☣️ UN 3383 • CLASS 6
UN 3383 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. 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 3383 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A), a not-otherwise-specified hazmat entry assigned to ERG Guide 131. 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; flammable vapor/flashback risk. Treat unknown releases as immediately dangerous.
Response guidance: For UN 3383, establish hot/warm/cold zones, isolate the area, evacuate downwind as ERG 131 directs, control ignition if flammable, and wait for trained hazmat entry with monitoring.
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UN 3383 Quick Details
UN 3383
Product name: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 131 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 131: Isolate spill 100m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m all directions
Common Hazards of UN 3383
- TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
- Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
- Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Appearance and physical behavior vary by the exact product shipped under this n.o.s. entry. Use container labels, shipping papers and SDS before assuming odor, color, volatility or water reactivity.
| Also known as | Toxic inhalation hazard liquidPIH liquid Zone AFlammable poisonous liquid n.o.s.TIH liquid flammable |
| Appearance | Generic classification for various toxic, flammable liquids with severe inhalation hazards. Physical properties vary by specific chemical; typically liquids at room temperature with vapors that are highly toxic when inhaled. |
| Flash Point | Below 23C (73F) - flammable liquid classification |
| Boiling Point | Varies by specific chemical - refer to SDS for actual substance |
| Vapor Density | Typically heavier than air - vapors stay low and travel |
| Water Reactivity | Varies by specific chemical - some may react, others inert with water |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3383
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2 - avoid water spray on liquid surface
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required - SCBA with fully encapsulating chemical protective suit; severe inhalation hazard Zone A demands maximum respiratory protection
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 131: Isolate spill 100m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m all directions
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 131).
First Actions for a UN 3383 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.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- 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 3383 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammablHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3383
Product: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 131
PPE: Level A required - SCBA with fully encapsulating chemical protective suit; severe inhalation hazard Zone A demands maximum respiratory protection
ISOLATION: ERG 131: Isolate spill 100m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m all directions
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 3383 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 131
Appearance: Generic classification for various toxic, flammable liquids with severe inhalation hazards. Physical properties vary by specific chemical; typically liquids at room temperature with vapors that are highly toxic when inhaled.
Water Reactivity: Varies by specific chemical - some may react, others inert with water
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2 - avoid water spray on liquid surface
PPE: Level A required - SCBA with fully encapsulating chemical protective suit; severe inhalation hazard Zone A demands maximum respiratory protection
Isolation: ERG 131: Isolate spill 100m all directions; initial evacuation 300m downwind daytime, 800m downwind nighttime; if tank/rail car involved in fire, isolate 1600m all directions
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes.
• Methyl chloroacetate (UN2295) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears).
— 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.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3383 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3383 Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) Cls6 ERG131 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3383SMS / 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-3383
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3383
UN 3383 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A). It is assigned to ERG Guide 131 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.
Yes. Control ignition sources, expect vapors to travel and flash back, and use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2 when compatible.
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.