UN 3552 — Sodium ion batteries contained in equipment
Placard: Lithium Battery / Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 147. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3552 is Sodium ion batteries contained in equipment, assigned to ERG Guide 147. This entry should be verified with shipping papers, labels and the SDS before responders commit to close-range action.
Hazard overview: Sodium ion batteries contained in equipment can release flammable electrolyte and toxic smoke if damaged, overheated or involved in thermal runaway. Fire may spread from one cell or pack to nearby batteries or equipment.
Response guidance: Use ERG Guide 147, isolate damaged batteries, watch for thermal runaway and protect responders from smoke. Cool large fires from distance only under local SOP.
UN 3552 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3552
- Lithium ion and sodium ion batteries contain flammable liquid electrolyte that may vent, ignite and
- 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
Manufactured electrochemical devices typically in cylindrical or prismatic form, containing sodium-based electrolyte. Batteries are housed within electronic equipment.
| Also known as | Na-ion batteriesSodium-ion cellsSodium battery packsEquipment with sodium batteries |
| Appearance | Manufactured electrochemical devices typically in cylindrical or prismatic form, containing sodium-based electrolyte. Batteries are housed within electronic equipment. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (manufactured article containing flammable electrolyte internally) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Water Reactivity | Electrolyte may react with water if cell is compromised; avoid flooding damaged batteries |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3552
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level C minimum; SCBA if thermal runaway or fire; face shield and insulated gloves for handling damaged units. Select final PPE using ERG guidance, SDS, monitoring and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3552 Incident
- 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 3552 — Sodium ion batteries contained in equipmUse 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.