☣️ UN 2797 • CLASS 8
UN 2797 — Battery fluid, alkali
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.
Battery fluid, alkali is a caustic electrolyte, commonly based on sodium or potassium hydroxide. It is not a fuel, but leaks can cause severe contact burns and corrosive runoff.
Hazard overview: The main hazard is alkaline corrosion. Contact can rapidly damage eyes and skin, and aerosol or mist can injure the airway. Damaged battery systems may also present electrical and hydrogen hazards.
Response guidance: Keep people away from leaking batteries or electrolyte, stop the leak only if it can be done safely and prevent material from entering drains. Use water spray for cooling or vapor knockdown, but avoid a forceful stream into concentrated electrolyte.
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UN 2797 Quick Details
UN 2797
Product name: Battery fluid, alkali
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 154 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; protect personnel from contact; evacuate immediate area if large spill or container breach
Common Hazards of UN 2797
- Alkaline battery fluid is corrosive and can cause severe skin and eye burns.
- Mist or spray may irritate or injure the respiratory tract.
- Dilution with water can release heat and cause splashing.
- Contact with certain metals may release flammable hydrogen gas.
- Damaged batteries or containers may leak caustic electrolyte.
- Fire can produce irritating or corrosive smoke from battery components.
- Runoff can be corrosive and may contaminate waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Battery fluid, alkali is usually a clear to slightly colored aqueous liquid with little odor. Concentration and additives vary by battery type and manufacturer.
| Also known as | Alkaline battery electrolytePotassium hydroxide solutionSodium hydroxide solutionCaustic alkali solutionBattery electrolyte alkali |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly colored aqueous solution with no distinct odor. Corrosive liquid at room temperature, may contain potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide as active ingredient. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution, non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 100-110C (212-230F) depending on concentration |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (low volatility aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; generates heat when diluted but no violent reaction |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2797
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, fog, or mist for cooling; avoid direct water jet on concentrated solution
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; full face shield, chemical resistant gloves and suit; SCBA recommended in confined spaces or spills
Use chemical-resistant gloves, boots, splash protection and face shield. SCBA is appropriate for confined spaces, smoke, or heavy mist from a damaged battery area.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; protect personnel from contact; evacuate immediate area if large spill or container breach
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 154).
First Actions for a UN 2797 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 2797 — Battery fluid, alkaliHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 2797
Product: Battery fluid, alkali
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 154
PPE: Level B minimum; full face shield, chemical resistant gloves and suit; SCBA recommended in confined spaces or spills
ISOLATION: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; protect personnel from contact; evacuate immediate area if large spill or container breach
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 2797 — Battery fluid, alkali
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 154
Appearance: Clear to slightly colored aqueous solution with no distinct odor. Corrosive liquid at room temperature, may contain potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide as active ingredient.
Water Reactivity: Miscible with water; generates heat when diluted but no violent reaction
Extinguishing: Water spray, fog, or mist for cooling; avoid direct water jet on concentrated solution
PPE: Level B minimum; full face shield, chemical resistant gloves and suit; SCBA recommended in confined spaces or spills
Isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25-50m all directions; protect personnel from contact; evacuate immediate area if large spill or container breach
— Key Hazards —
• Alkaline battery fluid is corrosive and can cause severe skin and eye burns.
• Mist or spray may irritate or injure the respiratory tract.
• Dilution with water can release heat and cause splashing.
— 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/battery-fluid-alkali-un-2797 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN2797 Battery fluid, alkali Cls8 ERG154 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/battery-fluid-alkali-un-2797SMS / 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/battery-fluid-alkali-un-2797
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 2797
No. The electrolyte is not flammable, but damaged battery systems may generate hydrogen under some conditions.
It is caustic and can cause deep skin and eye burns, especially from splashes or contaminated clothing.
Water spray can be used for cooling or dilution under control, but mixing may release heat and spread the spill.
Chemical splash protection, caustic-resistant gloves and boots, face shield and respiratory protection when mist or smoke is present.
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.