UN 2795 — Batteries, wet, filled with alkali
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Batteries, wet, filled with alkali are corrosive articles containing alkaline electrolyte and stored electrical energy. Damaged units can leak caustic liquid.
Hazard overview: Wet alkali batteries contain corrosive alkaline electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide solution. Alkali contact can cause deep skin and eye burns and may be difficult to rinse from tissue. Charging, damage or short circuits can release flammable hydrogen gas.
Response guidance: Isolate damaged batteries, keep them upright if safe and prevent terminal short circuits. Use alkali-resistant PPE and SCBA for fire, mist or unknown exposure.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to identify the UN number, product name, placard, container type and exposure route before committing personnel to the hot zone.
Regulatory context: Use the proper DOT shipping description, ERG guide, SDS and site-specific response plan; do not substitute this summary for regulatory compliance.
Storage & handling: Store upright in ventilated areas away from acids, sparks, flames, metal tools and drains; protect terminals from short circuit.
UN 2795 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2795
- Wet alkali batteries contain corrosive alkaline electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide solution.
- Alkali contact can cause deep skin and eye burns and may be difficult to rinse from tissue.
- Charging, damage or short circuits can release flammable hydrogen gas.
- Electrical energy can cause arcing, burns or ignition of nearby combustibles.
- Fire may produce irritating or corrosive fumes from electrolyte and battery materials.
- Damaged batteries can leak caustic liquid and create slippery contaminated surfaces.
- Containers or battery cases may rupture when heated.
- Keep alkali electrolyte away from acids and incompatible metals.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Battery units containing liquid alkaline electrolyte solution, typically clear to slightly colored corrosive liquid (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide solution) housed in battery casings.
| Also known as | Alkaline batteries (wet)Potassium hydroxide batteriesSodium hydroxide batteriesKOH batteriesNaOH batteriesWet cell alkaline batteries |
| Appearance | Battery units containing liquid alkaline electrolyte solution, typically clear to slightly colored corrosive liquid (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide solution) housed in battery casings. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable corrosive liquid) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100-140C (212-284F) depending on electrolyte concentration |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (non-volatile liquid) |
| Water Reactivity | Water can dilute alkali but runoff remains caustic; avoid uncontrolled washdown and contain leaking electrolyte. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2795
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots; face shield; SCBA for confined spaces or spills; full skin and eye protection mandatory
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2795 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an initial isolation perimeter.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or smoke and prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages, leaking containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when responders are trained, equipped and monitoring conditions.
- Use ERG, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set final isolation, evacuation and decon actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2795 — Batteries, wet, filled with alkaliUse 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.