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 At a Glance
UN 3473 (Fuel cell cartridges contained in equipment, containing flammable…) is listed as DOT Class 3 Flammable and is assigned to ERG Guide 128. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
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.