UN 3266 — Corrosive liquid, basic, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3266 is Corrosive liquid, basic, inorganic, n.o.s., a broad alkaline inorganic corrosive liquid assigned to ERG Guide 154. Concentration, heat of dilution and metal reaction must be verified.
Hazard overview: CORROSIVE basic inorganic liquid, n.o.s.; contact can severely burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue. Mist or aerosol can damage lungs and mucous membranes. Dilution with water or neutralization with acid can release heat and cause splattering.
Response guidance: For UN 3266, isolate the spill, avoid splash/mist exposure and use SCBA with chemical protection. Control water/neutralization hazards and contain corrosive runoff under ERG 154.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3266 should emphasize corrosive splash/mist control, water/neutralization heat, incompatible materials, SCBA use and runoff containment. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Corrosive liquid, basic, inorganic, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Corrosive liquid, basic, inorganic, n.o.s. should be stored in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment, ventilation and segregation from acids, metals where incompatible and reactive materials.
UN 3266 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3266
- CORROSIVE basic inorganic liquid, n.o.s.; contact can severely burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Mist or aerosol can damage lungs and mucous membranes.
- Dilution with water or neutralization with acid can release heat and cause splattering.
- Contact with some metals may generate flammable hydrogen gas.
- Non-combustible in many cases, but fire may produce corrosive/toxic fumes from the exact compound.
- Runoff may be strongly alkaline, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Exact hydroxide/oxide/basic salt and concentration must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific composition; typically clear to colored liquid with alkaline/caustic odor. May be aqueous solutions of hydroxides, oxides, or other basic inorganic compounds.
| Also known as | Corrosive alkaline liquidInorganic basic corrosive solutionAlkaline corrosive liquid NOSBasic inorganic corrosive |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific composition; typically clear to colored liquid with alkaline/caustic odor. May be aqueous solutions of hydroxides, oxides, or other basic inorganic compounds. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solutions typically non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically 100C (212F) or higher depending on concentration and specific compound |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (liquid) |
| Water Reactivity | May generate heat when diluted with water; some compounds may react more vigorously |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3266
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant splash suit, gloves, boots and eye/face protection.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3266 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 154, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3266 — Corrosive liquid, basic, inorganic, n.o.Use 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.