UN 3171 — Battery-powered equipment (with lithium metal batteries)
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3171 is Battery-powered equipment (with lithium metal batteries), a lithium-metal-battery equipment entry assigned to ERG Guide 138. Thermal runaway, hidden cells and re-ignition are key concerns.
Hazard overview: Battery-powered equipment with lithium metal batteries can enter thermal runaway if damaged, shorted, crushed or overheated. Equipment housings may hide damaged cells and delay visible smoke or flame. Fire may produce toxic smoke and corrosive fluoride-containing vapors.
Response guidance: For UN 3171, isolate damaged or burning equipment, use SCBA for smoke and cool exposures. Prevent short circuits, monitor for re-ignition and follow ERG 138/local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3171 should emphasize thermal runaway, hidden cells, re-ignition monitoring, smoke toxicity, short-circuit prevention and runoff control. Use ERG 138 and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Battery-powered equipment (with lithium metal batteries) is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Battery-powered equipment (with lithium metal batteries) should be stored to prevent short circuits, crushing, heat exposure and moisture damage, with damaged equipment isolated from combustibles according to carrier/local requirements.
UN 3171 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3171
- Battery-powered equipment with lithium metal batteries can enter thermal runaway if damaged, shorted, crushed or overheated.
- Equipment housings may hide damaged cells and delay visible smoke or flame.
- Fire may produce toxic smoke and corrosive fluoride-containing vapors.
- Cells may vent, rupture, eject burning material or re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Electrical hazards may remain until the device is isolated and stabilized.
- Runoff may carry battery electrolyte and metal contamination.
- Avoid crushing, puncturing or short-circuiting damaged equipment.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Varies widely depending on the equipment type. Contains lithium metal batteries which are solid metallic cells typically enclosed in protective housing. Lithium metal is a soft, silver-white metal that can react with moisture.
| Also known as | Equipment powered by lithium metal batteriesLithium battery powered devicesLithium metal battery equipmentBattery-operated equipment (lithium metal) |
| Appearance | Varies widely depending on the equipment type. Contains lithium metal batteries which are solid metallic cells typically enclosed in protective housing. Lithium metal is a soft, silver-white metal that can react with moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (manufactured article with reactive metal batteries) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid article) |
| Water Reactivity | Lithium metal reacts vigorously with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat. Damaged or exposed batteries may ignite on contact with water or moist air. Keep dry at all times. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3171
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for smoke/fire and full protective clothing. Chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are needed for leaking electrolyte or damaged cells.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3171 Incident
- Call 911 and establish incident command.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away from damaged, smoking or burning equipment.
- Stay upwind of smoke and vapors.
- Avoid touching damaged cells, leaking electrolyte or hot equipment without proper PPE.
- Prevent short circuits and separate damaged equipment from combustibles when safe.
- Monitor for re-ignition after apparent extinguishment.
- Use ERG Guide 138, battery markings and local lithium-battery SOP for isolation and cleanup.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3171 — Battery-powered equipment (with lithiumUse 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.