UN 3142 — Disinfectant, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Disinfectant, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. is a broad hazardous-material entry. Responders should treat the release as toxic until the exact chemical, concentration and carrier are confirmed.
Hazard overview: Disinfectant, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. can harm responders through contact, inhalation or ingestion. Fire, heat or incompatible materials may create toxic or corrosive gases, and runoff should be controlled when safe.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, keep personnel upwind and prevent direct contact. Identify the product from shipping papers and SDS before selecting absorbent, neutralization, decon or extinguishing tactics.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to treat n.o.s. toxic entries as product-identification incidents. Avoid routine cleanup until SDS, shipping papers, monitoring and medical consultation are available.
Regulatory context: UN 3142 is assigned to ERG 151. The exact proper shipping name, active ingredient, concentration and any reportable quantities must be verified from shipping papers and SDS.
Storage & handling: Store in closed, compatible containers with secondary containment and ventilation appropriate to the formulation. Separate from acids, oxidizers, food/feed materials and incompatible chemicals listed on the SDS.
UN 3142 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3142
- Disinfectant, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. may cause severe injury by inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact.
- Skin absorption or contaminated clothing may be a significant exposure route depending on the exact product.
- Fire or heating may produce irritating, corrosive or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or spill control may contaminate waterways.
- Some formulations may be combustible or carried in organic solvents even if the active ingredient is not flammable.
- Dusts, mists or vapors may be hazardous in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
- Because this is a broad entry, product identity and SDS determine final PPE, decon and medical guidance.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on formulation; typically clear to colored liquid with characteristic chemical odor. May contain various active ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics, or other antimicrobial agents This liquid entry is variable, so appearance alone is not reliable for identification.
| Also known as | Disinfectant solutionLiquid disinfectantToxic disinfectant liquidPoisonous disinfectant preparation |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on formulation; typically clear to colored liquid with characteristic chemical odor. May contain various active ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics, or other antimicrobial agents. |
| Flash Point | Variable; depends on formulation and carrier solvent - typically 23-93C (73-200F) for alcohol-based products, or Not applicable for water-based formulations |
| Boiling Point | Variable; typically 78-100C (172-212F) depending on solvent base |
| Vapor Density | Variable; typically 1.5-3.0 (heavier than air) for organic solvent-based products |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water; however, dilution may release heat or vapors depending on active ingredients |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3142
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing when exposure is possible. Upgrade to Level A for unknown vapor, heavy contamination or product-specific SDS requirements.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3142 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command before close approach.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or gases may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or fire gases and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper PPE and training.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for final protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3142 — Disinfectant, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.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.