UN 3473 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3473 is Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids, a flammable-liquid fuel-cell cartridge entry assigned to ERG Guide 128. Hidden leaks, ignition and equipment hazards matter.
Hazard overview: Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment with flammable liquid fuel; damaged cartridges can leak ignitable liquid or vapor. Vapors may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Equipment housings can hide leaking cartridges and delay detection.
Response guidance: For UN 3473, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources and keep vapors out of drains. Use SCBA, cool equipment and contain flammable/toxic runoff under ERG 128.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3473 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 128, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, concentration, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable liquids should be stored in approved flammable/corrosive-compatible packaging away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and physical damage, with secondary containment.
UN 3473 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3473
- Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment with flammable liquid fuel; damaged cartridges can leak ignitable liquid or vapor.
- Vapors may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Equipment housings can hide leaking cartridges and delay detection.
- Electrical components may remain energized and complicate stabilization.
- Fire may involve plastics, fuel, batteries or fuel-cell components and produce toxic smoke.
- Runoff may carry fuel, electrolyte or burned equipment residues.
- Exact fuel type and cartridge design must be verified from markings and SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Sealed cartridges integrated within equipment containing flammable liquids (often methanol or other alcohol-based fuels). Physical state and appearance vary by cartridge design, typically liquid fuel in plastic or metal housing.
| Also known as | Fuel cell cartridges in equipmentFlammable liquid fuel cellsIntegrated fuel cell cartridgesEquipment-contained fuel cartridges |
| Appearance | Sealed cartridges integrated within equipment containing flammable liquids (often methanol or other alcohol-based fuels). Physical state and appearance vary by cartridge design, typically liquid fuel in plastic or metal housing. |
| Flash Point | Varies by fuel type; methanol-based typically -11°C (12°F) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by fuel composition; methanol 64.7°C (148°F) |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typical alcohols 1.1-2.0) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; fuel may be water-miscible |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3473
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA where vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fire is present. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3473 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, equipment or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 128, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3473 — Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipmUse 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.