UN 3496 — Batteries, nickel-metal hydride
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3496 At a Glance
UN 3496 (Batteries, nickel-metal hydride) is listed as DOT Class 9 Miscellaneous and is assigned to ERG Guide 171. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3496 is Batteries, nickel-metal hydride, a Class 9 article assigned to ERG Guide 171. Main concerns are heat exposure, rupture, short circuit, electrolyte release and smoke from damaged units.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards include toxic exposure, fire or vapor ignition. Batteries, nickel-metal hydride may release irritating, toxic or corrosive vapors when heated, spilled or involved in fire, so avoid contact, inhalation and incompatible materials.
Response guidance: For a UN 3496 incident, establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, keep unauthorized personnel away, verify shipping papers/SDS and follow ERG 171. Use extinguishing, cooling, containment and decontamination tactics only when compatible with the material and local SOP.
UN 3496 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3496
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Sealed cylindrical or prismatic metal containers housing nickel hydroxide and metal hydride electrodes in alkaline electrolyte. Typically silver or blue-gray casing at ambient temperature.
| Also known as | NiMH batteriesNickel-metal hydride cellsRechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteriesNiMH power cells |
| Appearance | Sealed cylindrical or prismatic metal containers housing nickel hydroxide and metal hydride electrodes in alkaline electrolyte. Typically silver or blue-gray casing at ambient temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (sealed battery) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (sealed battery) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (sealed battery) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction under normal conditions; damaged batteries may release alkaline electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) which reacts with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3496
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level D for intact batteries; chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection for damaged/leaking units; alkaline electrolyte is corrosive
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3496 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3496 — Batteries, nickel-metal hydrideUse 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.