UN 3262 — Corrosive solid, basic, inorganic, n.o.s.
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3262 Corrosive solid, basic, inorganic, n.o.s. is assigned to ERG Guide 154 for initial emergency response. Variable appearance depending on specific substance; typically white to gray crystalline or granular solid at room temperature. May be odorless or have slight characteristic odor. Generic classification covering various inorganic bases not otherwise specified. Verify the exact product from shipping papers and SDS before selecting tactics.
Hazard overview: Primary hazards: a corrosive hazardous material that can cause severe skin, eye and respiratory injury. TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
Response guidance: For a UN 3262 incident, isolate the area, keep unauthorized personnel away, stay upwind/uphill and confirm the exact material from shipping papers and SDS. Avoid direct water or foam unless incident command confirms compatibility; use dry agents such as dry chemical, dry sand, lime or soda ash when specified. Follow ERG Guide 154 and local incident command procedures.
UN 3262 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3262
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury.
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive.
- Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific substance; typically white to gray crystalline or granular solid at room temperature. May be odorless or have slight characteristic odor. Generic classification covering various inorganic bases not otherwise specified.
| Also known as | Inorganic basic corrosive solidAlkaline corrosive solidBasic inorganic solid n.o.s.Caustic inorganic solid |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific substance; typically white to gray crystalline or granular solid at room temperature. May be odorless or have slight characteristic odor. Generic classification covering various inorganic bases not otherwise specified. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific substance; typically high temperature decomposition rather than boiling |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May react with water generating heat and forming corrosive alkaline solutions; some substances may react violently |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3262
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with face shield and chemical-resistant suit; SCBA required; rubber or neoprene gloves; avoid all skin contact with solid or solutions
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3262 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 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase the initial isolation distance in the downwind direction as needed.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3262 — Corrosive solid, basic, inorganic, n.o.sUse 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.