UN 3326 — Radioactive material, surface contaminated objects (SCO-I or SCO-II), fissile
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 165. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3326 is a Class 7 radioactive material entry. The main response priorities are life safety, package integrity, contamination control, radiation monitoring, and early notification of the radiation authority.
Hazard overview: Undamaged packages generally present low risk, but damaged packages or released contents may create external radiation or contamination hazards. Some radioactive materials may not be detectable with basic instruments.
Response guidance: Do not touch damaged packages or spilled material. Isolate the area, keep people upwind and away, use radiation survey instruments and dosimetry when available, and follow radiation authority direction.
UN 3326 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3326
- Radiation presents minimal risk to transport workers, emergency response personnel and the public during
- Undamaged packages are safe. Contents of damaged packages may cause higher external radiation exposure,
- Type AF or IF packages, identified by package markings, do not contain life-threatening amounts of material.
- Type B(U)F, B(M)F and CF packages (identified by markings on packages or shipping papers) contain potentially
- The rarely occurring "Special Arrangement" shipments may be of Type AF, BF or CF packages. Package type
- The transport index (TI) shown on labels or a shipping paper might not indicate the radiation level at one meter
- Some radioactive materials cannot be detected by commonly available instruments.
- Water from cargo fire control is not expected to cause pollution.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Solid objects or equipment with radioactive contamination on surfaces. Appearance varies widely depending on the contaminated item (metal equipment, tools, containers, etc.). May have radiation warning labels and markings.
| Also known as | SCO-I fissileSCO-II fissileSurface contaminated objects fissileRadioactive SCO fissileLSA surface contaminated objects |
| Appearance | Solid objects or equipment with radioactive contamination on surfaces. Appearance varies widely depending on the contaminated item (metal equipment, tools, containers, etc.). May have radiation warning labels and markings. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (varies by contaminated object material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (solid contaminated objects) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid material) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction from radioactive contamination itself; reactivity depends on underlying contaminated object material |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3326
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Radiation detection equipment required; Level C or D with appropriate radiation shielding; minimize exposure time and maximize distance; full-face respirator if package damaged and contamination suspected
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3326 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not
- Priorities for rescue, life-saving, first aid, fire control and other hazards are higher than the priority for
- Radiation Authority must be notified of accident conditions. Radiation Authority is usually responsible for
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Detain or isolate uninjured persons or equipment suspected to be contaminated; delay decontamination and
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3326 — Radioactive material, surface contaminatUse 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.