UN 3268 — Seat-belt pre-tensioners
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3268 is Seat-belt pre-tensioners, a Class 9 pyrotechnic safety device entry assigned to ERG Guide 171. Heat, impact and device actuation are key concerns.
Hazard overview: Class 9 pyrotechnic safety device; intact units are normally stable but can actuate if damaged or heated. Fire or impact may activate the pretensioner and eject fragments or hot gases. Devices may contain small pyrotechnic charges and metal/plastic components.
Response guidance: For UN 3268, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact controls with SDS and ERG 171.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3268 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 171, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Seat-belt pre-tensioners is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Seat-belt pre-tensioners should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3268 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3268
- Class 9 pyrotechnic safety device; intact units are normally stable but can actuate if damaged or heated.
- Fire or impact may activate the pretensioner and eject fragments or hot gases.
- Devices may contain small pyrotechnic charges and metal/plastic components.
- Smoke from burning devices or packaging may be irritating or toxic.
- Do not cut, crush, dismantle or apply heat to unknown pretensioner assemblies.
- Damaged devices may present sharp metal, stored-energy and residue hazards.
- Verify device type and quantity from shipping papers and packaging.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Mechanical devices containing small pyrotechnic charges (typically sodium azide or similar propellants) used in vehicle safety systems. Metal and plastic assemblies that appear as compact cylindrical or rectangular units.
| Also known as | Seatbelt pretensionersPyrotechnic pretensioning devicesAirbag pretensionersSafety belt pretensioners |
| Appearance | Mechanical devices containing small pyrotechnic charges (typically sodium azide or similar propellants) used in vehicle safety systems. Metal and plastic assemblies that appear as compact cylindrical or rectangular units. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrotechnic device) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (mechanical device with explosive charge) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid device) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; device designed to be stable under normal conditions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3268
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3268 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.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers 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 171, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3268 — Seat-belt pre-tensionersUse 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.