☣️ UN 3506 • CLASS 8
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.
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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 3506 Quick Details
UN 3506
Product name: Mercury contained in manufactured articles
DOT Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG Guide: 172 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; increase distance if containers are heated or involved in fire; ventilate enclosed areas
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
| 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 |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3506
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable for fire suppression (non-combustible); focus on containment and vapor suppression
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum for vapor exposure; nitrile gloves, splash protection, SCBA required for confined spaces or spills; avoid skin contact
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; increase distance if containers are heated or involved in fire; ventilate enclosed areas
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 172).
First Actions for a UN 3506 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- 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).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3506 — Mercury contained in manufactured articlHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3506
Product: Mercury contained in manufactured articles
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 172
PPE: Level B minimum for vapor exposure; nitrile gloves, splash protection, SCBA required for confined spaces or spills; avoid skin contact
ISOLATION: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; increase distance if containers are heated or involved in fire; ventilate enclosed areas
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 3506 — Mercury contained in manufactured articles
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 172
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.
Water Reactivity: No reaction with water; insoluble but forms droplets that contaminate surfaces
Extinguishing: Not applicable for fire suppression (non-combustible); focus on containment and vapor suppression
PPE: Level B minimum for vapor exposure; nitrile gloves, splash protection, SCBA required for confined spaces or spills; avoid skin contact
Isolation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; increase distance if containers are heated or involved in fire; ventilate enclosed areas
— Key Hazards —
• 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
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• 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.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3506 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3506 Mercury contained in manufactured articles Cls8 ERG172 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3506SMS / 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/3506
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Frequently Asked Questions about 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.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Keep unauthorized personnel away.
Level B minimum for vapor exposure; nitrile gloves, splash protection, SCBA required for confined spaces or spills; avoid skin contact
Water reactivity: No reaction with water; insoluble but forms droplets that contaminate surfaces. Recommended extinguishing: Not applicable for fire suppression (non-combustible); focus on containment and vapor suppression.
ERG Guide 172 recommendation: ERG 172: isolate spill area at least 25m in all directions; increase distance if containers are heated or involved in fire; ventilate enclosed areas
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 172 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.