UN 3280 — Organoarsenic compound, liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3280 is Organoarsenic compound, liquid, n.o.s., a broad toxic organoarsenic liquid entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. Arsenic contamination and skin exposure require control.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC organoarsenic liquid, n.o.s.; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal. Skin contact and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns. Combustibility varies by exact compound and solvent.
Response guidance: For UN 3280, isolate the area, avoid all skin contact and use SCBA with chemical protection. Prevent runoff spread and verify exact compound with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3280 should emphasize high-toxicity exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA/Level A decisions, decontamination, runoff control and exact-compound verification. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Organoarsenic compound, 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, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Organoarsenic compound, liquid, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3280 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3280
- HIGHLY TOXIC organoarsenic liquid, n.o.s.; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns.
- Combustibility varies by exact compound and solvent.
- Fire may produce arsenic oxides and toxic/corrosive smoke.
- Runoff may carry arsenic contamination and create persistent environmental hazards.
- Vapors or aerosols may be dangerous even when odor is weak or absent.
- Exact compound, solvent and concentration must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to pale yellow liquid with little to no odor, though some compounds may have characteristic odors.
| Also known as | Organoarsenic liquidOrganic arsenic compound liquidArsenical organic liquidArsenic organic derivative liquid |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific compound; typically colorless to pale yellow liquid with little to no odor, though some compounds may have characteristic odors. |
| Flash Point | Variable by specific compound; consult SDS for exact material |
| Boiling Point | Variable by specific compound; typically ranges from 100-300C depending on molecular structure |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (typically >1); vapors will settle in low areas |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water but may hydrolyze slowly; some compounds may react with strong acids or bases |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3280
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and full chemical protective clothing. Level A may be needed for unknown concentration, heavy vapor, splash or high skin-absorption risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3280 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 or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff 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 3280 — Organoarsenic compound, liquid, 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.