UN 3090 — Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries)
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3090 At a Glance
UN 3090 (Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries)) 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 3090 is Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries), a lithium metal battery entry assigned to ERG Guide 138. Thermal runaway, re-ignition and toxic smoke are key.
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 3090, 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 3090 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 (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 (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 3090 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3090
- 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 units containing metallic lithium or lithium alloy anodes. Typically cylindrical, coin-shaped, or prismatic cells with metallic casing. No distinct color or odor unless damaged or leaking.
| Also known as | Lithium batteriesLi-metal batteriesLithium alloy cellsPrimary lithium batteriesLithium button cells |
| Appearance | Sealed battery units containing metallic lithium or lithium alloy anodes. Typically cylindrical, coin-shaped, or prismatic cells with metallic casing. No distinct color or odor unless damaged or leaking. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid battery unit, lithium metal ignites on contact with water) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid battery unit) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid battery unit) |
| Water Reactivity | Damaged lithium metal batteries may release heat, flammable gases and toxic/corrosive vapors. Water may be used for cooling and exposure protection when directed by ERG, SDS or local SOP; contain contaminated runoff and monitor for re-ignition. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3090
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 3090 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 3090 — Lithium metal batteries (including lithiUse 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.