☣️ UN 3130 • CLASS 4
UN 3130 — Water-reactive liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 139. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 3130 Quick Details
UN 3130
Product name: Water-reactive liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG Guide: 139 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation 800m; toxic gases evolved on contact with water
Common Hazards of UN 3130
- Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Water-reactive liquid, toxic, n.o.s.Water-reactive poisonous liquidDangerous when wet liquid, poisonousClass 4.3 toxic liquid |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific substance; n.o.s. designation covers multiple water-reactive liquids that produce toxic gases. Typically clear to colored liquids that react dangerously with moisture. |
| Flash Point | Variable; many are pyrophoric and may ignite spontaneously on contact with water or moist air |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific chemical identity |
| Vapor Density | Variable; vapors typically heavier than air |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing flammable and toxic gases; DO NOT use water directly on material |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3130
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, soda ash, lime, sand; DO NOT use water or foam
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A recommended due to toxic gas generation; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit; avoid all contact
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation 800m; toxic gases evolved on contact with water
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 139).
First Actions for a UN 3130 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 3130 — Water-reactive liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3130
Product: Water-reactive liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 139
PPE: Level A recommended due to toxic gas generation; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit; avoid all contact
ISOLATION: ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation 800m; toxic gases evolved on contact with water
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 3130 — Water-reactive liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 139
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific substance; n.o.s. designation covers multiple water-reactive liquids that produce toxic gases. Typically clear to colored liquids that react dangerously with moisture.
Water Reactivity: Reacts violently with water producing flammable and toxic gases; DO NOT use water directly on material
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime, sand; DO NOT use water or foam
PPE: Level A recommended due to toxic gas generation; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit; avoid all contact
Isolation: ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation 800m; toxic gases evolved on contact with water
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3130 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3130 Water-reactive liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. Cls4 ERG139 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3130SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3130
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3130
Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level A recommended due to toxic gas generation; SCBA required; chemical-resistant suit; avoid all contact
Water reactivity: Reacts violently with water producing flammable and toxic gases; DO NOT use water directly on material. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime, sand; DO NOT use water or foam.
ERG Guide 139 recommendation: ERG 139: isolate spill 50m all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m and consider evacuation 800m; toxic gases evolved on contact with water
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 139 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.