☣️ UN 3385 • CLASS 6
UN 3385 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 139. 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 3385 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A), a not-otherwise-specified hazmat entry assigned to ERG Guide 139. 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; dangerous reaction with water. Treat unknown releases as immediately dangerous.
Response guidance: For UN 3385, isolate the release, keep personnel upwind, keep the material dry, and use only dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash or lime unless product data says otherwise. Do not use water or foam.
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UN 3385 Quick Details
UN 3385
Product name: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 139 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 139: Isolate spill 100m all directions initially; large spill isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves this material
Common Hazards of UN 3385
- Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Variable appearance depending on specific substance; may be colorless to colored liquid. N.o.s. entry covers multiple water-reactive toxic liquids that produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
| Also known as | Toxic by inhalation liquid, water-reactivePIH liquid water-reactive Zone AWater-reactive toxic liquid n.o.s.Inhalation hazard liquid water-reactive |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific substance; may be colorless to colored liquid. N.o.s. entry covers multiple water-reactive toxic liquids that produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. |
| Flash Point | Variable - depends on specific substance; many are flammable or produce flammable gases |
| Boiling Point | Variable - depends on specific substance |
| Vapor Density | Typically heavier than air; vapors accumulate in low areas creating extreme inhalation hazard |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts vigorously to violently with water producing flammable and toxic gases; may ignite spontaneously on contact with water or moist air |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3385
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash, or lime only; DO NOT USE WATER, foam, or water-based agents
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A required; SCBA with full facepiece positive pressure; chemical-resistant suit; extreme inhalation hazard Zone A designation
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 139: Isolate spill 100m all directions initially; large spill isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves this material
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 139).
First Actions for a UN 3385 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 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 3385 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3385
Product: Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 139
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full facepiece positive pressure; chemical-resistant suit; extreme inhalation hazard Zone A designation
ISOLATION: ERG 139: Isolate spill 100m all directions initially; large spill isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves this material
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 3385 — Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A)
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 139
Appearance: Variable appearance depending on specific substance; may be colorless to colored liquid. N.o.s. entry covers multiple water-reactive toxic liquids that produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
Water Reactivity: Reacts vigorously to violently with water producing flammable and toxic gases; may ignite spontaneously on contact with water or moist air
Extinguishing: Dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash, or lime only; DO NOT USE WATER, foam, or water-based agents
PPE: Level A required; SCBA with full facepiece positive pressure; chemical-resistant suit; extreme inhalation hazard Zone A designation
Isolation: ERG 139: Isolate spill 100m all directions initially; large spill isolate 800m downwind; evacuate immediate area if fire involves this material
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— 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-3385 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3385 Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A) Cls6 ERG139 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/poisonous-by-inhalation-liquid-un-3385SMS / 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-3385
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3385
UN 3385 is Poisonous by inhalation liquid, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Inhalation Hazard Zone A). It is assigned to ERG Guide 139 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.
No. Water can produce flammable and toxic gases. Keep the material dry and use dry agents such as dry chemical, dry sand, soda ash or lime.
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.