UN 3343 — Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 113. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3343 At a Glance
UN 3343 (Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, with not more…) is listed as DOT Class 3 Flammable and is assigned to ERG Guide 113. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 3343 is Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin, a desensitized flammable nitroglycerin mixture assigned to ERG Guide 113. Drying, heat and shock raise explosive sensitivity.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE desensitized nitroglycerin mixture; solvent vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. If solvent evaporates or material dries/concentrates, explosive sensitivity can increase sharply. Heat, shock, friction, contamination or confinement can trigger violent decomposition.
Response guidance: For UN 3343, isolate the area, avoid shock/friction/heat/drying and use remote protected tactics. Treat dried or heated material as explosive under ERG 113.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3343 should emphasize desensitized explosive hazards, drying sensitivity, remote isolation, evacuation triggers, SCBA use and specialist disposal. Use ERG 113, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin 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: Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liquid, flammable, n.o.s., with not more than 30% nitroglycerin should be stored in approved packages away from heat, friction, shock, contamination and drying. Maintain desensitizer/wetting condition and security controls.
UN 3343 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3343
- FLAMMABLE desensitized nitroglycerin mixture; solvent vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- If solvent evaporates or material dries/concentrates, explosive sensitivity can increase sharply.
- Heat, shock, friction, contamination or confinement can trigger violent decomposition.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and toxic smoke.
- Runoff may carry energetic residue and flammable solvent contamination.
- Exact nitroglycerin percentage, diluent and wetting/desensitizing condition must be verified.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Pale yellow to colorless oily liquid with a sweet, burning taste. Odorless or faint aromatic odor. Desensitized with suitable solvent or phlegmatizer to reduce explosive sensitivity.
| Also known as | Desensitized nitroglycerinNG mixtureNitroglycerin solutionGlyceryl trinitrate mixtureDiluted nitroglycerin |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to colorless oily liquid with a sweet, burning taste. Odorless or faint aromatic odor. Desensitized with suitable solvent or phlegmatizer to reduce explosive sensitivity. |
| Flash Point | Variable depending on diluent, typically <23C (<73F) for Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Boiling Point | 218C (424F) for pure nitroglycerin; mixture boiling point depends on diluent composition |
| Vapor Density | 7.6 (heavier than air) for nitroglycerin vapor; actual mixture varies with carrier solvent |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but nitroglycerin is slightly soluble; avoid evaporation of diluent which increases explosive hazard |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3343
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA, full protective clothing and distance protection. Avoid friction, shock, heat and direct handling of dried or contaminated material.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3343 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid heat, shock, friction, drying, contamination and unnecessary handling.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, cylinders, packages or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff, residue and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 113, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3343 — Nitroglycerin mixture, desensitized, liqUse 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.