UN 3276 — Nitriles, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3276 is Nitriles, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s., a broad toxic nitrile liquid entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. Exact nitrile and skin exposure control response decisions.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC nitrile liquid, n.o.s.; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal. Skin contact and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns. Combustibility varies by exact nitrile; fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and toxic smoke.
Response guidance: For UN 3276, isolate the area, avoid all skin contact and use SCBA with chemical protection. Prevent runoff spread and verify exact compound with SDS and ERG 151.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3276 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 151, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitriles, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nitriles, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s. should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3276 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3276
- HIGHLY TOXIC nitrile liquid, n.o.s.; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns.
- Combustibility varies by exact nitrile; fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and toxic smoke.
- Vapors may cause dizziness, irritation or asphyxiation risk in confined areas.
- Some nitriles hydrolyze slowly or react with strong acids/bases.
- Runoff may carry toxic nitrile contamination and pollute waterways.
- Exact nitrile identity and concentration must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with varying odor depending on specific nitrile compound. May have characteristic almond-like or pungent odor at room temperature.
| Also known as | Nitrile compounds, liquidToxic nitriles, liquidPoisonous nitrile solutionOrganic nitriles, liquid |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with varying odor depending on specific nitrile compound. May have characteristic almond-like or pungent odor at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by compound, typically -20C to 80C (-4F to 176F) |
| Boiling Point | Varies by compound, typically 80C to 250C (176F to 482F) |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air) for most nitrile compounds |
| Water Reactivity | Generally stable in water, though some nitriles may hydrolyze slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3276
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, smoke or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3276 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 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 151, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3276 — Nitriles, liquid, poisonous, n.o.s.Use 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.