UN 3466 — Metal carbonyls, solid, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3466 is Metal carbonyls, solid, n.o.s., a broad highly toxic metal carbonyl solid assigned to ERG Guide 151. Vapor, CO and metal fume risks require specialist review.
Hazard overview: EXTREMELY TOXIC metal carbonyl solid, n.o.s.; inhalation or skin absorption may cause severe or fatal poisoning. Some metal carbonyls can sublime or release toxic vapors even from solid material. Heating or decomposition may release carbon monoxide and toxic metal fumes.
Response guidance: For UN 3466, isolate the area, avoid all skin contact and use SCBA with chemical protection. Prevent runoff spread and verify exact compound with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3466 should emphasize high-toxicity exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA/Level A decisions, decontamination, runoff control and exact-compound verification. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Metal carbonyls, solid, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, concentration, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Metal carbonyls, solid, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with restricted access, ventilation, secondary containment and segregation from moisture, oxidizers and incompatible materials per SDS.
UN 3466 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3466
- EXTREMELY TOXIC metal carbonyl solid, n.o.s.; inhalation or skin absorption may cause severe or fatal poisoning.
- Some metal carbonyls can sublime or release toxic vapors even from solid material.
- Heating or decomposition may release carbon monoxide and toxic metal fumes.
- Dust or crystals can contaminate clothing and cleanup equipment.
- Water compatibility varies; some carbonyls hydrolyze or decompose slowly.
- Fire may produce metal oxide fumes, carbon monoxide and toxic smoke.
- Exact metal carbonyl must be verified before media selection, monitoring and entry.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid crystals or powder, color varies by metal (often colorless to yellow or white). May have faint metallic or chemical odor. Stable at room temperature when pure.
| Also known as | Carbonyl metal complexesMetal carbonyl compoundsTransition metal carbonyls |
| Appearance | Solid crystals or powder, color varies by metal (often colorless to yellow or white). May have faint metallic or chemical odor. Stable at room temperature when pure. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid, but may decompose with heat) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes or sublimes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react slowly with water; some metal carbonyls hydrolyze to produce carbon monoxide and metal hydroxides |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3466
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and full chemical protective clothing. Level A may be needed for unknown compound, dust, vapor, splash or high skin-absorption risk.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3466 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid heat, friction, shock, contamination and incompatible extinguishing media.
- Do not touch damaged containers, equipment or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3466 — Metal carbonyls, solid, n.o.s.Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.