UN 3384 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B)
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3384 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone B), 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 B inhalation toxicity is the controlling hazard; flammable vapor/flashback risk. Treat unknown releases as immediately dangerous.
Response guidance: For UN 3384, 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.
UN 3384 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3384
- 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
Variable liquid (n.o.s. entry covers multiple chemicals). Typically colorless to amber liquid with variable odor depending on specific substance. Flammable and highly toxic by inhalation.
| Also known as | Toxic inhalation hazard liquidPIH liquid Zone BFlammable poisonous liquid n.o.s.TIH liquid flammable |
| Appearance | Variable liquid (n.o.s. entry covers multiple chemicals). Typically colorless to amber liquid with variable odor depending on specific substance. Flammable and highly toxic by inhalation. |
| Flash Point | Variable, but below 23C (73F) as flammable liquid |
| Boiling Point | Variable depending on specific chemical covered by this n.o.s. entry |
| Vapor Density | Typically heavier than air (>1) for most chemicals in this category |
| Water Reactivity | Variable — some may react, most stable in water but toxic vapors may be released |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3384
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
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
First Actions for a UN 3384 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.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3384 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, flammablUse 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.