UN 3492 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, corrosive, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Placard: Toxic (Inhalation Hazard). ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3492 covers poisonous-by-inhalation liquid, n.o.s. in Inhalation Hazard Zone A, with additional corrosive flammable hazards.
Hazard overview: The primary risk is severe inhalation toxicity. The liquid may also be flammable and corrosive, and vapors can collect in low or confined areas.
Response guidance: Isolate immediately, eliminate ignition sources, stay upwind, prevent runoff, and use foam, dry chemical, or CO2 as appropriate for the exact product.
UN 3492 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3492
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 3492 is a variable liquid with a colorless to pale color and an irritating or pungent odor.
| Also known as | Poisonous by inhalation liquid, corrosive, flammable, n.o.s.PIH liquid corrosive flammable n.o.s.Toxic inhalation hazard liquid Zone ATIH corrosive flammable liquid |
| Appearance | Variable liquid depending on specific substance; typically colorless to pale colored with irritating or pungent odor. Corrosive and flammable properties present. |
| Flash Point | Below 23C (73F) - flammable liquid |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific chemical |
| Vapor Density | Typically heavier than air (>1) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water; corrosive properties may intensify upon contact |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3492
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level A with fully encapsulating suit and SCBA is recommended because of the inhalation hazard.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3492 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response 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 downwind precautionary distance as conditions require.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3492 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, corrosivUse 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.