UN 3018 — Organophosphorus pesticide, liquid, poisonous
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Organophosphorus pesticide, liquid, poisonous is a liquid pesticide formulation assigned to UN 3018. It should be treated as a toxic pesticide product until the active ingredient, carrier solvent and concentration are confirmed from shipping papers and the SDS.
Hazard overview: The main concern with UN 3018 is toxic exposure from the pesticide formulation. Dermal absorption, inhalation of vapors or dust, ingestion, contaminated runoff and toxic fire gases are the response priorities.
Response guidance: For UN 3018, isolate the spill area, keep personnel upwind and avoid all skin contact. Use absorbent or containment methods compatible with the formulation and keep contaminated runoff out of drains. Fire control should focus on exposed packaging and the carrier solvent if present; verify the SDS before choosing water or foam.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to treat UN 3018 as a toxic pesticide release, verify the exact product, control runoff and avoid skin contact during rescue, containment and decon.
Regulatory context: UN 3018 is regulated for transport as a hazardous pesticide entry. Product labels, shipping papers, SDS and local environmental reporting rules should guide final actions.
Storage & handling: Store UN 3018 away from food, feed, drains, ignition sources where applicable and incompatible chemicals. Keep containers closed, labeled and protected from heat or physical damage.
UN 3018 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3018
- Organophosphorus pesticide formulations may be highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption.
- Liquid contact can contaminate PPE and expose responders during doffing.
- Fire or heating may release irritating, corrosive or toxic decomposition gases.
- Containers may rupture when heated even when the product itself is not readily flammable.
- Runoff from spill control or firefighting can carry pesticide contamination into waterways.
- Some formulations contain solvents or surfactants that change vapor, foam and cleanup behavior.
- Exact product identity and concentration must be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to amber or brown liquid with mild to pungent odor depending on formulation. May be oily or water-based solution. Product-specific appearance and odor should not be used as the only identification method.
| Also known as | organophosphate pesticide liquidOP pesticide liquidphosphorus ester pesticideanticholinesterase pesticide liquid |
| Appearance | Clear to amber or brown liquid with mild to pungent odor depending on formulation. May be oily or water-based solution. |
| Flash Point | Varies by formulation, typically 25-93C (77-200F) for petroleum-based carriers |
| Boiling Point | Varies widely by formulation and carrier solvent, typically 100-250C (212-482F) |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no violent reaction with water, though some formulations may hydrolyze slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3018
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing suitable for pesticide liquids. Gloves, boots and suit material should be selected from the SDS because permeation varies by active ingredient and solvent.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3018 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 low areas where vapors may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or fire gases and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when trained, equipped and authorized.
- Use ERG 152, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to confirm product hazards before close approach.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3018 — Organophosphorus pesticide, liquid, poisUse 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.