☣️ UN 3359 • CLASS 9
UN 3359 — Fumigated cargo transport unit
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. 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 3359 Quick Details
UN 3359
Product name: Fumigated cargo transport unit
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
Common Hazards of UN 3359
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Fumigated containerFumigated freight containerFumigated cargo unitFumigated transport unit |
| Appearance | Transport unit (container, rail car, truck, vessel hold) that has been fumigated with toxic gases such as methyl bromide, phosphine, or sulfuryl fluoride. The fumigant gas may still be present inside the sealed unit. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (fumigant gases vary; phosphine is flammable, methyl bromide non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by fumigant gas used) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (varies by fumigant; most are heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Varies by fumigant; phosphine may react with moisture generating toxic gas |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3359
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable; ventilate area, do not enter sealed unit until properly aired out
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A or B with SCBA required before opening or entering; toxic gas exposure risk; follow fumigation placarding and ventilation protocols
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 3359 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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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3359 — Fumigated cargo transport unitHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3359
Product: Fumigated cargo transport unit
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA required before opening or entering; toxic gas exposure risk; follow fumigation placarding and ventilation protocols
ISOLATION: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
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 3359 — Fumigated cargo transport unit
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: Transport unit (container, rail car, truck, vessel hold) that has been fumigated with toxic gases such as methyl bromide, phosphine, or sulfuryl fluoride. The fumigant gas may still be present inside the sealed unit.
Water Reactivity: Varies by fumigant; phosphine may react with moisture generating toxic gas
Extinguishing: Not applicable; ventilate area, do not enter sealed unit until properly aired out
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA required before opening or entering; toxic gas exposure risk; follow fumigation placarding and ventilation protocols
Isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Some may be transported hot.
— 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/3359 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3359 Fumigated cargo transport unit Cls9 ERG171 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3359SMS / 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/3359
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3359
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
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 or B with SCBA required before opening or entering; toxic gas exposure risk; follow fumigation placarding and ventilation protocols
Water reactivity: Varies by fumigant; phosphine may react with moisture generating toxic gas. Recommended extinguishing: Not applicable; ventilate area, do not enter sealed unit until properly aired out.
ERG Guide 171 recommendation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 171 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.