UN 3501 — Chemical under pressure, flammable, n.o.s.
Placard: Flammable Gas. ERG Guide 115. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3501 is Chemical under pressure, flammable, n.o.s., a pressurized hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 115. The exact contents should be verified from shipping papers and the SDS before close-range action.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards include fire or vapor ignition, container rupture. Chemical under pressure, flammable, n.o.s. may release irritating, toxic or corrosive vapors when heated, spilled or involved in fire, so avoid contact, inhalation and incompatible materials.
Response guidance: For a UN 3501 incident, establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, keep unauthorized personnel away, verify shipping papers/SDS and follow ERG 115. Use extinguishing, cooling, containment and decontamination tactics only when compatible with the material and local SOP.
UN 3501 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3501
- EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
- Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Will form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific chemical; typically a pressurized liquid or gas stored in containers under pressure at room temperature. May be colorless to colored liquid/gas with various odors depending on contents.
| Also known as | Chemical under pressure flammable NOSPressurized flammable chemicalAerosol flammable chemicalCompressed flammable chemical mixture |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific chemical; typically a pressurized liquid or gas stored in containers under pressure at room temperature. May be colorless to colored liquid/gas with various odors depending on contents. |
| Flash Point | Variable, typically below -18C (0F) for flammable gases or highly flammable liquids under pressure |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific chemical contents and pressure conditions |
| Vapor Density | Variable, typically heavier than air for most flammable gases and vapors under pressure |
| Water Reactivity | Variable depending on specific chemical; many show no significant water reaction, but some flammable gases or chemicals may react |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3501
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with SCBA required; full protective clothing and respiratory protection mandatory due to flammability and pressure release hazards
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3501 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3501 — Chemical under pressure, flammable, n.o.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.