UN 3168 — Gas sample, non-pressurized, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s., not refrigerated liquid
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 119. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3168 is Gas sample, non-pressurized, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s., not refrigerated liquid, a toxic flammable gas sample entry assigned to ERG Guide 119. Toxic inhalation and ignition hazards require verification.
Hazard overview: Toxic and flammable non-pressurized gas sample, n.o.s.; inhalation may cause severe injury or death. Sample vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Toxicity, odor warning and vapor density vary by gas composition.
Response guidance: For UN 3168, isolate the package or sample container, use monitoring and avoid ignition sources where flammable. Ventilate only if trained and equipped under ERG 119.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3168 should emphasize cylinder/package recognition, vapor density, air monitoring, SCBA use, frostbite/toxicity controls, isolation and source-control limits. Use ERG 119, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Gas sample, non-pressurized, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s., not refrigerated liquid 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: Gas sample, non-pressurized, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s., not refrigerated liquid 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 3168 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3168
- Toxic and flammable non-pressurized gas sample, n.o.s.; inhalation may cause severe injury or death.
- Sample vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Toxicity, odor warning and vapor density vary by gas composition.
- Small releases can be serious in enclosed labs, vehicles or packaging areas.
- Fire may produce toxic, corrosive or irritating gases.
- Heat can rupture sample containers and spread toxic flammable vapor.
- Exact sample identity and concentration must be verified before entry.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific gas sampled; may be colorless to colored gas or liquefied gas at ambient or reduced pressure. Odor varies by composition.
| Also known as | Non-pressurized poisonous flammable gas sampleToxic flammable gas sample NOSPoisonous flammable gas sample not under pressure |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific gas sampled; may be colorless to colored gas or liquefied gas at ambient or reduced pressure. Odor varies by composition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (gas sample) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific gas composition |
| Vapor Density | Typically heavier than air (specific gravity varies by gas composition) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally no significant reaction with water, though specific gases may vary |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3168
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protection for unknown or toxic sample releases. Use monitoring before ventilation or close handling.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3168 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- 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 119, SDS, shipping papers, markings and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3168 — Gas sample, non-pressurized, poisonous,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.