☣️ UN 3359 • CLASS 9
UN 3359 — Fumigated cargo transport unit
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. 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.
A UN 3359 cargo unit may contain residual fumigant gases such as phosphine, methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride.
Hazard overview: The main hazard is toxic gas exposure when the unit is opened or entered. Some fumigants may also be flammable or react with moisture.
Response guidance: Do not enter sealed or recently opened units until they have been ventilated, monitored and cleared by trained personnel.
Advertisement
UN 3359 Quick Details
UN 3359
Product name: Fumigated cargo transport unit
DOT Class: 9
Placard type: Miscellaneous
ERG Guide: 171 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
Common Hazards of UN 3359
- Some may burn but none ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Some may be transported hot.
- For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported
- Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
- Inhalation of material may be harmful.
- Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Transport unit (container, rail car, truck, vessel hold) that has been fumigated with toxic gases such as methyl bromide, phosphine, or sulfuryl fluoride. The fumigant gas may still be present inside the sealed unit.
| Also known as | Fumigated containerFumigated freight containerFumigated cargo unitFumigated transport unit |
| Appearance | Transport unit (container, rail car, truck, vessel hold) that has been fumigated with toxic gases such as methyl bromide, phosphine, or sulfuryl fluoride. The fumigant gas may still be present inside the sealed unit. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (fumigant gases vary; phosphine is flammable, methyl bromide non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by fumigant gas used) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (varies by fumigant; most are heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Varies by fumigant; phosphine may react with moisture generating toxic gas |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3359
Extinguishing Media
Not applicable; ventilate area, do not enter sealed unit until properly aired out
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A or B with SCBA required before opening or entering; toxic gas exposure risk; follow fumigation placarding and ventilation protocols
Use SCBA and Level A or B protection before opening or entering when fumigant presence is unknown.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 171).
First Actions for a UN 3359 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.
- Isolate the spill or leak area in all directions; use the ERG guide and shipping papers to set exact distances.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials, increase downwind precautions when vapor, dust, or runoff hazards are present.
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3359 — Fumigated cargo transport unitHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3359
Product: Fumigated cargo transport unit
Class 9 / Miscellaneous / ERG 171
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA required before opening or entering; toxic gas exposure risk; follow fumigation placarding and ventilation protocols
ISOLATION: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
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 3359 — Fumigated cargo transport unit
Class: 9 | Placard: Miscellaneous | ERG Guide: 171
Appearance: Transport unit (container, rail car, truck, vessel hold) that has been fumigated with toxic gases such as methyl bromide, phosphine, or sulfuryl fluoride. The fumigant gas may still be present inside the sealed unit.
Water Reactivity: Varies by fumigant; phosphine may react with moisture generating toxic gas
Extinguishing: Not applicable; ventilate area, do not enter sealed unit until properly aired out
PPE: Level A or B with SCBA required before opening or entering; toxic gas exposure risk; follow fumigation placarding and ventilation protocols
Isolation: ERG 171: isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 25m in all directions; if fumigant is leaking, evacuate immediate area and allow proper ventilation before approach
— Key Hazards —
• Some may burn but none ignite readily.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Some may be transported hot.
— 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.
• Isolate the spill or leak area in all directions; use the ERG guide and shipping papers to set exact distances.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/fumigated-cargo-transport-unit-un-3359 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3359 Fumigated cargo transport unit Cls9 ERG171 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/fumigated-cargo-transport-unit-un-3359SMS / 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/fumigated-cargo-transport-unit-un-3359
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3359
UN 3359 is the entry for a fumigated cargo transport unit.
Residual toxic fumigant gas inside the unit.
No. Ventilation and gas monitoring are required before entry.
Not always. Fire risk depends on the fumigant used.
SCBA and chemical protective clothing are required if fumigant may still be present.
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.