☣️ UN 3388 • CLASS 6
UN 3388 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizing, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B)
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 142. 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 3388 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizing, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B), a not-otherwise-specified hazmat entry assigned to ERG Guide 142. 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: Zone B inhalation toxicity is the controlling hazard; oxidizer reaction with fuels. Treat unknown releases as immediately dangerous.
Response guidance: For UN 3388, establish hot/warm/cold zones, isolate the area, evacuate downwind as ERG 142 directs, control ignition if flammable, and wait for trained hazmat entry with monitoring.
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UN 3388 Quick Details
UN 3388
Product name: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizing, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B)
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 142 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 142: Isolate spill 100m all directions; consider evacuation 500m downwind for large spills; isolate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
Common Hazards of UN 3388
- These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
- May explode from heat or contamination.
- Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
- May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury,
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific substance. Typically a liquid at room temperature. May be clear to colored. Odor varies by composition. Exhibits strong oxidizing properties.
| Also known as | Toxic oxidizing liquid NOSPIH liquid oxidizing Zone BOxidizing toxic liquid n.o.s.Poisonous oxidizer liquid |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific substance. Typically a liquid at room temperature. May be clear to colored. Odor varies by composition. Exhibits strong oxidizing properties. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizing liquid) |
| Boiling Point | Variable, depends on specific substance |
| Vapor Density | Variable, typically heavier than air |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water depending on composition; contact with combustible materials may cause fire |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3388
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand preferred; avoid contact with organic materials; water spray for cooling only
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required for Zone B inhalation hazard; SCBA mandatory; fully encapsulating chemical protective suit; avoid all contact
Level A vapor-protective PPE with positive-pressure SCBA is appropriate for unknown or active releases. Avoid all skin contact and downgrade only after monitoring and product identification.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 142: Isolate spill 100m all directions; consider evacuation 500m downwind for large spills; isolate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 142).
First Actions for a UN 3388 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 for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- 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 direction.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3388 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizinHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3388
Product: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizing, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B)
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 142
PPE: Level A required for Zone B inhalation hazard; SCBA mandatory; fully encapsulating chemical protective suit; avoid all contact
ISOLATION: ERG 142: Isolate spill 100m all directions; consider evacuation 500m downwind for large spills; isolate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
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 3388 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizing, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B)
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 142
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific substance. Typically a liquid at room temperature. May be clear to colored. Odor varies by composition. Exhibits strong oxidizing properties.
Water Reactivity: May react with water depending on composition; contact with combustible materials may cause fire
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or dry sand preferred; avoid contact with organic materials; water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A required for Zone B inhalation hazard; SCBA mandatory; fully encapsulating chemical protective suit; avoid all contact
Isolation: ERG 142: Isolate spill 100m all directions; consider evacuation 500m downwind for large spills; isolate 800m all directions if tank/rail car involved in fire
— Key Hazards —
• These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire.
• May explode from heat or contamination.
• Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels).
— 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/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3388 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3388 Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizing, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B) Cls6 ERG142 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3388SMS / 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/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3388
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3388
UN 3388 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, oxidizing, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B). It is assigned to ERG Guide 142 for initial emergency response.
The main hazard is poisonous vapor exposure by inhalation (Zone B). Skin contact and ingestion may also be dangerous depending on the exact chemical.
Use Level A vapor-protective chemical suit with positive-pressure SCBA for unknown or active releases. Downgrade only after monitoring and product identification.
Yes. It can intensify fire and react dangerously with fuels, organic materials and reducing agents.
Because n.o.s. PIH entries cover multiple chemicals. The exact name, concentration and SDS determine final PPE, isolation and control tactics.
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.