☣️ UN 3281 • CLASS 6
Metal carbonyls, liquid, 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 3281
Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG: Guide 151 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate 300m downwind if necessary
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Metal carbonyl compoundsCarbonyl metal complexesTransition metal carbonylsOrganometallic carbonyls |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquids with characteristic odors. Most metal carbonyls are volatile liquids at room temperature, though appearance varies depending on the specific metal. |
| Flash Point | Varies by specific compound; many are flammable with flash points below 23C (73F) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by compound; typically range from 43C to 230C (109F to 446F) |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air for most metal carbonyls (typically 3-7 times air density) |
| Water Reactivity | May decompose in water, releasing toxic carbon monoxide gas; avoid water contact when possible |
| Extinguishing | Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand preferred; avoid water-based agents due to decomposition risk |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level A required for spill response; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extreme toxicity requires maximum protection; avoid all skin contact |
| Isolation | ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate 300m downwind if necessary |
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 3281 — Metal carbonyls, liquid, n.o.s. HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3281
Product: Metal carbonyls, liquid, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151
PPE: Level A required for spill response; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extreme toxicity requires maximum protection; avoid all skin contact
ISOLATION: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate 300m downwind if necessary
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 3281 — Metal carbonyls, liquid, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquids with characteristic odors. Most metal carbonyls are volatile liquids at room temperature, though appearance varies depending on the specific metal.
Water Reactivity: May decompose in water, releasing toxic carbon monoxide gas; avoid water contact when possible
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand preferred; avoid water-based agents due to decomposition risk
PPE: Level A required for spill response; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extreme toxicity requires maximum protection; avoid all skin contact
Isolation: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and evacuate 300m downwind if necessary
— 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/3281 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3281 Metal carbonyls, liquid, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG151 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3281SMS / 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/3281
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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 spill response; fully encapsulating suit with SCBA; extreme toxicity requires maximum protection; 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.