UN 3163 — Liquefied gas, n.o.s.
Placard: Non-Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 126. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3163 is Liquefied gas, n.o.s., a broad liquefied gas entry assigned to ERG Guide 126. Exact gas identity must be verified before assuming fire or toxicity behavior.
Hazard overview: Liquefied gas, n.o.s.; hazards vary by exact gas and package. Pressure release can create frostbite, rapid vaporization and asphyxiation hazards. Vapors may collect in low or confined areas depending on gas density.
Response guidance: For UN 3163, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, gas, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact contents with SDS, labels and ERG 126.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3163 should emphasize cylinder/package recognition, vapor density, air monitoring, SCBA use, frostbite/toxicity controls, isolation and source-control limits. Use ERG 126, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Liquefied gas, n.o.s. 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, n.o.s. 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 3163 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3163
- Liquefied gas, n.o.s.; hazards vary by exact gas and package.
- Pressure release can create frostbite, rapid vaporization and asphyxiation hazards.
- Vapors may collect in low or confined areas depending on gas density.
- Some gases may burn or produce toxic/corrosive decomposition products in fire.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent, rupture or rocket.
- Do not assume non-toxic or non-flammable behavior until gas identity is verified.
- Cylinder markings, SDS and shipping papers control response decisions.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to various colored liquefied gas under pressure. Physical state and odor vary depending on specific gas; typically stored as liquid under pressure in cylinders or tanks.
| Also known as | Compressed gas n.o.s.Liquefied compressed gasRefrigerated liquefied gas n.o.s.Cryogenic liquid n.o.s. |
| Appearance | Colorless to various colored liquefied gas under pressure. Physical state and odor vary depending on specific gas; typically stored as liquid under pressure in cylinders or tanks. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (liquefied gas) |
| Boiling Point | Varies widely depending on specific gas (-269C to 100C typical range) |
| Vapor Density | Varies; typically heavier than air (>1.0) for most liquefied gases |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though some specific gases may react |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3163
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for releases, fire or confined spaces. Wear eye/face protection and insulated gloves where liquefied or cryogenic gas contact is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3163 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 breathing vapor, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, cylinders, articles or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated runoff, debris and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 126, SDS, shipping papers, markings and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3163 — Liquefied gas, 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.