and cool exposures from protection under ERG 115.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3537 should emphasize ignition control, fuel-system recognition, vapor/gas monitoring, cylinder or tank cooling, SCBA use and runoff control. Use ERG 115 and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Articles containing flammable gas, n.o.s. 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: Articles containing flammable gas, n.o.s. should be stored away from ignition sources, heat and physical damage, with fuel/gas shutoffs secured and ventilation maintained where vapor or gas can accumulate.
UN 3537 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3537
- Articles containing flammable gas, n.o.s.; damaged articles can release ignitable gas from small cylinders, cartridges or components.
- Released gas can form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the article.
- Vapor density depends on gas identity; low or overhead accumulation is possible.
- Articles exposed to fire may rupture, fragment or eject components.
- Fire may produce toxic smoke from article materials and gas decomposition products.
- Exact gas, pressure, quantity and article design must be verified.
- Do not cut, crush, puncture or heat unknown gas-containing articles.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Manufactured articles or devices containing compressed or liquefied flammable gases. Physical appearance varies based on the article type (cylinders, aerosols, cartridges, etc.). Gas inside is typically colorless or has characteristic odor depending on the specific gas.
| Also known as | Articles with flammable gasGas-filled articles NOSPressurized flammable gas articlesGas aerosol containers |
| Appearance | Manufactured articles or devices containing compressed or liquefied flammable gases. Physical appearance varies based on the article type (cylinders, aerosols, cartridges, etc.). Gas inside is typically colorless or has characteristic odor depending on the specific gas. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (compressed/liquefied gas in article) |
| Boiling Point | Varies depending on specific gas contained in article |
| Vapor Density | Varies depending on specific gas; typically heavier than air for liquefied gases |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; primary hazard is release of flammable gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3537
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, leaks or confined spaces plus flame-resistant protective clothing. Avoid ignition sources and gas accumulation areas.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3537 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- 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 115, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3537 — Articles containing flammable gas, n.o.sUse 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.