UN 2903 — Pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2903 is Pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s., a broad toxic pesticide liquid entry assigned to ERG Guide 131. Active ingredient, solvent and concentration must be verified.
Hazard overview: TOXIC pesticide liquid, n.o.s.; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal. Formulation varies by active ingredient, carrier solvent and concentration. Liquid can contaminate clothing, drains, soil and waterways.
Response guidance: For UN 2903, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, aerosol or fire is present. Contain toxic runoff and verify controls with SDS and ERG 131.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2903 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/package verification. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on package type, quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS or authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. should be stored in a secure pesticide/toxic-material area with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and segregation from food, feed, drains, ignition sources and incompatibles.
UN 2903 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2903
- TOXIC pesticide liquid, n.o.s.; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Formulation varies by active ingredient, carrier solvent and concentration.
- Liquid can contaminate clothing, drains, soil and waterways.
- Some formulations are flammable; solvent vapors may travel and flash back.
- Fire may produce highly toxic pesticide decomposition products and irritating/corrosive smoke.
- Runoff may be toxic, persistent and environmentally harmful.
- Exact formulation must be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable liquid formulation, color and odor depend on specific pesticide active ingredient and carrier solvents. Typically a flammable liquid solution at room temperature.
| Also known as | Toxic pesticide solutionPoisonous pesticide liquidFlammable agricultural chemicalToxic agrochemical liquid |
| Appearance | Variable liquid formulation, color and odor depend on specific pesticide active ingredient and carrier solvents. Typically a flammable liquid solution at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically 23-60°C (73-140°F) for Class 3/6.1 liquids |
| Boiling Point | Varies by formulation and carrier solvent, typically 60-200°C (140-392°F) |
| Vapor Density | Typically >1 (heavier than air), exact value depends on specific formulation |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no violent reaction with water, but may be water-immiscible and toxic to aquatic life |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2903
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing. Level A or B may be needed for unknown formulation, heavy vapor/dust or skin-absorption risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2903 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols 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 131, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2903 — Pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable,Use 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.