☣️ UN 3283 • CLASS 6
UN 3283 — Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. 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 3283 Quick Details
UN 3283
Product name: Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 151 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions and consider evacuation
Common Hazards of UN 3283
- 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Selenium compoundsOrganoselenium compoundsSelenium derivativesSelenium salts |
| Appearance | Varies by specific compound; typically gray to black or reddish powders or crystalline solids at room temperature. May be odorless or have slight odor depending on compound. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid, though may burn in fire) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes or sublimes at elevated temperatures) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable with water, though some selenium compounds may hydrolyze slowly in moisture |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3283
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam not typically required for solid selenium compounds
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and full body protection mandatory; avoid all skin contact due to high toxicity
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions and consider evacuation
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 151).
First Actions for a UN 3283 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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UN 3283 — Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3283
Product: Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and full body protection mandatory; avoid all skin contact due to high toxicity
ISOLATION: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions and consider evacuation
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 3283 — Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151
Appearance: Varies by specific compound; typically gray to black or reddish powders or crystalline solids at room temperature. May be odorless or have slight odor depending on compound.
Water Reactivity: Generally stable with water, though some selenium compounds may hydrolyze slowly in moisture
Extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam not typically required for solid selenium compounds
PPE: Level B minimum; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and full body protection mandatory; avoid all skin contact due to high toxicity
Isolation: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions and consider evacuation
— 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/3283 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3283 Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG151 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3283SMS / 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/3283
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3283
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 B minimum; SCBA required in fire or confined spaces; chemical-resistant gloves and full body protection mandatory; avoid all skin contact due to high toxicity
Water reactivity: Generally stable with water, though some selenium compounds may hydrolyze slowly in moisture. Recommended extinguishing: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2; foam not typically required for solid selenium compounds.
ERG Guide 151 recommendation: ERG 151: isolate spill area at least 25 meters in all directions; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 800 meters in all directions and consider evacuation
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.