☣️ UN 2800 • CLASS 8

UN 2800 — Batteries, wet, non-spillable

Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.

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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.

Batteries, wet, non-spillable are sealed or immobilized-electrolyte batteries, often lead-acid designs. The main concern is damaged units that leak corrosive electrolyte or burn.

Hazard overview: Intact units are less likely to spill, but crushing, fire or improper handling can release acid, toxic smoke and electrical hazards. Battery terminals may also short if not protected.

Response guidance: Isolate damaged batteries, protect terminals from short circuit and keep runoff contained. Use media suitable for the surrounding fire and wear SCBA if smoke or heated batteries are present.

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UN 2800 Quick Details

UN 2800
Product name: Batteries, wet, non-spillable
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 154 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill or leak area at least 25 meters in all directions; if fire involves large quantities, consider 800m evacuation radius

Common Hazards of UN 2800

  • Intact non-spillable batteries usually contain immobilized corrosive electrolyte.
  • Damaged cases can release acid electrolyte that burns skin and eyes.
  • Short circuits can generate heat, sparks or fire in surrounding materials.
  • Fire may produce toxic or corrosive smoke from battery components.
  • Charging or abuse may release hydrogen gas in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Runoff from damaged batteries can be acidic and environmentally harmful.
  • Heavy battery units can create impact and crush hazards during handling.

Chemical Identity & Physical Properties

These are sealed battery units, often in plastic cases, with absorbed or gelled electrolyte. Appearance varies by battery design and manufacturer.

AppearanceSealed battery units containing absorbed or gelled electrolyte (typically sulfuric acid). Gray or black plastic cases. Electrolyte is immobilized and will not freely spill under normal conditions.
Flash PointNot applicable (non-flammable device)
Boiling PointNot applicable (sealed device)
Vapor DensityNot applicable (sealed device)
Water ReactivityNo significant reaction when intact; damaged batteries may release corrosive electrolyte
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.

Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2800

Extinguishing Media

Water spray, dry chemical, CO2 suitable for battery fires

PPE Requirements

⚠️ Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling damaged units; SCBA if fire involves batteries with smoke

Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection for damaged units. Use full firefighting PPE and SCBA when batteries are burning, heated or producing smoke.

Isolation & Evacuation

ERG 154: isolate spill or leak area at least 25 meters in all directions; if fire involves large quantities, consider 800m evacuation radius
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 154).

First Actions for a UN 2800 Incident

  • Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers or container documents.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an isolation perimeter before entry.
  • Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep responders out of vapors, dusts and runoff.
  • Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and protected.
  • Ventilate confined spaces only when personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
  • Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to confirm protective actions.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card

UN 2800 — Batteries, wet, non-spillable
HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2800 Product: Batteries, wet, non-spillable Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 154 PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling damaged units; SCBA if fire involves batteries with smoke ISOLATION: ERG 154: isolate spill or leak area at least 25 meters in all directions; if fire involves large quantities, consider 800m evacuation radius ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO

Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.

SMS WhatsApp
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING === UN 2800 — Batteries, wet, non-spillable Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 154 Appearance: Sealed battery units containing absorbed or gelled electrolyte (typically sulfuric acid). Gray or black plastic cases. Electrolyte is immobilized and will not freely spill under normal conditions. Water Reactivity: No significant reaction when intact; damaged batteries may release corrosive electrolyte Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2 suitable for battery fires PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling damaged units; SCBA if fire involves batteries with smoke Isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill or leak area at least 25 meters in all directions; if fire involves large quantities, consider 800m evacuation radius — Key Hazards — • Intact non-spillable batteries usually contain immobilized corrosive electrolyte. • Damaged cases can release acid electrolyte that burns skin and eyes. • Short circuits can generate heat, sparks or fire in surrounding materials. — First Actions — • Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers or container documents. • Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an isolation perimeter before entry. • Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep responders out of vapors, dusts and runoff. • Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact. SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/batteries-wet-non-spillable-un-2800 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING

Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.

SMS (short)
UN2800 Batteries, wet, non-spillable Cls8 ERG154 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/batteries-wet-non-spillable-un-2800SMS / 160 CHAR

Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.

⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/batteries-wet-non-spillable-un-2800

Related UN Numbers in Class 8

Discovery block for training / quick reference. Always consult the current ERG + your SOP/SOG for operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2800

Normally no. The electrolyte is immobilized, but damaged cases can still leak corrosive acid.

Damaged batteries can release corrosive electrolyte, produce smoke in fire and create short-circuit hazards.

Use extinguishing media appropriate for the surrounding fire and battery type; avoid spreading leaked electrolyte.

At minimum, chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection; use SCBA and firefighting gear if smoke or heat is present.

Check for cracked cases, exposed terminals, acid residue and contaminated absorbents before moving units.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.