UN 3480 — Lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer batteries)
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 147. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3480 covers lithium ion batteries, including lithium ion polymer batteries, shipped as batteries rather than inside equipment.
Hazard overview: The primary hazards are flammable electrolyte, thermal runaway, rapid burning, reignition, and toxic or corrosive gases from damaged or burning batteries.
Response guidance: Isolate damaged batteries, stay upwind, ventilate enclosed spaces, cool exposed batteries from a safe distance, and watch for reignition after visible flames stop.
Firefighter training notes: Responders should recognize thermal runaway, venting, reignition, and toxic gas release. Use isolation, cooling from a safe distance, SCBA during fire or smoke, and post-fire monitoring.
Regulatory context: UN 3480 is a Class 9 lithium ion battery entry. Follow transport rules, packaging limits, shipping papers, SDS/manufacturer guidance, and local hazardous-material procedures.
Storage & handling: Store lithium ion batteries cool, dry, separated from damage, heat, and ignition sources. Protect terminals, avoid crushing, and segregate damaged or recalled batteries.
UN 3480 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3480
- Lithium ion and sodium ion batteries contain flammable liquid electrolyte that may vent, ignite.
- May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect.
- May ignite other batteries in close proximity.
- Contact with battery electrolyte may be irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Burning batteries may produce toxic hydrogen fluoride gas (see GUIDE 125).
- Fumes may cause dizziness or asphyxiation.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Lithium ion batteries are solid metallic or plastic-cased battery units containing lithium metal oxide cathode, carbon anode, and organic liquid electrolyte. They are typically gray, black, or silver casings at room temperature. The flash point of this substance is not applicable, as the electrolyte is sealed within the battery. The boiling point is also not applicable, as the electrolyte is a mixture of organic solvents and lithium salts. The vapor pressure and specific gravity of this substance are not well-defined, as they depend on the specific formulation and design of the battery.
| Also known as | Li-ion batterieslithium polymer batteriesLiPo batteriesrechargeable lithium batterieslithium-ion cells |
| Appearance | Solid metallic or plastic-cased battery units containing lithium metal oxide cathode, carbon anode, and organic liquid electrolyte. Typically gray, black, or silver casings at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (electrolyte typically -40C to 0C but sealed in battery) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (electrolyte mixture typically 80-150C but sealed) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid battery unit) |
| Water Reactivity | Electrolyte reacts with water if battery is damaged or breached; intact batteries have minimal water reactivity |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3480
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use Level C for intact batteries. Upgrade to Level B with SCBA, thermal protection, gloves, and eye protection if batteries vent, burn, or overheat.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3480 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
- Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3480 — Lithium ion batteries (including 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.