☣️ UN 3245 • CLASS 9
UN 3245 — Genetically modified microorganisms
Placard: Miscellaneous / Biohazard. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 3245 Quick Details
UN 3245
Product name: Genetically modified microorganisms
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous / Biohazard
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; biological containment procedures take precedence over standard hazmat isolation
Common Hazards of UN 3245
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | GMOsgenetically modified organismsgenetically engineered microorganismsrecombinant microorganismstransgenic microorganisms |
| Appearance | Typically liquid cultures or solid media containing modified bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms; appearance varies widely depending on culture medium and organism type; may be colorless to turbid liquids or solid agar plates. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (biological material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (biological material in aqueous medium) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (biological material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; typically stored in aqueous or culture media |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3245
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO2 appropriate for container fires; primary concern is containment of biological material
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum with biosafety precautions; SCBA if fire involves containers; impermeable gloves and eye protection mandatory; follow biosafety level protocols for specific organism
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; biological containment procedures take precedence over standard hazmat isolation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 3245 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3245 — Genetically modified microorganismsHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3245
Product: Genetically modified microorganisms
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / Biohazard / ERG 171
PPE: Level C minimum with biosafety precautions; SCBA if fire involves containers; impermeable gloves and eye protection mandatory; follow biosafety level protocols for specific organism
ISOLATION: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; biological containment procedures take precedence over standard hazmat isolation
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 3245 — Genetically modified microorganisms
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous / Biohazard | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: Typically liquid cultures or solid media containing modified bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms; appearance varies widely depending on culture medium and organism type; may be colorless to turbid liquids or solid agar plates.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction; typically stored in aqueous or culture media
Extinguishing: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO2 appropriate for container fires; primary concern is containment of biological material
PPE: Level C minimum with biosafety precautions; SCBA if fire involves containers; impermeable gloves and eye protection mandatory; follow biosafety level protocols for specific organism
Isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; biological containment procedures take precedence over standard hazmat isolation
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Some may be transported hot.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3245 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3245 Genetically modified microorganisms Cls9 ERG171 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3245SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3245
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3245
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level C minimum with biosafety precautions; SCBA if fire involves containers; impermeable gloves and eye protection mandatory; follow biosafety level protocols for specific organism
Water reactivity: No significant reaction; typically stored in aqueous or culture media. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO2 appropriate for container fires; primary concern is containment of biological material.
ERG Guide 171 recommendation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25 meters in all directions; biological containment procedures take precedence over standard hazmat isolation
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 171 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.