☣️ UN 3448 • CLASS 6
UN 3448 — Tear gas substance, solid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 159. 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 3448 Quick Details
UN 3448
Product name: Tear gas substance, solid, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 159 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 159: isolate spill area at least 25-50m in all directions; evacuate downwind if powder becomes airborne
Common Hazards of UN 3448
- Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating.
- May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears).
- May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
- Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes.
- Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Lachrymator solidRiot control agent solidTear-producing agentLacrimating substance |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline solid or powder at room temperature. Odor varies by specific agent but typically pungent or irritating when airborne. |
| Flash Point | Varies by specific formulation; typically not applicable for many solid tear gas agents |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable; most tear gas solids sublime or decompose before boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable for solid form; vapor from sublimation is heavier than air |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, though may release irritating vapors if wetted |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3448
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, sand, or CO2 preferred; avoid creating dust or aerosols
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum; full-face SCBA and chemical-resistant suit required; avoid inhalation and skin contact
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 159: isolate spill area at least 25-50m in all directions; evacuate downwind if powder becomes airborne
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 159).
First Actions for a UN 3448 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.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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UN 3448 — Tear gas substance, solid, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3448
Product: Tear gas substance, solid, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 159
PPE: Level B minimum; full-face SCBA and chemical-resistant suit required; avoid inhalation and skin contact
ISOLATION: ERG 159: isolate spill area at least 25-50m in all directions; evacuate downwind if powder becomes airborne
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 3448 — Tear gas substance, solid, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 159
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid or powder at room temperature. Odor varies by specific agent but typically pungent or irritating when airborne.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, though may release irritating vapors if wetted
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, or CO2 preferred; avoid creating dust or aerosols
PPE: Level B minimum; full-face SCBA and chemical-resistant suit required; avoid inhalation and skin contact
Isolation: ERG 159: isolate spill area at least 25-50m in all directions; evacuate downwind if powder becomes airborne
— Key Hazards —
• Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating.
• May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears).
• May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
— 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.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3448 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3448 Tear gas substance, solid, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG159 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3448SMS / 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/3448
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3448
Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating. May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears). May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea. Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes. Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
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; full-face SCBA and chemical-resistant suit required; avoid inhalation and skin contact
Water reactivity: No significant reaction with water, though may release irritating vapors if wetted. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical, sand, or CO2 preferred; avoid creating dust or aerosols.
ERG Guide 159 recommendation: ERG 159: isolate spill area at least 25-50m in all directions; evacuate downwind if powder becomes airborne
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 159 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.