☣️ UN 3509 • CLASS 9
UN 3509 — Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. 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 3509 Quick Details
UN 3509
Product name: Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m in all directions
Common Hazards of UN 3509
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Empty uncleaned packagingsDiscarded empty containersUncleaned empty packagesResidual packaging waste |
| Appearance | Various types of empty containers, drums, bottles, or packaging materials that previously contained hazardous substances. May retain residual contamination or vapors from original contents. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (empty packaging; varies by residue) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (empty packaging; varies by residue) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (empty packaging; varies by residue) |
| Water Reactivity | Depends on residual material previously contained; treat as potentially reactive until decontaminated |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3509
Extinguishing Media
Use extinguishing agent appropriate to residual material; dry chemical, foam, CO2, or water spray may be suitable depending on previous contents
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level D minimum; upgrade to Level C or B if residue identity unknown or presents inhalation hazard; SCBA recommended for unknown residues
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m in all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 3509 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 3509 — Packagings discarded, empty, uncleanedHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3509
Product: Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171
PPE: Level D minimum; upgrade to Level C or B if residue identity unknown or presents inhalation hazard; SCBA recommended for unknown residues
ISOLATION: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m in all directions
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 3509 — Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: Various types of empty containers, drums, bottles, or packaging materials that previously contained hazardous substances. May retain residual contamination or vapors from original contents.
Water Reactivity: Depends on residual material previously contained; treat as potentially reactive until decontaminated
Extinguishing: Use extinguishing agent appropriate to residual material; dry chemical, foam, CO2, or water spray may be suitable depending on previous contents
PPE: Level D minimum; upgrade to Level C or B if residue identity unknown or presents inhalation hazard; SCBA recommended for unknown residues
Isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m in all directions
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Some may be transported hot.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3509 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN3509 Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned Cls9 ERG171 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/3509SMS / 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/3509
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3509
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level D minimum; upgrade to Level C or B if residue identity unknown or presents inhalation hazard; SCBA recommended for unknown residues
Water reactivity: Depends on residual material previously contained; treat as potentially reactive until decontaminated. Recommended extinguishing: Use extinguishing agent appropriate to residual material; dry chemical, foam, CO2, or water spray may be suitable depending on previous contents.
ERG Guide 171 recommendation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fire involved, isolate 800m in all directions
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 171 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.