UN 3509 — Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3509 is Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned, a Class 9 hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 171. Responders should confirm the exact product, container condition and exposure hazards before entry.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards include toxic exposure, fire or vapor ignition. Packagings discarded, empty, uncleaned 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 3509 incident, establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, keep unauthorized personnel away, verify shipping papers/SDS and follow ERG 171. Use extinguishing, cooling, containment and decontamination tactics only when compatible with the material and local SOP.
UN 3509 Quick Details
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
Various types of empty containers, drums, bottles, or packaging materials that previously contained hazardous substances. May retain residual contamination or vapors from original contents.
| 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 |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3509
Extinguishing Media
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
First Actions for a UN 3509 Incident
- 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
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3509 — Packagings discarded, empty, uncleanedUse 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.