UN 3150 — Hydrocarbon gas refills for small devices, with release device
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Hydrocarbon gas refills for small devices contain flammable liquefied gas, commonly in small pressurized containers with release devices. Fire behavior can be intense when many units are involved.
Hazard overview: Released gas can spread low, find ignition sources and flash back. Containers exposed to fire can rupture or rocket, and confined storage areas can accumulate explosive vapor mixtures.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, remove ignition sources and ventilate if safe. For fire, use dry chemical for small incipient flames and cool containers from maximum distance; do not handle heated or damaged units.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to expect container rocketing and rapid flame spread in retail or storage quantities. Eliminate ignition sources and monitor low areas before entry.
Regulatory context: UN 3150 is a Class 2 flammable gas entry for small-device refills. Confirm container count, gas type and emergency contact details from shipping documents.
Storage & handling: Store cool, ventilated and away from heat, direct sun, oxidizers and ignition sources. Keep containers upright or packaged as designed and protect release devices from damage.
UN 3150 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3150
- Extremely flammable liquefied hydrocarbon gas in small refill containers.
- Gas can form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the container or leak point.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low areas, cabinets, vehicles or drains.
- Containers may rupture, burst or rocket when heated.
- Static discharge, pilot lights, smoking materials and electrical equipment can ignite vapors.
- Cold liquid discharge can cause frostbite.
- Large quantities of small devices can create a severe fire load and pressure-container hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquefied gas with a faint petroleum-like or gasless odor. Stored under pressure in small metal cartridges or cylinders with release valve mechanisms Contents are usually colorless liquefied hydrocarbon gas with faint petroleum odor depending on product.
| Also known as | Butane refill cartridgesLighter gas refillsPortable gas cylinder refillsSmall device fuel cartridgesCamping stove gas refills |
| Appearance | Colorless liquefied gas with a faint petroleum-like or gasless odor. Stored under pressure in small metal cartridges or cylinders with release valve mechanisms. |
| Flash Point | -60C (-76F) typical for butane mixtures |
| Boiling Point | -1C to 0C (30F to 32F) for butane component |
| Vapor Density | 2.0 (heavier than air, will accumulate in low areas) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water, but gas will not dissolve and may displace oxygen |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3150
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and full firefighting protective clothing for fire or significant release. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling cold or damaged containers.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3150 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command before close approach.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or gases may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or fire gases and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper PPE and training.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for final protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3150 — Hydrocarbon gas refills for small deviceUse 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.