☣️ UN 3379 • CLASS 3
UN 3379 — Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 113. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ 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.
UN 3379 is Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s., a not-otherwise-specified hazmat entry assigned to ERG Guide 113. The exact product name on shipping papers and the SDS determine the final hazards, but initial response should assume the listed DOT hazard until proven otherwise.
Hazard overview: The main hazard is fire or explosion if the desensitizer is lost. Dried material can become shock-, friction-, and heat-sensitive.
Response guidance: For UN 3379, isolate the area, avoid shock and friction, prevent drying, cool exposed containers from distance, and treat dried or burning material as an explosive hazard.
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UN 3379 Quick Details
UN 3379
Product name: Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 3
Placard type: Flammable
ERG Guide: 113 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 113: isolate spill 50m all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation; if material is dried out, treat as explosive hazard per ERG 112 with much larger isolation distances
Common Hazards of UN 3379
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an explosive hazard.
- Keep material wet with water or treat as an explosive (GUIDE 112).
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Some are toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Varies by specific compound; typically a liquid suspension or solution of explosive material in water, alcohol, or other desensitizing agent. Color and odor depend on the specific explosive compound being desensitized.
| Also known as | Desensitized explosive liquidPhlegmatized explosive liquidWetted explosive liquidLiquid explosive desensitized |
| Appearance | Varies by specific compound; typically a liquid suspension or solution of explosive material in water, alcohol, or other desensitizing agent. Color and odor depend on the specific explosive compound being desensitized. |
| Flash Point | Varies by desensitizing agent and explosive compound; typically below 23C (73F) for Class 3 |
| Boiling Point | Varies depending on desensitizing solvent; evaporation may concentrate explosive component |
| Vapor Density | Varies by composition; vapors may be heavier than air depending on desensitizing agent |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; however drying out concentrates explosive and increases hazard dramatically |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3379
Extinguishing Media
Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or CO2; water spray may be used to keep containers cool but avoid drying out material
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA required; approach with extreme caution; treat dried material as high explosive requiring bomb squad/EOD response
Use SCBA and protective clothing from a defensive distance. Avoid shock, friction and unnecessary handling; involve bomb squad/EOD if material is dry or unstable.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 113: isolate spill 50m all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation; if material is dried out, treat as explosive hazard per ERG 112 with much larger isolation distances
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 113).
First Actions for a UN 3379 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial evacuation for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions.
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UN 3379 — Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3379
Product: Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s.
Class 3 / Flammable / ERG 113
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; approach with extreme caution; treat dried material as high explosive requiring bomb squad/EOD response
ISOLATION: ERG 113: isolate spill 50m all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation; if material is dried out, treat as explosive hazard per ERG 112 with much larger isolation distances
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 3379 — Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s.
Class: 3 | Placard: Flammable | ERG Guide: 113
Appearance: Varies by specific compound; typically a liquid suspension or solution of explosive material in water, alcohol, or other desensitizing agent. Color and odor depend on the specific explosive compound being desensitized.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; however drying out concentrates explosive and increases hazard dramatically
Extinguishing: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or CO2; water spray may be used to keep containers cool but avoid drying out material
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA required; approach with extreme caution; treat dried material as high explosive requiring bomb squad/EOD response
Isolation: ERG 113: isolate spill 50m all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m all directions and consider evacuation; if material is dried out, treat as explosive hazard per ERG 112 with much larger isolation distances
— Key Hazards —
• Flammable/combustible material.
• May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• DRIED OUT material may explode if exposed to heat, flame, friction or shock; treat as an explosive hazard.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/desensitized-explosive-liquid-n-un-3379 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3379 Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s. Cls3 ERG113 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/desensitized-explosive-liquid-n-un-3379SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/desensitized-explosive-liquid-n-un-3379
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3379
UN 3379 is Desensitized explosive, liquid, n.o.s.. It is assigned to ERG Guide 113 for initial emergency response.
The wetting or desensitizing agent lowers explosion sensitivity. If the material dries out, it may become shock-, friction-, or heat-sensitive.
It is shipped desensitized or wetted, but dried or heated material should be treated as an explosive hazard.
Cool containers from a distance and prevent drying. Do not disturb dried material; request specialist explosive/hazmat support.
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.