UN 3355 — Insecticide gas, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Placard: Toxic Gas. ERG Guide 119. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3355 is a toxic gas inhalation hazard entry for flammable insecticide or fumigant gases. Zone A means maximum inhalation danger and requires conservative protective actions.
Hazard overview: This gas may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. It is also flammable, may form explosive mixtures with air and can spread along the ground.
Response guidance: Apply ERG 119 protective distances, evacuate downwind areas, eliminate ignition sources and stop the leak only by trained personnel using remote methods when safe.
UN 3355 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3355
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Some may cause severe skin burns and eye damage.
- Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May form explosive mixtures with air; some materials may react explosively even without air.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Compressed or liquefied gas, typically colorless to pale yellow. May have characteristic odor depending on specific insecticide formulation. Highly toxic by inhalation.
| Also known as | Poisonous insecticide gasToxic fumigant gasFlammable pest control gasHazardous insecticide vapor |
| Appearance | Compressed or liquefied gas, typically colorless to pale yellow. May have characteristic odor depending on specific insecticide formulation. Highly toxic by inhalation. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (compressed gas, varies by formulation) |
| Vapor Density | Heavier than air (exact value depends on specific insecticide) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, though solubility varies by formulation |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3355
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level A with fully encapsulating suit and SCBA is required for release response; avoid all skin and vapor exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3355 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.
- Many gases are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
- 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.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3355 — Insecticide gas, poisonous, flammable, nUse 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.