UN 3160 — Liquefied 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 3160 is Liquefied gas, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A), a Zone A toxic flammable liquefied gas entry assigned to ERG Guide 119. Inhalation toxicity and flashback are critical.
Hazard overview: EXTREME TOXIC INHALATION HAZARD Zone A liquefied gas; inhalation may be fatal at very low concentrations. Flammable gas component can form explosive mixtures with air and flash back from ignition sources. Liquefied gas contact can cause chemical burns and frostbite.
Response guidance: For UN 3160, isolate downwind and low areas immediately, use Level A/SCBA for entry and rely on monitoring. Stop release only if trained and equipped; follow ERG 119.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3160 should emphasize cylinder/package recognition, vapor density, air monitoring, SCBA use, frostbite/toxicity controls, isolation and source-control limits. Use ERG 119, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Liquefied gas, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Liquefied gas, poisonous, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) should be stored in secured, compatible cylinders or sample packages away from heat, physical damage and unauthorized access, with ventilation, segregation and emergency planning based on exact gas identity.
UN 3160 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3160
- EXTREME TOXIC INHALATION HAZARD Zone A liquefied gas; inhalation may be fatal at very low concentrations.
- Flammable gas component can form explosive mixtures with air and flash back from ignition sources.
- Liquefied gas contact can cause chemical burns and frostbite.
- Vapors from liquefied gas may spread along the ground and into low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce toxic, corrosive and irritating gases.
- Cylinders exposed to fire may vent, rupture or rocket.
- Exact gas controls isolation distances, PPE and vapor-suppression tactics.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific gas; liquefied under pressure, colorless to pale yellow in most cases. May have characteristic odor or be odorless. Stored as compressed liquefied gas; vapors heavier than air.
| Also known as | Toxic liquefied gas NOSPoisonous compressed gas flammableLiquefied poisonous gas Zone AToxic flammable gas liquefied |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific gas; liquefied under pressure, colorless to pale yellow in most cases. May have characteristic odor or be odorless. Stored as compressed liquefied gas; vapors heavier than air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (flammable gas) |
| Boiling Point | Variable, typically below room temperature (liquefied gas) |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Variable; some may react with water to produce toxic or corrosive gases. Avoid water contact unless material compatibility is confirmed. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3160
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use Level A fully encapsulating chemical protection with positive-pressure SCBA for entry. Protect against toxic inhalation, skin contact and liquefied-gas frostbite.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3160 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind and keep people out of low or poorly ventilated areas.
- Treat the release as a life-threatening inhalation hazard until monitoring proves otherwise.
- Eliminate ignition sources if the material is flammable and this can be done safely.
- Do not touch leaking cylinders or liquefied gas without Level A/SCBA capability and incident command approval.
- Use ERG Guide 119, shipping papers, cylinder markings and air monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3160 — Liquefied gas, poisonous, flammable, n.oUse 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.