UN 3506 — Mercury contained in manufactured articles
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 172. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3506 is Mercury contained in manufactured articles, a Class 8 hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 172. Responders should confirm the exact product, container condition and exposure hazards before entry.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards include toxic exposure, corrosive burns, fire or vapor ignition. Mercury contained in manufactured articles 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 3506 incident, establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, keep unauthorized personnel away, verify shipping papers/SDS and follow ERG 172. Use extinguishing, cooling, containment and decontamination tactics only when compatible with the material and local SOP.
UN 3506 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3506
- Inhalation of vapors or contact with substance will result in contamination and potential harmful effects.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may react upon heating to produce corrosive
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Silver-white, heavy, odorless liquid metal at room temperature. High density (13.5 g/cm³) and mobility. May be contained in devices like thermometers, switches, or relays.
| Also known as | QuicksilverElemental mercuryMetallic mercuryHydrargyrumLiquid silver |
| CAS Number | 7439-97-6 |
| Appearance | Silver-white, heavy, odorless liquid metal at room temperature. High density (13.5 g/cm³) and mobility. May be contained in devices like thermometers, switches, or relays. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible metal) |
| Boiling Point | 357°C (675°F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.9 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No reaction with water; insoluble but forms droplets that contaminate surfaces |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3506
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum for vapor exposure; nitrile gloves, splash protection, SCBA required for confined spaces or spills; avoid skin contact
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3506 Incident
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3506 — Mercury contained in manufactured articlUse 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.