UN 3455 — Cresols, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3455 At a Glance
UN 3455 (Cresols, solid) is listed as DOT Class 6 Toxic and is assigned to ERG Guide 153. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3455 is Cresols, solid, a toxic corrosive phenolic solid assigned to ERG Guide 153. Skin absorption, phenolic burns and toxic runoff require control.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and CORROSIVE phenolic solid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Cresols can absorb through skin and contaminated clothing, causing systemic toxicity and chemical burns. Combustible solid/liquid when molten; heated vapors may form ignitable mixtures.
Response guidance: For UN 3455, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where vapor, dust, mist or fire is present. Contain runoff and verify controls with SDS/ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3455 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Cresols, solid is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, concentration, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Cresols, solid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3455 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3455
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE phenolic solid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Cresols can absorb through skin and contaminated clothing, causing systemic toxicity and chemical burns.
- Combustible solid/liquid when molten; heated vapors may form ignitable mixtures.
- Molten material can cause thermal and chemical burns.
- Fire may produce phenolic smoke, carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry toxic phenolic contamination.
- Exact cresol isomer or mixture should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to yellowish-brown solid or crystalline mass at room temperature with a sweet, tarry, phenolic odor. May darken on exposure to air and light.
| Also known as | MethylphenolCresylic acidHydroxytolueneTricresolCresol isomers mixture |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish-brown solid or crystalline mass at room temperature with a sweet, tarry, phenolic odor. May darken on exposure to air and light. |
| Flash Point | 81-86C (178-187F) depending on isomer |
| Boiling Point | 191-203C (376-397F) depending on isomer |
| Vapor Density | 3.7 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3455
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA where vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fire is present. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3455 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, equipment 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 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3455 — Cresols, solidUse 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.