☣️ UN 3381 • CLASS 6
UN 3381 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 151. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
UN 3381 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A), a not-otherwise-specified hazmat entry assigned to ERG Guide 151. The exact product name on shipping papers and the SDS determine the final hazards, but initial response should assume the listed DOT hazard until proven otherwise.
Hazard overview: Zone A inhalation toxicity is the controlling hazard; severe vapor toxicity. Treat unknown releases as immediately dangerous.
Response guidance: For UN 3381, establish hot/warm/cold zones, isolate the area, evacuate downwind as ERG 151 directs, control ignition if flammable, and wait for trained hazmat entry with monitoring.
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UN 3381 Quick Details
UN 3381
Product name: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 151 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 151: Isolate spill 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind during day, 1600m at night; larger distances for tank/rail car spills
Common Hazards of UN 3381
- Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may pollute waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable liquid; color, odor, and physical properties depend on specific substance. This is a generic shipping category for highly toxic liquids that present severe inhalation hazards (Zone A indicates LC50 ≤1000 ppm).
| Also known as | Toxic liquid PIH Zone AInhalation hazard liquid Zone APoisonous liquid n.o.s.PIH liquid Zone A |
| Appearance | Variable liquid; color, odor, and physical properties depend on specific substance. This is a generic shipping category for highly toxic liquids that present severe inhalation hazards (Zone A indicates LC50 ≤1000 ppm). |
| Flash Point | Variable depending on specific substance; may range from highly flammable to non-flammable |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific substance |
| Vapor Density | Variable depending on specific substance; typically heavier than air for most toxic liquids |
| Water Reactivity | Variable; some substances may react with water, consult specific chemical data |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3381
Extinguishing Media
Use alcohol-resistant foam if flammable; avoid water spray directly on liquid; consult ERG 151 for specific guidance
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required for Zone A materials; fully encapsulated suit with SCBA; no skin contact permitted; positive pressure SCBA mandatory
Level A vapor-protective PPE with positive-pressure SCBA is appropriate for unknown or active releases. Avoid all skin contact and downgrade only after monitoring and product identification.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 151: Isolate spill 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind during day, 1600m at night; larger distances for tank/rail car spills
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 151).
First Actions for a UN 3381 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.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction.
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3381 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3381
Product: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 151
PPE: Level A required for Zone A materials; fully encapsulated suit with SCBA; no skin contact permitted; positive pressure SCBA mandatory
ISOLATION: ERG 151: Isolate spill 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind during day, 1600m at night; larger distances for tank/rail car spills
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 3381 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 151
Appearance: Variable liquid; color, odor, and physical properties depend on specific substance. This is a generic shipping category for highly toxic liquids that present severe inhalation hazards (Zone A indicates LC50 ≤1000 ppm).
Water Reactivity: Variable; some substances may react with water, consult specific chemical data
Extinguishing: Use alcohol-resistant foam if flammable; avoid water spray directly on liquid; consult ERG 151 for specific guidance
PPE: Level A required for Zone A materials; fully encapsulated suit with SCBA; no skin contact permitted; positive pressure SCBA mandatory
Isolation: ERG 151: Isolate spill 100m in all directions; evacuate 800m downwind during day, 1600m at night; larger distances for tank/rail car spills
— Key Hazards —
• Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Avoid any skin contact.
• Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
— First Actions —
• 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.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3381 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3381 Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) Cls6 ERG151 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3381SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3381
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3381
UN 3381 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A). It is assigned to ERG Guide 151 for initial emergency response.
The main hazard is poisonous vapor exposure by inhalation (Zone A). Skin contact and ingestion may also be dangerous depending on the exact chemical.
Use Level A vapor-protective chemical suit with positive-pressure SCBA for unknown or active releases. Downgrade only after monitoring and product identification.
Keep unauthorized personnel away, stay upwind and uphill, and follow ERG 151 plus Table 1 distances when applicable.
Because n.o.s. PIH entries cover multiple chemicals. The exact name, concentration and SDS determine final PPE, isolation and control tactics.
Avoid direct contact, vapor inhalation, unprotected entry, low areas where vapors collect, and any incompatible extinguishing agent or runoff path.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.