UN 2811 — Poisonous solid, organic, n.o.s.
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Poisonous solid, organic, n.o.s. is a broad Class 6 entry for toxic organic solids. The exact substance controls toxicity, combustibility and water behavior.
Hazard overview: Responders should treat dust and contaminated surfaces as toxic until identified. Fire or heat can increase airborne hazards and produce toxic decomposition products.
Response guidance: Isolate the spill, avoid raising dust and keep runoff contained. Use extinguishing media only after checking the SDS or product identity when possible.
UN 2811 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2811
- This n.o.s. entry covers many organic poisonous solids with product-specific behavior.
- Dust, powder or contaminated surfaces may be toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.
- Some solids may sublime or release toxic vapor when heated.
- Fire may produce toxic smoke and decomposition products.
- Runoff from firefighting or decontamination can carry toxic residues.
- Some products may be combustible even if not readily ignited.
- Exact PPE, decon and extinguishing media must be confirmed from the SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Appearance can range from powders and crystals to granules or solid pieces. Color, odor and vapor potential vary by the specific organic toxic compound.
| Also known as | Toxic solid organic NOSPoisonous organic solidOrganic toxic substanceClass 6.1 organic solid |
| Appearance | Variable appearance depending on specific substance; typically a solid powder, crystals, or granules at room temperature. Color and odor vary widely as this is a generic n.o.s. classification covering multiple organic toxic compounds. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid, variable depending on specific substance) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (varies by specific substance) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid, though some may sublime or release vapors) |
| Water Reactivity | Variable; some may react or dissolve releasing toxic vapors, others stable in water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2811
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and full chemical-resistant clothing for initial entry. Select gloves and decontamination methods based on the confirmed product.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2811 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers or container documents.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an isolation perimeter before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep responders out of vapors, dusts and runoff.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and protected.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to confirm protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2811 — Poisonous solid, organic, n.o.s.Use 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.