UN 3162 — Liquefied gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 123. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3162 is Liquefied gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A), a Zone A toxic liquefied gas entry assigned to ERG Guide 123. Inhalation lethality and low-area vapor spread drive response.
Hazard overview: EXTREME TOXIC INHALATION HAZARD Zone A liquefied gas; inhalation may be fatal. Gas or liquefied gas may be irritating/corrosive and can cause chemical burns or frostbite. Vapors from liquefied gas may spread along the ground and into low or confined areas.
Response guidance: For UN 3162, isolate downwind and low areas immediately, use Level A/SCBA for entry and rely on monitoring. Stop release only if trained and equipped; follow ERG 123.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3162 should emphasize cylinder/package recognition, vapor density, air monitoring, SCBA use, frostbite/toxicity controls, isolation and source-control limits. Use ERG 123, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Liquefied gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Liquefied gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) should be stored in secured, compatible cylinders or sample packages away from heat, physical damage and unauthorized access, with ventilation, segregation and emergency planning based on exact gas identity.
UN 3162 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3162
- EXTREME TOXIC INHALATION HAZARD Zone A liquefied gas; inhalation may be fatal.
- Gas or liquefied gas may be irritating/corrosive and can cause chemical burns or frostbite.
- Vapors from liquefied gas may spread along the ground and into low or confined areas.
- Some products may burn, but toxicity is the dominant response hazard.
- Fire may produce toxic, corrosive and irritating gases.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent, rupture or rocket.
- Exact gas identity must be verified from shipping papers, cylinder markings and monitoring.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific chemical. Typically a colorless to light-colored liquefied gas under pressure. May have distinct odor or be odorless depending on composition.
| Also known as | Toxic compressed gas N.O.S.Poisonous liquefied gas N.O.S.Toxic gas Zone ALiquefied toxic gas |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific chemical. Typically a colorless to light-colored liquefied gas under pressure. May have distinct odor or be odorless depending on composition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (compressed gas) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific chemical composition |
| Vapor Density | Variable, typically heavier than air (>1.0) |
| Water Reactivity | Variable depending on specific chemical; may react or dissolve |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3162
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use Level A fully encapsulating chemical protection with positive-pressure SCBA for entry. Protect against toxic inhalation, skin contact and liquefied-gas frostbite.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3162 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind and keep people out of low or poorly ventilated areas.
- Treat the release as a life-threatening inhalation hazard until monitoring proves otherwise.
- Eliminate ignition sources if the material is flammable and this can be done safely.
- Do not touch leaking cylinders or liquefied gas without Level A/SCBA capability and incident command approval.
- Use ERG Guide 123, shipping papers, cylinder markings and air monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3162 — Liquefied gas, poisonous, n.o.s. (InhalaUse 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.