UN 3015 — Bipyridilium pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Bipyridilium pesticide, liquid, poisonous, flammable is a liquid pesticide formulation assigned to UN 3015. It should be treated as a toxic pesticide product until the active ingredient, carrier solvent and concentration are confirmed from shipping papers and the SDS.
Hazard overview: Bipyridilium products such as paraquat/diquat formulations can be severe systemic poisons; do not rely on odor as a warning.
Response guidance: For UN 3015, isolate the release, remove ignition sources, stay upwind and keep runoff out of drains. Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2 for fire control, with water spray only for cooling exposed containers when safe. Confirm the exact bipyridilium pesticide formulation from shipping papers and SDS before close approach.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to treat UN 3015 as a toxic pesticide release, verify the exact product, control runoff and avoid skin contact during rescue, containment and decon.
Regulatory context: UN 3015 is regulated for transport as a hazardous pesticide entry. Product labels, shipping papers, SDS and local environmental reporting rules should guide final actions.
Storage & handling: Store UN 3015 away from food, feed, drains, ignition sources where applicable and incompatible chemicals. Keep containers closed, labeled and protected from heat or physical damage.
UN 3015 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3015
- Bipyridilium pesticide formulations may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Flammable solvent vapors may ignite from heat, sparks, flames or static discharge.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and travel to ignition sources.
- Skin or eye contact may cause irritation, burns or systemic poisoning.
- Fire can produce toxic pesticide decomposition products and corrosive smoke.
- Runoff can spread contamination and harm waterways.
- Exact toxicity, flash point and solvent behavior depend on the shipped formulation.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to amber-colored liquid with mild to no odor. Aqueous or solvent-based formulation of bipyridilium compounds at room temperature. Product-specific appearance and odor should not be used as the only identification method.
| Also known as | Paraquat formulationDiquat formulationBipyridinium herbicideContact herbicide liquid |
| Appearance | Clear to amber-colored liquid with mild to no odor. Aqueous or solvent-based formulation of bipyridilium compounds at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 23C to 61C (73F to 142F) depending on formulation solvent |
| Boiling Point | 100C to 150C (212F to 302F) depending on carrier solvent |
| Vapor Density | 1.0 to 1.2 (slightly heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; water-miscible or dispersible formulations common |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3015
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing suitable for pesticide liquids. Gloves, boots and suit material should be selected from the SDS because permeation varies by active ingredient and solvent.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3015 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Eliminate ignition sources; use non-sparking tools and control traffic around the spill.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapors and prevent liquid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
- Do not enter low areas, drains or confined spaces unless trained and equipped.
- Use ERG 131, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation and evacuation distances.
- Contain runoff only if it can be done safely with proper PPE.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3015 — Bipyridilium pesticide, liquid, poisonouUse 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.