☣️ UN 3278 • CLASS 6
Organophosphorus compound, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. 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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Quick details
UN 3278
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 151 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 151: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind daytime, 500m downwind nighttime; in case of fire isolate 800m in all directions
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Organophosphate liquidPhosphorus-based pesticide liquidOP compound liquidOrganophosphorus poison liquid |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to amber liquid with mild to strong odor. Most are oily liquids at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Variable, typically 25-93C (77-200F) depending on specific compound |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically 100-300C (212-572F) depending on specific compound |
| Vapor Density | Variable, typically 3-10 (heavier than air) depending on specific compound |
| Water Reactivity | Most compounds have low water reactivity; some may hydrolyze slowly in water |
| Extinguishing | Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A required for unknown concentrations; Level B minimum with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit; butyl or nitrile gloves; avoid all skin contact |
| Isolation | ERG 151: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind daytime, 500m downwind nighttime; in case of fire isolate 800m in all directions |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
First actions (field-minded)
- 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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UN 3278 — Organophosphorus compound, liquid, poiso HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3278
Product: Organophosphorus compound, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151
PPE: Level A required for unknown concentrations; Level B minimum with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit; butyl or nitrile gloves; avoid all skin contact
ISOLATION: ERG 151: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind daytime, 500m downwind nighttime; in case of fire isolate 800m in all directions
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 3278 — Organophosphorus compound, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to amber liquid with mild to strong odor. Most are oily liquids at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Most compounds have low water reactivity; some may hydrolyze slowly in water
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A required for unknown concentrations; Level B minimum with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit; butyl or nitrile gloves; avoid all skin contact
Isolation: ERG 151: Initial isolation 50m in all directions; protective action distance 300m downwind daytime, 500m downwind nighttime; in case of fire isolate 800m in all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Avoid any skin contact.
• Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
— 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/3278 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3278 Organophosphorus compound, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG151 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3278SMS / 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/3278
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FAQ
Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.
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 A required for unknown concentrations; Level B minimum with SCBA and chemical-resistant suit; butyl or nitrile gloves; avoid all skin contact
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 151 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.