☣️ UN 3432 • CLASS 9
UN 3432 — Polychlorinated biphenyls, solid
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 3432 Quick Details
UN 3432
Product name: Polychlorinated biphenyls, solid
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 25-50m in all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m radius
Common Hazards of UN 3432
- 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 | PCBsPolychlorinated biphenylsChlorinated biphenylsAroclorAskarelPyranolChlorextol |
| Appearance | Solid or viscous oily liquid ranging from colorless to pale yellow or amber. Mild hydrocarbon or aromatic odor. Physical state varies by chlorine content. |
| Flash Point | Typically 170-380F (77-193C) depending on formulation; higher chlorine content = higher flash point |
| Boiling Point | Ranges from 275-420C (527-788F) depending on chlorine content; tends to decompose before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid/viscous liquid with negligible vapor pressure at ambient temperature) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble in water, floats or sinks depending on density |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3432
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, foam, water spray for cooling containers; PCBs are difficult to extinguish once ignited
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum with SCBA; Level A if decomposition suspected; PCBs absorb through skin, use nitrile or butyl rubber gloves
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m radius
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 3432 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 3432 — Polychlorinated biphenyls, solidHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3432
Product: Polychlorinated biphenyls, solid
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; Level A if decomposition suspected; PCBs absorb through skin, use nitrile or butyl rubber gloves
ISOLATION: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m radius
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 3432 — Polychlorinated biphenyls, solid
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: Solid or viscous oily liquid ranging from colorless to pale yellow or amber. Mild hydrocarbon or aromatic odor. Physical state varies by chlorine content.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water; insoluble in water, floats or sinks depending on density
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, foam, water spray for cooling containers; PCBs are difficult to extinguish once ignited
PPE: Level B minimum with SCBA; Level A if decomposition suspected; PCBs absorb through skin, use nitrile or butyl rubber gloves
Isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m radius
— 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/3432 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3432 Polychlorinated biphenyls, solid Cls9 ERG171 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3432SMS / 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/3432
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3432
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 B minimum with SCBA; Level A if decomposition suspected; PCBs absorb through skin, use nitrile or butyl rubber gloves
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water; insoluble in water, floats or sinks depending on density. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, foam, water spray for cooling containers; PCBs are difficult to extinguish once ignited.
ERG Guide 171 recommendation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25-50m in all directions; if tank/container involved in fire, isolate 800m radius
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.