☣️ UN 3291 • CLASS 6
UN 3291 — Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s.
Placard: Infectious Substance. ERG Guide 158. 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.
Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s. covers regulated medical or biohazardous waste such as sharps, contaminated dressings and other clinical materials. It is handled as an infectious substance under ERG Guide 158.
Hazard overview: Exposure to clinical waste can spread infection through puncture wounds, splashes, contaminated aerosols or direct contact. Fire control runoff can also carry infectious contamination.
Response guidance: Isolate the spill, keep unprotected personnel out and avoid handling loose waste. Use sharps precautions, biohazard containment, approved disinfectants and local medical waste procedures.
Advertisement
UN 3291 Quick Details
UN 3291
Product name: Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s.
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Infectious Substance
ERG Guide: 158 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 158: isolate spill area 25m in all directions; avoid contact with contaminated materials; treat as infectious substance
Common Hazards of UN 3291
- Inhalation or contact with substance may cause infection, disease or death.
- Category A Infectious Substances (UN2814, UN2900 or UN3549) are more hazardous, or are in a more.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Damaged packages containing solid CO2 as a refrigerant may produce water or frost from condensation.
- Contact with solid CO2 may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
- Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily.
- Some may be transported in flammable liquids.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable mixture of medical waste materials including contaminated sharps, blood-soaked dressings, tissues, and other biohazardous materials. Typically solid waste in various forms, colors, and odors depending on composition.
| Also known as | Biohazardous wasteMedical wasteInfectious wasteRegulated medical wasteBiomedical waste |
| Appearance | Variable mixture of medical waste materials including contaminated sharps, blood-soaked dressings, tissues, and other biohazardous materials. Typically solid waste in various forms, colors, and odors depending on composition. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (mixed waste materials) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (mixed waste materials) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid waste) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but runoff may spread infectious agents |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3291
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for surrounding fires; avoid dispersing waste materials
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level C minimum with full-face respirator; impervious gloves and protective clothing required; avoid direct contact with waste materials
Level C minimum with full-face respirator; impervious gloves and protective clothing required; avoid direct contact with waste materials.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 158: isolate spill area 25m in all directions; avoid contact with contaminated materials; treat as infectious substance
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 158).
First Actions for a UN 3291 Incident
- CALL 911, then contact the emergency response telephone number shown on shipping papers, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Consult the shipping paper to identify the substance involved.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3291 — Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s.HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3291
Product: Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s.
Class 6 / Infectious Substance / ERG 158
PPE: Level C minimum with full-face respirator; impervious gloves and protective clothing required; avoid direct contact with waste materials
ISOLATION: ERG 158: isolate spill area 25m in all directions; avoid contact with contaminated materials; treat as infectious substance
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 3291 — Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s.
Class: 6 | Placard: Infectious Substance | ERG Guide: 158
Appearance: Variable mixture of medical waste materials including contaminated sharps, blood-soaked dressings, tissues, and other biohazardous materials. Typically solid waste in various forms, colors, and odors depending on composition.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but runoff may spread infectious agents
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for surrounding fires; avoid dispersing waste materials
PPE: Level C minimum with full-face respirator; impervious gloves and protective clothing required; avoid direct contact with waste materials
Isolation: ERG 158: isolate spill area 25m in all directions; avoid contact with contaminated materials; treat as infectious substance
— Key Hazards —
• Inhalation or contact with substance may cause infection, disease or death.
• Category A Infectious Substances (UN2814, UN2900 or UN3549) are more hazardous, or are in a more.
• Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911, then contact the emergency response telephone number shown on shipping papers, if available.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Consult the shipping paper to identify the substance involved.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/clinical-waste-unspecified-n-un-3291 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3291 Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s. Cls6 ERG158 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/clinical-waste-unspecified-n-un-3291SMS / 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/clinical-waste-unspecified-n-un-3291
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3291
UN 3291 is Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s., assigned to ERG Guide 158 and placarded as Infectious Substance.
Yes. Treat it as regulated medical or biohazardous waste that can transmit disease through contact, sharps or contaminated fluids.
Use caution. No significant reaction with water, but runoff may spread infectious agents
Dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for surrounding fires; avoid dispersing waste materials.
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.