UN 3155 — Pentachlorophenol
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3155 is Pentachlorophenol, a highly toxic chlorinated phenolic solid assigned to ERG Guide 154. Skin absorption, dust and persistent runoff require control.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC chlorinated phenolic solid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Skin absorption and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns. Dust can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
Response guidance: For UN 3155, isolate the area, avoid exposure and use SCBA where vapor, gas, dust, smoke or fire is present. Verify exact contents with SDS, labels and ERG 154.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3155 should emphasize product verification, SCBA use, exposure control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS/shipping paper review. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Pentachlorophenol 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: Pentachlorophenol should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers or packages with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 3155 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3155
- HIGHLY TOXIC chlorinated phenolic solid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Skin absorption and contaminated clothing are major exposure concerns.
- Dust can contaminate clothing, tools, soil and runoff.
- Combustible solid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Fire may produce hydrogen chloride, phenolic smoke, dioxin/furan-type chlorinated products and other toxic gases.
- Runoff may be toxic, persistent and harmful to waterways.
- Avoid dust generation and all unprotected contact.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White or tan crystalline solid with a characteristic phenolic odor. May appear as colored flakes or powder depending on purity and formulation.
| Also known as | PCPPentaPentachlorophenateChlorophenSantophenDowicide 7Permatox |
| CAS Number | 87-86-5 |
| Appearance | White or tan crystalline solid with a characteristic phenolic odor. May appear as colored flakes or powder depending on purity and formulation. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid, combustible but high ignition temperature) |
| Boiling Point | 310C (590F) with decomposition |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable at room temperature (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but slightly soluble forming acidic solutions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3155
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, smoke or heated material. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing; prevent skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3155 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, gas, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers, cylinders, articles or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated runoff, debris and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 154, SDS, shipping papers, markings and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3155 — PentachlorophenolUse 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.