☣️ UN 3449 • CLASS 6
UN 3449 — Bromobenzyl cyanides, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 159. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ 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.
UN 3449 Bromobenzyl cyanides, solid is assigned to ERG Guide 159. The exact risk depends on the shipment form, concentration and SDS, but responders should verify shipping papers before committing crews.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards for UN 3449 include: Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating.; May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears).; May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea. Control ignition sources, avoid direct contact and keep personnel upwind.
Response guidance: For a UN 3449 incident, isolate the area, deny entry, stay upwind and use ERG Guide 159 with the shipping papers or SDS. Use compatible extinguishing media only and prevent contaminated runoff from spreading.
Advertisement
UN 3449 Quick Details
UN 3449
Product name: Bromobenzyl cyanides, solid
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 159 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 159: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance 0.3 km (0.2 mi) downwind for small spills, 0.8 km (0.5 mi) for large spills during day, 2.4 km (1.5 mi) at night
Common Hazards of UN 3449
- Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating.
- May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears).
- May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
- Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes.
- Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 3449 is described as: White to pale yellow crystalline solid with a sharp, pungent, irritating odor. Causes immediate eye irritation and lachrymation upon exposure.
| Also known as | BBCα-Bromobenzyl cyanideBromobenzylnitrileCACamite2-Bromo-2-phenylacetonitrile |
| CAS Number | 5798-79-8 |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline solid with a sharp, pungent, irritating odor. Causes immediate eye irritation and lachrymation upon exposure. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid, but vapors may ignite at elevated temperatures) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 242°C (468°F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid at room temperature, but vapors heavier than air when heated) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but releases irritating vapors |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3449
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, water spray (fog) for cooling containers
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A minimum in hot zone; SCBA mandatory; full face protection with splash-proof suit; material is a severe lachrymator and respiratory irritant
PPE guidance for UN 3449: Level A minimum in hot zone; SCBA mandatory; full face protection with splash-proof suit; material is a severe lachrymator and respiratory irritant
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 159: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance 0.3 km (0.2 mi) downwind for small spills, 0.8 km (0.5 mi) for large spills during day, 2.4 km (1.5 mi) at night
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 159).
First Actions for a UN 3449 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3449 — Bromobenzyl cyanides, solidHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3449
Product: Bromobenzyl cyanides, solid
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 159
PPE: Level A minimum in hot zone; SCBA mandatory; full face protection with splash-proof suit; material is a severe lachrymator and respiratory irritant
ISOLATION: ERG 159: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance 0.3 km (0.2 mi) downwind for small spills, 0.8 km (0.5 mi) for large spills during day, 2.4 km (1.5 mi) at night
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 3449 — Bromobenzyl cyanides, solid
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 159
Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline solid with a sharp, pungent, irritating odor. Causes immediate eye irritation and lachrymation upon exposure.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but releases irritating vapors
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray (fog) for cooling containers
PPE: Level A minimum in hot zone; SCBA mandatory; full face protection with splash-proof suit; material is a severe lachrymator and respiratory irritant
Isolation: ERG 159: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance 0.3 km (0.2 mi) downwind for small spills, 0.8 km (0.5 mi) for large spills during day, 2.4 km (1.5 mi) at night
— Key Hazards —
• Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating.
• May cause burning of eyes and lachrymation (flow of tears).
• May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/bromobenzyl-cyanides-solid-un-3449 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3449 Bromobenzyl cyanides, solid Cls6 ERG159 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/bromobenzyl-cyanides-solid-un-3449SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/bromobenzyl-cyanides-solid-un-3449
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3449
UN 3449 is Bromobenzyl cyanides, solid, a Class 6 hazardous material assigned to ERG Guide 159.
UN 3449 may burn or support fire depending on the product and fire conditions. Keep ignition sources away and follow ERG 159.
No significant reaction with water, but releases irritating vapors
Level A minimum in hot zone; SCBA mandatory; full face protection with splash-proof suit; material is a severe lachrymator and respiratory irritant
ERG 159: Initial isolation 60m (200 ft) all directions; protective action distance 0.3 km (0.2 mi) downwind for small spills, 0.8 km (0.5 mi) for large spills during day, 2.4 km (1.5 mi) at night
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.