UN 3332 — Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted
Placard: Radioactive. ERG Guide 164. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3332 is Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted, a Type A special form radioactive package assigned to ERG Guide 164. Package damage and radiation survey drive response.
Hazard overview: RADIOACTIVE Type A special form package; undamaged packages normally present low risk to responders and the public. Special form material is usually sealed or non-dispersible, but damaged packages can increase external radiation exposure. Contamination and internal uptake are less likely than for dispersible contents, but package damage must be surveyed.
Response guidance: For UN 3332, protect life safety first, isolate damaged packages and notify radiation authority. Limit handling, control runoff/debris and use monitoring with ERG 164.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3332 should emphasize package recognition, radiation authority notification, dosimetry/survey use, contamination control, time-distance-shielding and life-safety priority. Use ERG 164 and radiation SOP.
Regulatory context: Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, package type, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Radioactive material, Type A package, special form, non fissile or fissile-excepted should remain in approved radioactive material packages protected from damage, fire, unauthorized access and contamination spread. Follow radiation authority, carrier and package-certificate requirements.
UN 3332 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3332
- RADIOACTIVE Type A special form package; undamaged packages normally present low risk to responders and the public.
- Special form material is usually sealed or non-dispersible, but damaged packages can increase external radiation exposure.
- Contamination and internal uptake are less likely than for dispersible contents, but package damage must be surveyed.
- Radiation levels may vary with label category and package orientation after an incident.
- Fire may damage packaging and create smoke, debris or runoff requiring radiation authority review.
- Do not delay lifesaving actions solely because of the radioactive label.
- Final cleanup should follow radiation authority instructions.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Sealed package containing radioactive material in special form (non-dispersible solid or sealed capsule). Package integrity prevents release under normal transport conditions.
| Also known as | Type A special form radioactive packageNon-fissile radioactive material Type AFissile-excepted Type A packageRAM Type A special form |
| Appearance | Sealed package containing radioactive material in special form (non-dispersible solid or sealed capsule). Package integrity prevents release under normal transport conditions. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (radioactive material) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (sealed package) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (sealed package) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction (sealed package) |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3332
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use PPE for the dominant hazard plus dosimetry and radiation monitoring. For fire, use SCBA and turnout gear; minimize time, maximize distance and use shielding.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3332 Incident
- Call 911 and notify the radiation authority according to local procedures.
- Protect life safety first while minimizing time near damaged packages.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of smoke, runoff or damaged contents.
- Do not handle damaged packages or loose contents without proper training and radiation monitoring.
- Detain potentially contaminated people or equipment for assessment without delaying urgent medical care.
- Use ERG Guide 164, package labels, shipping papers and radiation monitoring to guide isolation, evacuation and cleanup.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3332 — Radioactive material, Type A package, spUse 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.