UN 3091 — Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment (including lithium alloy batteries)
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3091 At a Glance
UN 3091 (Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment (including lithium…) is listed as DOT Class 9 Miscellaneous and is assigned to ERG Guide 138. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3091 is Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment (including lithium alloy batteries), a lithium metal battery-in-equipment entry assigned to ERG Guide 138. Hidden damaged cells complicate response.
Hazard overview: Lithium metal batteries can enter thermal runaway if damaged, short-circuited, overheated or improperly charged. Fire may produce flammable gases, toxic smoke and corrosive fluoride-containing vapors. Cells may vent, rupture or eject burning material.
Response guidance: For UN 3091, isolate damaged or burning batteries, 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 3091 should emphasize thermal runaway, re-ignition monitoring, smoke toxicity, water cooling decisions, damaged-battery handling and runoff control. Use ERG 138 and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment (including lithium alloy batteries) is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment (including lithium alloy batteries) should be stored to prevent short circuits, crushing, heat exposure and moisture damage, with segregation from combustibles and damaged-battery containment per carrier/local requirements.
UN 3091 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3091
- Lithium metal batteries can enter thermal runaway if damaged, short-circuited, overheated or improperly charged.
- Fire may produce flammable gases, toxic smoke and corrosive fluoride-containing vapors.
- Cells may vent, rupture or eject burning material.
- Damaged batteries can re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Water may be used for cooling and exposure protection, but runoff can be contaminated.
- Batteries contained in equipment may hide damaged cells and complicate access.
- Avoid short circuits, crushing and unprotected handling of damaged batteries.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Sealed battery cells or battery packs integrated within electronic equipment. Typically metallic casing, gray or silver in color. Solid state at room temperature.
| Also known as | Lithium metal batteriesLithium alloy batteriesEquipment with lithium batteriesLithium battery powered devices |
| Appearance | Sealed battery cells or battery packs integrated within electronic equipment. Typically metallic casing, gray or silver in color. Solid state at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (sealed battery system) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (sealed battery system) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid battery) |
| Water Reactivity | Lithium metal reacts vigorously with water producing flammable hydrogen gas and heat if battery casing is compromised. Intact batteries pose minimal water reactivity risk. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3091
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 3091 Incident
- Call 911 and establish incident command.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away from damaged, smoking or burning batteries.
- Stay upwind of smoke and vapors.
- Avoid touching damaged cells, leaking electrolyte or hot equipment without proper PPE.
- Prevent short circuits and keep damaged batteries separated from combustibles.
- Monitor for re-ignition after apparent extinguishment.
- Use ERG Guide 138, shipping papers, battery markings and local lithium-battery SOP for isolation and cleanup.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3091 — Lithium metal batteries contained in equUse 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.