UN 3243 — Solids containing poisonous liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3243 is Solids containing poisonous liquid, n.o.s., a broad toxic liquid-in-solid entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. Exact contained liquid and leakage potential must be verified.
Hazard overview: TOXIC liquid absorbed or contained in solid material, n.o.s.; exposure depends on the contained liquid. Damaged packages can leak toxic liquid from absorbent, matrix or article contents. Skin contact, inhalation of vapors or ingestion of contaminated solids may cause severe injury.
Response guidance: For UN 3243, isolate damaged packages, prevent leakage spread and use PPE for the contained liquid. Contain runoff and verify exact contents with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3243 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, dust/vapor control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/package review. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Solids containing poisonous liquid, 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, formulation, package type and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Solids containing poisonous liquid, n.o.s. should be stored in intact compatible packages with secondary containment, restricted access and segregation based on the contained liquid's SDS and incompatibilities.
UN 3243 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3243
- TOXIC liquid absorbed or contained in solid material, n.o.s.; exposure depends on the contained liquid.
- Damaged packages can leak toxic liquid from absorbent, matrix or article contents.
- Skin contact, inhalation of vapors or ingestion of contaminated solids may cause severe injury.
- Solid carrier may hide the amount of free liquid present.
- Fire may release toxic vapors, smoke or decomposition gases from both liquid and solid carrier.
- Runoff may carry toxic liquid contamination.
- Exact toxic liquid, carrier and leakage potential must be verified from SDS and shipping papers.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific material; typically a solid matrix impregnated or mixed with toxic liquid component. Color and odor vary widely based on constituents.
| Also known as | Toxic solids containing poisonous liquidPoisonous solid mixture n.o.s.Class 6.1 solid-liquid mixture |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific material; typically a solid matrix impregnated or mixed with toxic liquid component. Color and odor vary widely based on constituents. |
| Flash Point | Variable depending on specific material; refer to SDS for exact composition |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid mixture) |
| Vapor Density | Variable; toxic vapors may be heavier than air depending on liquid component |
| Water Reactivity | Variable; assume potential reaction until composition confirmed. Avoid water contact to prevent spread of toxic liquid. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3243
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA where vapor, dust or fire is present. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected for the contained liquid.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3243 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, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, spilled material or residue without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated runoff, dust, liquid and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3243 — Solids containing poisonous liquid, n.o.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.