UN 3343 — Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 113. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3343 is Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin, a desensitized flammable nitroglycerin mixture assigned to ERG Guide 113. Drying, heat and shock raise explosive sensitivity.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE desensitized nitroglycerin mixture; solvent vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. If solvent evaporates or material dries/concentrates, explosive sensitivity can increase sharply. Heat, shock, friction, contamination or confinement can trigger violent decomposition.
Response guidance: For UN 3343, isolate the area, avoid shock/friction/heat/drying and use remote protected tactics. Treat dried or heated material as explosive under ERG 113.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3343 should emphasize desensitized explosive hazards, drying sensitivity, remote isolation, evacuation triggers, SCBA use and specialist disposal. Use ERG 113, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin should be stored in approved packages away from heat, friction, shock, contamination and drying. Maintain desensitizer/wetting condition and security controls.
UN 3343 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3343
- FLAMMABLE desensitized nitroglycerin mixture; solvent vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- If solvent evaporates or material dries/concentrates, explosive sensitivity can increase sharply.
- Heat, shock, friction, contamination or confinement can trigger violent decomposition.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and toxic smoke.
- Runoff may carry energetic residue and flammable solvent contamination.
- Exact nitroglycerin percentage, diluent and wetting/desensitizing condition must be verified.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Pale yellow to colorless oily liquid with a sweet, burning taste. Odorless or faint aromatic odor. Desensitized with suitable solvent or phlegmatizer to reduce explosive sensitivity.
| Also known as | Desensitized nitroglycerinNG mixtureNitroglycerin solutionGlyceryl trinitrate mixtureDiluted nitroglycerin |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to colorless oily liquid with a sweet, burning taste. Odorless or faint aromatic odor. Desensitized with suitable solvent or phlegmatizer to reduce explosive sensitivity. |
| Flash Point | Variable depending on diluent, typically <23C (<73F) for Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Boiling Point | 218C (424F) for pure nitroglycerin; mixture boiling point depends on diluent composition |
| Vapor Density | 7.6 (heavier than air) for nitroglycerin vapor; actual mixture varies with carrier solvent |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but nitroglycerin is slightly soluble; avoid evaporation of diluent which increases explosive hazard |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3343
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA, full protective clothing and distance protection. Avoid friction, shock, heat and direct handling of dried or contaminated material.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3343 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid heat, shock, friction, drying, contamination and unnecessary handling.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, cylinders, packages or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff, residue and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 113, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3343 — Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liqUse 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.